This is a design with an opening although it is not the right style of opening I thought I could alter for my needs of the one and a half inch circle to replace using grommets..I hope I explained this well enough..Almost a frame style for a little picture..but completely round.

Just my opinion: I think your idea is good but I don't think it will hold up with use if curtains are opened and closed often and also washed regular. May I suggest -- how about making bias binding to match your fabric (or purchase it) and then cutting your opening and covering it with the bias binding - jus like edging placemats -- I think this would hold up better and also be inexpensive. this way the fabric won't fray.

Grommets being metal keep their shape and I wonder if an opening would, no matter how stiff your vilene or how dense your stitches. A one and a half circle can be easily made as an applique design, instead of putting material on, you stitch it and cut the inside material out. If you wish I could easily do a circle design for you (just send me a PM), but I don't know if you will be happy with that solution instead of grommets in the long run.

Grommets allow for ease of opening and closing much better than material. I really don't think you will be pleased with the results if you don't use the grommets. You will be putting in a lot of time as well as the cost of materials to not be truly happy when you are done. Pop for the grommets.

Judy Mc

lv2sew, I don't believe u will b happy with anything but the grommet, because the grommet is going to give u the stability u will need for the opening & closing of the drapes. Still that's how we learn & if u do it without the metal grommets let us know how they do. *

Does your machine make buttonholes? that is what I use, only if the rod is smaller,....grommets are the best........Susan

I second the comments that circles probably won't work, especially if you use a heavy material and lining. I checked out the web for one of my daughters who wanted to use grommets also. They are VERY expensive, EVEN the plastic ones. I would be interested in the results if you do use circles ... OR if you find any "NOT TO EXPENSIVE" grommets. Thanks for posting.

I made some similar drapes for my daughter, but instead of using grommets or circles, we put loops on the drapes. It worked real well. Just a thought. **

How about using drapery "rings". They come in a metal or wood with clips on the bottom that you use to clip onto the fabric, then you just slide them onto a round pole. They are not that expensive. I tried to get you a picture but they would not let me copy it. Google drapery rods and rings and look around. I bought some at Lowes several years ago.

I agree with everyone else about the grommets. They would certainly give you more stability and probably slide on the rod much easier. BUT.. if you want to try an embroidered circle, go to www.MyEmbroideryHaven.com. Join her yahoo group and get literally hundreds of free shapes. I have no connection to this other than being a very appreciative member.

In Aus we have curtain rings that are not very expensive at all to buy, you just stitch them (individually) to the back of the curtain, at measured spaces, then slide onto your rod, sections will fall into lovely gentle folds and the rings slide easily on the rod.

Alternatively, you can stitch curtain ring tape to the top of your curtains and slide each ring into the loops. (tape in the picture is not the one you would buy for this purpose, it is a more expensive version designed for gathering, but it will give you an idea of what you can buy).

You can also buy tape that accommodates the other little hooks which you can then slide into the wooden rings (which hang on your rod) or you can use them in the plastic thingy, which are designed to slide inside the back opening of the flat metal rods.

I hope this has given you some ideas of other ways to handle your curtain hanging problem, because I agree with everyone else, if you just make stitched openings, I can assure you, they will not slide smoothly on your rods and you will find yourself constantly climbing a ladder to move & straighten your curtains.
The only time stitched openings work on curtains is on the bottom half of cafe curtains which are in easy reach to be adjusted.

Please don't ask me how I know, it's too embarrassing!!! LOL!!!
hugs n roses, M