Making your own curtains is an inexpensive way to make a statement.You can choose the style, length, and fabric that you want for your curtains by making them.Two of the easiest curtain-making techniques are no-sew curtains and rod pocket curtains.
Step 1: Add width for folds in the fabric by measuring the window.
Measure at the top of the window using a tape measure.Measure the length to the point where you want your curtain to fall and record that number.Add the measurement to the width of the curtain so it folds when the curtains are closed.If your window is 90 inches wide, you would add 45 inches to the measurement to make the total width of your fabric 135 inches.If you wanted the curtain to hang below the window, you would need to add this measurement to the length.If the window is 80 inches high, you would use 84 inches as your measurement.Depending on the size of the window, curtains and drapes can be anywhere from 60 to 120 inches (150–300 cm) long.
Step 2: Pick a fabric that gives you the right amount of coverage.
Pick a Curtains can be made from almost any fabricIt is possible to make a room cooler and darker by using heavier fabrics.Natural light and warmth can be let in by lighter fabrics.Extra length for seam allowances should be added to the fabric you purchase.Double-sided fabric is the best choice if you want your curtains to look nice from outside of your house.
Step 3: The panels should be cut with an additional 1–2 in on each side.
To trim your fabric to size, use a pair of fabric scissors or a specialty fabric cutter.If you want to have multiple panels, you need to add at least 2 inches of width to the fabric per panel.Divide the total width by the number of panels and cut them to the proper width.If you wanted 2 panels for a window treatment, you would need to add 10 cm to the original measurement to get the total width.You can cut the fabric in half to make the panels.
Step 4: There are side seams on the back of each panel.
If you want to fold the fabric to the other side, you have to measure 1 inch of the side for the seam and crease it along the panel.Place the pins 1 inch apart along the crease.On each side of the panels, repeat this process.Step back to make sure the seams are the same width.
Step 5: The fabric should be creased by ironing the seams.
Press along each of the seams after setting your iron to the lowest level.The iron should be moved up and down the seams firmly and quickly.This will make a crease in the fabric to help you apply the tape.If you hold the iron in place for more than 5 seconds, it can cause the fabric to get hot.
Step 6: The pins need to be removed to press fabric fusion tape.
Pull the pins out of the seam and cut a piece of fabric tape to fit the entire length.To sandwich the tape between the fabric, fold the seam down on top of it.You should repeat this process for the sides, top, and bottom of the panels.
Step 7: Put a damp towel on top of the seam to iron it.
The iron should be set to the correct temperature by checking the directions on the tape.Put a damp cotton towel over the seam, and move the iron along it, holding it in place for 10 seconds in each spot to pull the fabric together.If you have most of your seams done, you will have fabric overlap in the corners.You can trim it on an angle to make sure the fabric is not too thick in the corners of the panel.
Step 8: The curtain rings are separated by the top seam.
Place the rings on the top seam of the fabric with a ring at the corners.To make the panels look similar, count to make sure they have the same number of rings.Before you clip the rings on the curtains, make sure the pattern is facing the right way.
Step 9: To hang the curtains, slide the rings onto the curtain rod.
The panels should have an accordion-like shape if the rings on the rod are moved from the window.You can adjust the curtains to your liking by hanging up the rod.Some people iron their curtains before hanging them.You can also steam them while they are hanging up.Too much heat can cause the seams to split apart.
Step 10: Measure the window to add length and width.
Measure the length and width with a tape measure starting at the top of the window.Measure the length to the area on the window or wall where you want the curtains to lie.Then, add 12 in (30 cm) to the height.For instance, if you have a window that is 120 inches wide and 160 inches high, you'll need to make a new measurement for a curtain that falls at the bottom of the window.Depending on the size of the window, curtains can range in length from 60 to 120 inches (150 to 300 cm).
Step 11: A durable fabric will provide enough light for the room.
Cotton or linen are strong fabrics that are easy to slide along a flat surface.To make the room cooler when the curtains are closed, opt for a soft, heavy fabric, like velvet, which can be slid on the curtain rod when you want to adjust them.Heavy fabrics, like suede, can get caught on the curtain rod, so don't use them.If you want the curtains to look good from outside of the window, be sure to choose a double-sided fabric.
Step 12: You should cut the fabric according to your measurements.
To trim the fabric to the correct size, use your new measurements.To split the curtain into 2 panels, divide the width in half so each panel is the same width and height.It is best to only have one or two panels per window, since more than 2 panels can easily bunch together and get stuck on the rod.To account for 2 more seam allowances on the sides of the panels, you need to add an additional 4 inches (10 cm) to your width measurement.
Step 13: There are seams along the sides of the panels.
To hold the seam in place, fold and pin side seams onto the back of each panel.If you want a more handcrafted look, sew the seams by hand or use a sewing machine.Remove the pins after the seams are sewn down.It is important to sew the side seams first so that the rod can be inserted.
Step 14: Put the curtain in place by folding the top down.
To make the top pocket for the curtain rod, crease the fabric so that the seam is at least double the width of the rod.To iron the crease, pin the seam in place.Before removing the pins, use a sewing machine or hand sew the seam.If you don't know how wide your rod is, 3 inches is enough to accommodate most rods.The double width method is used if you want a tighter fit.To accommodate this change, be sure to adjust your seam allowances.
Step 15: There is a 3 in seam on the bottom of each panel.
If you don't want the bottom seam to be open on the sides, you can sew it closed along the side seam.You can add a footer to the curtain by sewing down the middle of the seam with an additional line of thread.
Step 16: Hang your panels on a curtain rod.
The curtain should be positioned at the end of the rod with the fabric facing toward you.If the seams are facing toward the window, hang the rod on the wall.You can flip the curtains upside down if the bottom seam is not open.