How to Make No-Sew Window Treatments From Sheets

Put your old flat sheets to use as easy DIY curtains.

When you need a new window treatment, but you do not want to spend a great deal of money, take a look around for old sheets. Old sheets are an excellent source of fabric, and they are sturdy enough to serve as excellent curtains. Use a plain white sheet for a plain room, or use lively patterned sheets for a child's room. Make your own customized curtains from old sheets in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Flat sheets
• Iron
• Double-sided fusible interfacing strips
• Curtain clip rings
• Pins
• Scissors
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Fold a long edge of a flat sheet down, creating a fold that is about 3 inches deep. After ironing the fold flat, slide a strip of double-sided fusible interfacing into the fold, sandwiching it between two layers of fabric. Attach curtain clip rings to the finished edge, placing one curtain clip ring every 3 to 5 inches. At this point, the curtain treatment is ready to be hung on a curtain rod.

2. Drape a large sheet over the curtain rod to make swags of fabric. There are several ways to do this, including simply wrapping the sheet loosely around the curtain or rod by draping the folded sheet part way over the curtain rod, allowing the two long ends to hang down loosely. Secure the curtain in place with safety pins. This method is simple and requires no sewing, but it does take some time to arrange the fabric so that the pleats look intentional.

3. Fold one edge of the sheet over, creating a fold that is 3 inches deep and sew the edge down. This creates a tunnel along the edge of the sheet through which you can thread the curtain rod. This method requires a rudimentary amount of sewing knowledge but because the sheet is already finished, it does not require hemming. A particularly broad window or a set of windows may require two sheets. Afterward, tie the sheets back with a length of cord or ribbon to keep them out of the way during the day.

4. Cut the sheet in half and sew the short ends together to make a longer rectangle. Then fold down the upper edge by 3 inches and sew it flat, making a tube through which you can thread the curtain rod. This produces a very short curtain that is visually deep and heavy. Make this curtain when you want to balance a window with a heavy sill or when you prefer the look of a half-curtain.

Tips & Warnings

• Use curtains with bright colors or patterns to punch up a child's room.

References

• Care 2: No Sew Curtains and DIY Window Treatment Ideas; Ronnie Citron-Fink; Apr 22, 2010
• Alternative Windows: No Sew Curtains Instructions
• Fun Frugal Mom: How to Make Curtains from Bed Sheets