How to Make Your Own Curtain Holdbacks
Curtain holdbacks do not have to resemble bulky cords,that would look better on a ship than in a living room. Try making holdbacks from ribbon, beads and even old silverware for light, whimsical and interesting window treatments that are simple to make and look pretty. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Holdback hooks or cup hooks
- Drill
- Scissors
- Ribbon or eyelet lace
- Thread
- Plastic drapery rings
- Needle
- Pipe cleaner
- Beads
- Old forks
- Pliers
- Screws
Instructions
-
Measuring for Holdbacks
-
1
Use a tape measure to measure the needed length of the holdbacks. Wrap the tape measure around the curtain and pull the curtain to the side of the window just as if the tape measure were the holdback.
-
2
Hold one curtain panel at the side of the window to decide on the vertical placement of the holdback hook. It helps if you have an assistant to hold the curtain while you judge the placement. Mark the hook placement on the wall or sill with a pencil.
-
-
3
Measure the distance from the pencil mark to the floor. Go to the opposite side of the window and measure the same distance upward from the floor. Mark the hook position on the wall or sill with a pencil.
-
4
Drill a hole in each pencil mark that is the same size as the holdback hook. Insert the hook and screw in tightly.
Ribbon or Eyelet Lace Holdbacks
-
5
Cut two pieces of ribbon or eyelet lace to the proper length for a holdback.
-
6
Sew a small plastic ring, found at fabric and hardware stores, to the wrong side of each holdback at each short end.
-
7
Wrap each holdback around its curtain panel and slip both of its rings onto the hook.
Beaded Holdbacks
-
8
String one bead about 1 inch from one end of a pipe cleaner. Bend the end of the pipe cleaner up and over the bead, twisting it around itself just above the bead. This will prevent other beads from falling off the pipe cleaner.
-
9
String beads onto the pipe cleaner until about 1 inch is still unbeaded and secure the last bead like the first. Make a second pipe cleaner in the same manner.
-
10
Wrap each beaded pipe cleaner around its curtain panel and twist the ends around its holdback hook in the wall or sill to secure.
Silverware Holdbacks
-
11
Drill a hole in a fork large enough for a small screw to fit, about 1 inch from the end of the handle.
-
12
Hold the fork face up and grab the tines with pliers. Bend the tines backward toward the handle. Continue bending until the fork forms a horseshoe shape. Repeat for the other fork.
-
13
Screw each fork into the wall or sill, with tines on top and pointing away from the window.
-
14
Place each curtain panel inside its holdback.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If measuring alone, use masking tape wrapped around the curtain and stick to the wall or sill to find the proper height for the hooks.
Always measure to avoid uneven holdbacks.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
