How to Make Curtains

When you make curtains yourself, you can choose the look for your room instead of settling for whatever the store has in stock. Visit the local fabric store and find the perfect shade to match your current furniture and wall colors, grab your old sewing machine from the closet and start stitching.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Thread
• Sewing pins
• Sewing machine or needle and thread

Instructions

Gather Materials

1. Measure the window horizontally and vertically. Multiply the horizontal measurement by 2 and add 8 to 10 inches to the vertical measurement to find the correct amount of fabric to purchase.

2. Go the fabric store and use the measurements to purchase fabric and matching thread. Be cautious when purchasing fabrics with a pattern since you may need to purchase a larger amount of fabric to ensure the pattern matches correctly on the curtain panels.

3. Wash the fabric before cutting to ensure that shrinkage does not interfere when measuring for the curtain panels.

4. Cut the fabric following the horizontal and vertical window measurements. Make sure to cut along the thread lines so the fabric will be perfectly squared.

Sew Curtain Panels

1. Fold the bottom and top hems 1/4 inch. Fold over another 1/4 inch and then pin in place. Stitch in place to prevent the ends of the fabric from fraying

2. Fold the top of the curtain fabric down about 3 to 4 inches, depending on the size of your curtain rod. Stitch together where the two fabric pieces meet and again 1 inch from the top. The area between the two stitched sides will form the rod pocket.

3. Insert the curtain rod in the pocket area, then hang the curtains.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a sheer or lightweight fabric for a soft, summery feel and a heavier fabric for a more formal look.

• By folding the edges in and stitching to create a hem, about 1 inch per side, the curtains will be more sturdy.

• By attaching another layer of fabric underneath the curtain fabric, a lining can be created. Linings help with temperature and light control in a room.