How to Make Window Treatments

You don't have to spend a fortune to dress up your windows. Instead, by doing it yourself you can make window treatments that will add elegance and style to your home for a fraction of the cost. Follow these steps to create several of the more popular window dressings.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Needle and thread
• Sewing machine
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Iron
• Ribbon
• Curtain rod

Valance

1. Select a fabric. Once you have chosen a pattern, cut a piece of material that is double the width of your window and about a foot and a half in length.

2. Flatten the edges and use a sewing machine or needle and thread, hem three sides of the fabric.

3. Turn the remaining edge down several inches so it faces the back of the material. Design a ruffle by sewing a line all the way across through the center of the upper edge.

4. Make a rod pocket. Connect the bottom edge of the fabric by sewing another straight line above the four-inch indicator.

5. Finish it off by slipping a curtain rod through the finished product and hang.

Tab Top Curtains

6. Select the material. For privacy, using a heavy fabric is recommended. Measure off a piece that is as wide as your window and whatever length you prefer. Turn the fabric under on all sides and hem.

7. Create the tabs. Trim off four by eight inch strips of material. Fold them into thirds, crosswise, and stich.

8. Attach to curtains. With the sewn edge facing in connect the tabs to the curtain tops.

Fabric Shades

9. Choose the material. Cut two pieces of fabric several inches bigger than your window measurements.

10. Connect the pieces. On a flat surface place the two sections of material on top of each other so that the faces are together. Stitch along three sides. Turn the fabric so the right side is facing out. Stich the open end.

11. Finish it off. To hang these window treatments simply tack ribbon to the top edge. Ribbons also can be applied to the bottom.

Tips & Warnings

• Always cut more fabric than you need for seam allowance.
• Window treatments can be made out of most fabrics, including sheer, velvet and cotton.
• Personalize your window treatments by adding appliques, beads or ribbon.
• When making window treatments for a child's room choose a fabric with their favorite character or design, or let them select their own.

[KathreenW]

on 7/31/2008 I would like to learn how to make custom made window treatments. Does any one have any information on this. [e-mail]