How to Make Curtains for a Child's Room
When decorating a child's room, it may be difficult finding pre-made curtains that match the room's theme and style. Also, store-bought curtains may be expensive and not suited properly for window size. In a child's room, bright and colorful curtains add life to the design. Look for cotton fabrics in order to save money. Cottons are also made in numerous child-friendly colors, prints and styles, with everything from geometric designs to favorite cartoon characters.
Instructions
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Measure the windows in your child's room. Use the tape measure to determine the height of the window from the curtain rod to the bottom of the window trim. Measure the window's width from the outer edges of the window trim. Write down both measurements in inches.
Because you are making curtains for a child's room, it is not necessary to go all the way to the floor. Instead, it is safer to have the curtains hang just below the window so children won't accidentally trip on them.
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Determine the amount of fabric needed based on your measurements. For simple window panels that don't gather very much, purchase fabric 4 inches longer than the length measurement and 3 inches wider than the width measurement.
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Lay the fabric on a flat surface. Cut it in half length-wise to form two panels. Measure the fabric to determine the center, and cut along that measurement.
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Fold over ½ inch along the left side of one panel, pressing the fold in place with the iron. Do the same with the right side of the panel. Repeat this process with the other panel, as well.
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Place the folded edge of one panel under the sewing machine's needle and stitch ¼ inch from the folded edge all along the pressed fold. Do the same for the other folded edge of the panel. Repeat this stitching for the other panel.
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Fold the bottom edge of one panel over ½ inch, pressing it in place. Do the same for the other panel. Stitch the bottom hem the same as for the sides, but backstitch at the beginning and ending of the stitching to secure. To backstitch, make three forward stitches, make three reverse stitches, and then stitch to the other end of the fold. At the end of the fold, make three reverse stitches and then stitch to the end. This will prevent the stitching from unraveling.
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Create the rod pocket at the tops of the panels by folding over 1½ inches of fabric at the top of one panel. Press the fold to hold it in place. Place the fold under the needle of the sewing machine, ¼ inch from the raw edge of the fold. Stitch along the fold, backstitching at the beginning and ending of the stitching. A 1¼-inch pocket is made. Repeat this for the second panel. Your children's curtains are now complete.
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Tips & Warnings
Wash, dry and press the fabric according to the care instructions before beginning this project. This will prevent shrinking and distortion when washing after the project is complete.
References
Resources
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