How to Sew Curtain Tie Backs

While many purchase curtain tie backs to go with their window treatments, sewing them is a good option. Not only can you save money, if you sew curtain tie backs, you can create any designer look you want.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissor
• Ruler or tape measure
• Iron
• Plastic tie back hoop
• Sewing needle

Sew Curtain Tie Backs

1. Choose a style of fabric that complements your home decor style. It can be any material such as velvet, cotton, denim, or heavy upholstery fabrics. Sheer or lacy fabrics are not ideal for this curtain tie back project. For two curtain tie backs, purchase one half yard of 45 inch wide fabric.

2. Pre-wash the fabric before cutting or sewing anything This gets rid of any sizing or stiffener put in the fabric at the factory that may affect the finished shape of the curtain tie back After drying, iron if necessary.

3. Fold the fabric in half and cut on the fold to make two identical size pieces of fabric Each piece should be nine inches wide. Measure the length you want to curtain tie back by using a piece of string and your curtain. Cut the fabric to the desired length with a two inch margin for sewing.

4. Fold each piece of fabric in half again with the right sides - the side with the pattern or correct nap of the fabric - facing each other. Line up the cut ends and pin them together neatly. Make sure the fabric folds neatly along the other side and is not uneven or twisted.

5. Sew the cut ends of the fabric together with a sewing machine Use thread that matches the dominant color on the curtain tie back material. Remove the pins from the stitched edge of the fabric as you go.

6. Turn the fabric at each end of the curtain tie back tube over about one to two inches toward the wrong side of the fabric. If the fabric is prone to fraying, cut with a pinking shear before turning over. Use the sewing machine to stitch these in place neatly.

7. Turn the curtain tie back right side out. Flatten it so that the stitched edge is at the bottom and iron it flat. To finish each edge, hand stitch the two ends closed neatly. If you have a hook for the curtain tie backs, stitch a plastic tie back ring onto each side of the sewn curtain tie back with several loops of strong thread.

Tips & Warnings

• Line the edges up carefully for a smooth curtain tie back.

• Take care when sewing over pins so the machine needle does not break.

• Measure fabric before you cut it.