How to Fit Curtains to Doors

If you want to learn how to sew, curtains are a good place to start. However, if you already have some old curtains that you just don't know what to do with, tailoring them to fit a new space is perfect. New curtains can change the whole look of a room. Whichever option you choose, curtains are a quick and rewarding project.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Curtains or material to cover windows
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Curtain rods

Fit Curtains to a Door Window

1. Measure the windows and the curtains. You can only use curtains that are too long, otherwise you will have seams that show. You can adjust the width without too much trouble if there is enough length to the curtains.

2. Shorten the curtain to fit the door window. Cut the bottom of the old curtain 1 1/2 inches longer than the window and hem up 1 inch. Let it hang or use 2 curtain rods, one at the top and one at the bottom. If it's a window you don't need to see out, then you only need 1 panel this way. Using 2 curtain rods also helps if the curtain will get caught when closing the door.

3. Cut the outside edges off to 3 or 4 inches wider than you need to cover the window if the curtain is too wide. Fold over 1/2 inch and sew the entire length. If you need to cut the width and the length, do the sides first.

4. Cut off the excess length leaving 1 1/2 inches for the hem if the curtains you have are not wide enough but are too long. Use the part you cut off to make 2 more panels. Measure the width of the other panels and sew up the side to match. Measure the top fold, where the curtain rod goes through and leave 1 1/2 inches at the bottom for the hem. Sew the sides first. For the top, fold over the raw edge 1/4 inch and then the entire top the amount you measured to match the other curtain. Sew all the way across the first fold, making a sleeve for the rod. Sew in the hem and you have 4 panels which should be enough to cover your window.

Make Curtains for a Door Window

1. Measure your window and purchase material. The width of the material should be 8 to 10 inches wider than you need for your window. The length of the material needs to be at least 3 inches longer than your window.

2. Cut your material in half from top to bottom to make 2 panel curtains. Sew in all 4 sides about 1/2 inch. Fold over the top 1/4 inch and iron. Then fold down 1 1/2 inches and sew along the bottom making a sleeve for the curtain rod. Then turn up the bottom 1/2 inch and hem.

3. Do the same as above only with 1 panel to make a 1 panel curtain. Make it a little wider and push it together on the rod. Use a rod at the top and the bottom to keep it in place. Use the small round rods with fancy ends and a thin material. Another trick is to sew 1 inch down from the top all the way across the width and instead of a hem, turn over 2 inches at the bottom and sew at 1 inch and again at 2 inches, creating the sleeve for the rod. You will have a little top and bottom piece and won't notice the rods as much.

Tips & Warnings

• Toppers are made the same way as curtains, they are just shorter.

• The width of the curtain depends on how much "bunch" you want. If you like a lot them make them wider.

• Always cut longer and wider than you need. It's better to have to cut a little off than come up short and have to start all over.

• If using a pattern and you decide to add a topper, make sure your pattern is going in the same direction as your curtain.