How to Hand Sew a Curtain
When you can't find the exact curtains that you want for your home, consider making your own. Don't have a sewing machine? No problem! Curtains are relatively easy to sew by hand. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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How to Hand Sew a Curtain
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1
Decide which windows you need to make curtains for and measure them for width and length. Curtain width is the measurement from one end of the window to the next. Curtain length may vary depending on where you intend to place your curtain rod (across the top) and where you want your curtains to hit at the bottom. While curtain widths may vary greatly, standard curtain lengths are generally 45, 63, 84 or 96 inches. However, by hand sewing your own curtains, you can make them any length you want.
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2
Determine the "type" of curtain rod you want to use. These usually include standard, pocket and tension rods. However, today there are other choices as well. Curtain rods vary from about 1 to 4 inches in width (from top to bottom) and around 1/2 to 1 1/4 inches in depth (from front to back). Whatever rod you want to use, it is important to choose it beforehand so that your curtains can be sewn to appropriately fit the chosen rod(s).
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3
Choose what type of fabric you want to use to make your curtains. Some types of fabric are much easier to work with by hand than others so be cautious in your choices.
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4
Follow the included instructions if you are planning to work with a pattern rather than making a simple panel, substituting hand stitching for using a sewing machine. Be sure to keep your stitches small and close together so that your curtain will be strong and hold together.
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5
Pin your curtain before beginning to sew. If you are using a pattern, simply follow the instructions included with the pattern. If you are making a simple panel, though, just pin as outlined the steps below.
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6
Determine which sides of the panel will require sewing. If you are using the full width of the fabric, you may opt not to sew the selvage ends since they are generally finished off on their own. That generally means that, for a panel, only the top and bottom require sewing.
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7
Make a pocket for the top of the curtain that is sufficient in size to properly hold the curtain rod. Fold over the right side of the top of the fabric to the back of the fabric. Measure to make it to the appropriate length (from top toward the bottom) based on your choice of curtain rod. Then, fold under about 1/4 inch of the fabric to hide the rough (cut) edge of the piece. Pin the top pocket in place with straight pins.
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8
Using a needle and thread, make small blind stitches that are hidden by the fabric fold. They should be no longer than 1/2 inch in length. Using the needle, capture one of two threads of the fabric underneath the fold to make certain that the top pocket is sewn clear through the fabric.
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9
Pin your hem of the curtain so that it creates the length you desire. A hem should be no wider (from top to bottom) than about 3 inches, so cut off any excess fabric that might exist from there. Using the same technique that you did for the top, make a kind of a pocket that comprises your hem and continue as outlined in Steps 7 and 8.
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Tips & Warnings
Match the gauge of your thread to the type of fabric you are using. For example, you wouldn't want to choose a heavy gauge thread to sew a lace curtain, or a light gauge thread to sew heavy tapestry.
Measure everything carefully and then recheck your measurements before you begin sewing.
Be cautious not to capture too much fabric within your blind stitch or the thread will show through to the front of your curtain.
Consider using a thimble to avoid pricking your finger with the needle.
