How to Make Panel Curtains

Curtains are a great way to add color and warmth to your home. With a trip to a fabric store and a hardware store, you can create panel curtains in an afternoon.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• fabric
• tape measure
• curtain rod
• curtain hooks
• thread
• sewing machine

1. Measure your the height and width of the area where you wish to hang curtains. Decide the amount of ruffle you want in your curtains, either two or three times the width of the fabric will create a ruffle effect. For an example of how this will look, take a sheet two or three times the width of the area you wish to cover, and scrunch it until it is the width of the area that will be covered. Once you pick, multiply your width measurements by two or three, as appropriate. Add six inches to the length of the area that you wish to be covered for hemming purposes. Purchase your fabric, a thread that blends into the fabric, and your curtain rod and hardware.

2. Cut your fabric to the proper widths. Create a hem for the curtain by sewing the bottom two inches of the fabric back over onto the fabric. Be careful to line up the fabric properly as you hem so there is no gaping.

3. Create a loop for your curtains to hang by taking the top four inches of the fabric, folding it back onto the curtains and sewing it. This is where your curtain rod will be inserted. Before sewing, make sure that this measurement will leave room for the curtain rod.

4. Install your curtain rod and hardware on the wall. Insert the rod into the loop on the top of the curtains and hang.

Tips & Warnings

• you can use sheer or solid fabric for your curtains.
• you can also create a flat panel by using fabric wide enough to cover only the width you wish. This version should also be secured at the bottom by curtain rods.
• The flat panel approach is nice for french doors, or any situation where moving doors could catch a mobile curtain.

[Foxility]

on 1/20/2009 Great info. Thanks

[Gardengates]

on 1/13/2009 You make it sound so easy to make panel curtains. I need more practice at sewing! But thanks for the great instructions!

[Diligent77]

on 1/12/2009 What a way to customize a certain room. I hate it when I'm for a certain number of panels and end up being one panel short. I've even asked for the display panel before :). This article helps. 5*

[HntrssThmpsn]

on 1/12/2009 A thrifty idea, and so nicely explained! Thanks!

[2besure]

on 1/12/2009 Great idea. I need new curtains in my den.