How to Sew Curtain Panels

A new set of curtains can brighten up a room, but often, it's cheaper to make your own curtains. Making a new set of curtains is a simple task, and all it takes is a little common sense and initiative. Making curtains is also one of the easiest and most basic sewing projects. It just requires a few folds and hems. In a few hours, you can make a pair of curtains using some fabric or an old sheet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pins
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Fabric
• Tape measure
• Iron

1. Measure the width and height of your window. Most curtains should fall about half an inch shy of the floor.

2. Add about 7 inches to the final length (4 inches for the top hem, 3 inches for the bottom) and 16 inches for the sides.

3. Divide your width measurement by 2 or 4, depending on the number of panels you want.

4. Measure the material and cut the panels.

5. Fold the long edges of the fabric 1/2 inch and press them down.

6. Fold the long sides again another 1/2 inch, press and pin.

7. Do this, and sew along the pins. Do this for all the panels before doing anything else.

8. On the bottom edge of the panel, turn the fabric up 1/2 inch and press.

9. On the same edge, turn up another 2 1/2 inches, press and pin down the edge.

10. With the edges pinned, sew along the three open sides of the bottom edge.

11. On the top edge of the panel, turn the fabric up 1/2 inch and press.

12. On the same edge, turn up 3 1/2 inches, press and pin down the edge.

13. With the edges pinned, sew lengthwise, leaving the two sides open.

14. Repeat Steps 8 to 13 on all the panels, and put them on the curtain rod.

Tips & Warnings

• By using scrap fabric or old bedsheets, you can also save on costs for a more casual curtain.