How to Sew Window Curtains

It's often difficult to find specific styles of curtains at the store. Disney princess tie-back curtains and dog-themed cafe curtains just aren't common in home decor stores. The quick, easy and economical solution is to sew custom curtains yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Pins
• Thread
• Iron
• Plastic rings for tie-backs

Instructions

1. Measure your window. In general, your curtains should be two to three times wider than your window (all panels included) for a full look. Cafe curtains and tie-back curtains need only be 2 inches longer than the window; sheers should go from the top of the window to 2 inches off the floor.

2. Cut your fabric to the proper length and width. Add 3 inches to the finished length of the curtain. If you want a machine-sewn hem on the side of your curtains, rather than selvaged edges, add 1 inch to the width.

3. Hem the curtain panel. Fold over 1/4 inch on the bottom edge and press with an iron. Fold and press a second time. Stitch along the pressed edge--not the fold--as close to the edge as possible. Repeat on the sides, if desired.

4. Make the curtain rod sleeve. Determine how thick your curtain rod is. Fold over 1/4 inch of the top of your curtain panel and press. Fold over the width of your curtain rod plus 1/2 inch and press. Sew along the pressed edge, as close to the edge as possible.

5. Make the tie-backs, if needed. Cut a strip of fabric 12 to 20 inches long and 3 inches wide. Fold lengthwise, right sides together. Stitch, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Turn the fabric right side out and press it flat. Fold the ends in 1/4 inch all the way around, press and sew. Hand sew plastic rings to the ends. Affix a hook to the wall where you want the tie-backs to be.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you wash, dry and iron your fabric before you begin cutting and sewing. Your measurement for tie-back curtains should be 5 to 6 inches longer than the window (tying back the curtains takes up a lot of length).