How to Make Cheap, Easy Window Curtains

Create curtains easily with simple materials.

Curtains define the look of any room, giving it warmth and personality. But with the price of new curtains averaging over $20, it is much cheaper to sew your own. You can make one or more panels using the same method.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Fabric
• Sewing pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Ironing board

Instructions

1. Measure the length and the width of your windows. The length of your curtains will be 1.5 times as long. Decide if you want to cover the whole window or only part. Measure the width you desire your curtains to be. Add 3 inches to your decided width. If you want your curtains to gather at the top, add additional inches.

2. Cut out the length and width of your curtains from the fabric. For my curtains, I simply cut the width of my fabric in half.

3. Pin the bottom up 1 inch, securing with sewing pins.

4. Iron the fold currently secured with pins. Keep the pins in place for extra measure.

5. Sew the folded end in place, or simply enable the hem option on a more sophisticated machine.

6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 for each side.

7. Pin the top down 2 to 3 inches.

8. Repeat steps 4 to 5 for the top, sewing at the bottom of the folded edge, forming a pocket for a curtain rod.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase inexpensive curtain rods at dollar stores.

• Always read the instruction manual for operating a sewing machine.