How to Make Curtains From Bedsheets

Avoid paying high prices for bedding ensembles that include matching curtains. Pick the pieces you can afford, then coordinate your bedding and curtains the easy way. Purchase additional flat bedsheets from the same collection as your current bed linens and make basic curtain panels. This project requires simple straight-line sewing and has two no-sew options. In one weekend, transform your bedroom into a pulled-together, custom retreat for the price of flat bedsheets and basic supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Flat bedsheets
• Chalk fabric pencil
• Scissors
• Seam ripper
• Fusible hem tape
• Sewing needle
• Thread
• Straight pins
• Iron
• Sewing machine
• Clip-on curtain rings

Instructions

1. Measure the width of the window opening and measure for length based on the height of the curtain rod. Determine if you want floor or window sill length curtains.

2. Take your measurements to the store and select the proper size flat bedsheets. Purchase bedsheets that will provide a total width (two curtain panels) equal to two times the width of the window opening.

3. Measure the width and length of each flat bedsheet. Mark the bedsheets based on the measurements in Step 1. Cut the bedsheets to the appropriate sizes.

4. Create the rod pockets by gently opening each end of the wide top hem of the flat bedsheet with a seam ripper. Finish the rod pocket by folding the unfinished edges inside the pocket and securing with fusible hem tape or hand sewing.

5. Form, iron and pin the hems of the bedsheet curtains. Give your curtains a professional look by using a twice-turned hemming technique to completely conceal the raw edges. Fold the fabric into a narrow hem. Make the second fold the desired depth of the finished hem.

6. Sew hems using a medium length, straight stitch on your sewing machine. Iron the bedsheet curtains before hanging.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut queen and king flat bedsheets in half lengthwise to create two curtain panels.

• Two twin or full flat sheets will adequately cover most standard-size windows.

• Eliminate the rod pocket completely by using clip-on curtain rings. If the bedsheet pattern allows, affix the clips along the narrow bottom hem. Measure the ring and clip drop when considering the finished length of your bedsheet curtains.

• Avoid sewing altogether by creating hems and seams with fusible hem tape. Create a twice-turned hem, cut the fusible tape the correct width and length, insert into the hem folds and iron according to the package directions.

• Every bedsheet manufacturer produces sheets with slight variations in dimensions. Check the package for the exact sizing.

• Bedsheets are not thick enough to provide adequate privacy, insulation and light control. Use a blind or shade as the first layer under the decorative bedsheet curtains.

• When using fusible hem tape, leave no portion of the tape exposed. Fusible hem tape will leave a sticky, difficult-to-remove residue on your iron's soleplate.

References

• Curtains Extravaganza
• How to Use Bed Sheets to Make Kids Window Curtains
• No-sew projects: how to make curtains for any size window

Resources

• Tips to Decorate with Bedsheets