How to Make Quick Tab Curtains for Dorm Rooms

Tab curtains are easy and you can use old sheets and simple really wide ribbon for the project or you can go all out and choose proper materials. These types are heavier and are prefect for Dorm rooms. They can be easily washed and dried with your regular laundry.
You can even create these if you don’t sew by using Beacon Brand Fabric-Tac Glue

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Material enough for window.
• Sewing Thread or Washable Fabric Glue
• Ribbon (optional for design)
• Scissors
• Yard Stick
• Measuring Tape
• Pins
• Sewing machine if sewing
• New Curtain Rod that sits on brackets
• Iron

1. After removing old curtains, rods and cleaning window area.
   Set up new Curtain Rod. You want to use the type that sits cradled in brackets

2. 
    
   measure window

   Measure width and height of window.
   Write these numbers down. You may be surprised that not all windows are even!

3. To those measurements add 1 inch on each measurement. This is for the folded hem on all sides.

4. Using your Measuring tape measure the length that you want the tabs to be. Typically they are about 4 inches long (an 8 inch strip)

5. 
    
   edges folded

   Cut your curtains to the length and width you measured including the inch on each measurement. Fold up the 1 inch on the backside of there is one. Designs usually have a reverse or backside and a front side. Press down. Now fold under the very edge of that piece you just pressed. Sew or glue these in place and re press.
   Your curtain body is now done.

6. 
    
   tab pattern

   Make your tabs.
   Tabs are typically an 8 inchstrip folded. So measure out of extra wide ribbon or cut strips 8 inches long by 5 inches wide.
   Sew these as an open-ended tube.
   Turn right side out and press flat with seam on the side. So it’s invisible. Usually 5 are used for a 36 inch wide window

7. 
    

   Fold inside just a small edge of the tube and sew or glue flat.
   Now pin in place on the curtain body.
   Begin with placing one tab at each end as illustrated, Then one in the middle. Position remaining tabs in between end and middle.
   Sew into place.
   Now slide on Curtain rod.

Tips & Warnings

• You have the option of just using glue or fray chack on teh edge.
• If you dont have enough material, such as using old pillow cases, opt for using a ribbon to stiffen and finish the edge.
• Men have used Duct Tape for curtain Binding and creating useful Tabs. These still have to be sewn into place on top.