How to Sew Thermal Curtains
When the temperature drops, the cost of heating your home rises. Thermal curtains are a great way to block drafts and to keep heat from escaping through the windows of your home. They can help you save money throughout the winter. Make your own thermal curtains at a fraction of the price you would pay buying them.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Straight edge
- Fabric marking pen
- Thick fabric
- Black-out lining or batting
- Common pins
- Sewing machine
- Matching colored thread
Instructions
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1
Use a tape measure to measure the height and width of the window you will be dressing with the thermal curtain. Decide how long you want the curtains to be. Add the number of inches they should fall below the bottom of the window to the number for the height and add 2 inches to that number. Doing so allows for a pocket to be made for the rod to slip through. Multiply the width measurement by 2. Write down those numbers. Plan to make two curtains per window.
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2
Use a fabric like fleece or wool. The thicker your fabric is, the more thermal your curtains will be. Wash the fabric before you use it. Some fabrics may shrink and you want the shrinking to happen before the curtain is made. Lay the fabric face down on your work surface. Use the tape measure, the straight edge and the fabric-marking pen to make cut lines on the fabric, according to the measurements you wrote down. Use sharp scissors to cut the fabric, according to size. Use a blackout lining or even batting on the backside of the curtains to provide an extra thermal effect. Cut this to be the same size as the curtain fabric.
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3
Lay the lining over the face-down fabric if you are using a lining. Fold the lining and fabric as if they are one layer. Fold the top edge of the fabric down 1/2 inch. Fold the bottom edge up 1/2 inch and pin. Use common pins every 2 to 3 inches to secure. Fold the sides over 1/2 inch and secure with common pins. At the top and bottom corners, the sides will overlap. If there is a pin in the top or bottom fold, that will be covered when the sides are folded on top of it. The pins from the bottom layer should be removed. Grasp the two folded layers together and insert a pin through all layers.
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4
Using a sewing machine and matching colored thread stitch along the top, bottom and both sides. Stitch twice for extra strength and durability.
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Fold the top down the 2 inches. Secure 1/2 inch up from the edge of the fabric, 1 1/2 inches down from the fold. Do not pin the sides of the fold as the pocket will need to have open ends for the rod to slip through. Use the sewing machine to stitch, making certain not to sew the open ends of the pocket rod closed.
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Remove all common pins carefully, making sure not to miss any. Insert a curtain rod, hang the curtains and enjoy warmth mixed with savings.
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Tips & Warnings
The thicker the fabric, the more thermal the curtains will be.
