How to Sew Simple Curtains
Although blinds can be an economical window covering choice, some windows just look better with curtains. Sewing your own rod-pocket curtains, which feature a casing for the curtain rod, does not require a lot of skill and can be accomplished in a couple of hours.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Tailor's chalk
- Fabric
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Curtain rod
Instructions
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1
Measure the window's length and width. Measure the rod you will use to hang the curtains by wrapping a tape measure around the rod. This will tell you how wide to make the casing pocket. Add two to three inches to make sure the fabric moves over the rod easily and a half inch for the seam allowance. For the finished length, add three-and-a-half inches for the hem and the depth of the casing to the measurement for the length of the window. For the finished width measurement, multiply the window's width by two and add two inches to provide for a one-inch seam allowance on either side. Most windows require at least two curtain panels. Each panel should be at least twice as wide as the window to achieve a nice, full look.
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2
Place the fabric on a large, flat table and use the measuring tape and tailor's chalk to mark the cutting lines for the first panel. Cut one panel. This first panel will be used as a template. Complete steps for the first panel before cutting another.
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3
Pin the three-inch hem on the bottom of the panel and sew on a sewing machine, using long, basting stitches that can be removed easily. Pin the casing and sew on a sewing machine, also using basting stitches.
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4
Hang the panel on the window to check the casing size, fabric drape and hem length. Make any adjustments to the panel until it is satisfactory, such as pinning the hems higher or snipping the basting threads and re-pinning the casing.
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5
Mark and cut out the second panel, using the first panel as a guide. Match plaids, stripes and prints to align on all panels, especially if the panels will be pieced together to make a larger panel. Trim off any tightly woven raw edges that can interfere with the way the fabric drapes on the rod.
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Sew the side seams with a straight stitch on each panel first, folding the raw edge a quarter of an inch under before sewing for a neat finish. Sew the hems, using either a blind stitch, which combines straight stitches on one side and a zigzag stitch on the other side, or a topstitch, which is a straight stitch on the right side of the fabric near the fold of the raw edge. Sew the casings on both panels, folding the raw edges under before sewing.
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Tips & Warnings
Any type of fabric can be used to create simple curtains, including velvet, chiffon and linen. Heavier fabrics let in less light.
To hang the curtains, use a tension rod which does not require any tools to mount and fits inside a window frame; a projecting rod which has elbow bends at the corners and extend out, or a pole rod, which requires brackets to be drilled into the window frame.
If you are going to use a rod mounted outside the window, take its placement into account when making your measurements.
