How to Make a Stylish Cheap Curtain
A home won't feel all that "homey" until you add window treatments for privacy, warmth and color. It can be difficult to find cheap curtains in a color and style you like -- curtains are now often sold by the panel and it can take up to four panels to dress just one window. When you have several windows to cover, it is important that you find curtains that don't break the bank, but are stylish enough that you don't want to hide behind them when company comes over. The solution may be in your local discount store's linen aisle. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Shop for sheets on clearance. Instead of paying high prices for curtains, try looking at clearance centers for bed sheets that are marked on clearance. If you want your curtains to be a little more sheer, look for a lower thread count. If your goal is to block out some sunlight, go for a higher thread count. Sheets come in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes that give you a wide selection to choose from to make your cheap curtain.
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Measure the window to be covered with a measuring tape. You will need to measure the length and width to see how much curtain you will need. For an attractive, full look, double your width measurement.
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Apply your measurements to the sheet and add extra inches for the hem. You will need a hem at least 2 inches at the bottom of the curtain to prevent the material from fraying. Add 1 inch to each side of the curtain for the side hems.
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Measure the circumference of your curtain rod and add 2 inches. This is the amount that needs to be added to your height measurement and applied to the top of your curtain template on the sheet. This extra length creates a casing to allow your curtain to hang from the rod.
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Using a sharp pair of scissors, carefully cut the fabric on the measurements you have marked for the curtain.
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Fold over the extra length of fabric on each side for the hems and pin in place.
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Hold your cheap curtain up against the window and check to make sure that your measurements were correct. Now is the time to make any necessary adjustments.
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Use washable fabric glue to glue the hems in position. Use the fabric glue very sparingly, and remember that you can always add more if you have not used enough. Using too much glue will result in a glue line that is visible through the curtain.
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Use only one line of glue placed on the top of the curtain when you fold the top hem over. This creates a tunnel of fabric that will be used to hang the curtain.
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Allow the glue to completely dry before trying to hang the curtain.
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Loop the curtain rod through the loop at the top of your curtain and hang the rod.
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Tips & Warnings
For full-length curtains, take advantage of the hem already sewn into to top of the sheet. Simply open the sides of the hem (often they are left open already) and slide the curtain rod through.
Use your window sizes to determine which size sheets to shop for, two twin sheets can make two no-sew panels for a standard-width window, while two queen or king sheets could dress a picture window.
Cut the elastic from the fitted sheet for additional fabric.
Pillowcases can be trimmed and fitted over square pillow inserts for coordinating throw pillows.
Resources
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