How to Make Quilted Curtains
Quilted curtain panels can help you live a greener and more economical life by insulating your windows naturally. The quilting pattern creates a textured look, and the layers of fabric and batting help keep drafts out in the winter and cool air inside in the summer. Quilted curtains can be made from all-natural cotton fabric in a variety of prints and colors. A rod pocket on the back of the curtain makes them easy to hang and remove for cleaning.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Rod
- Measuring tape
- Top fabric
- Lining fabric
- Batting
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Hand needle
- Thread
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Take Measurements
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1
Hang the curtain rod in position. Measure the length from the top of the curtain rod to the length you want the curtain to hang. Add 2 inches for the top and bottom hems. This is your fabric length.
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2
Measure the curtain rod, including the returns, which are the angles on each end of the rod that attach to the wall. Add 2 inches for each side hem. This is your fabric width.
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3
Cut your top fabric and lining fabric to the fabric measurements. Subtract 2 inches from the fabric length and 2 inches from the fabric width. Cut your batting this size.
Make the Curtain
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1
Lay the lining fabric right side down. Lay the batting on top. Be sure it is straight and centered, leaving 1 inch of fabric showing all the way around. Lay the top fabric centered on top of the batting with the right side up. The edges of the lining and top fabric will align with each other. Smooth and pin all three layers together.
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2
Quilt the fabric sandwich in a grid or free-style pattern using your sewing machine.
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3
Lay the quilted fabric flat. Turn the raw edge of the lining fabric in toward the batting 1 inch all the way around. Turn the top fabric edge in toward the batting 1 inch all the way around. The right sides of each fabric will be touching. Pin and machine stitch.
Sew the Rod Pocket
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1
Cut the pocket fabric from the same material as the lining fabric. Cut a strip of fabric 4 inches wide and as long as the quilted curtain is wide. For example, if your quilted curtain panel is 34 inches wide, cut your strip of fabric 4 inches wide by 34 inches long.
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2
Turn the short ends of the rod pocket fabric under one-quarter inch and hem with the sewing machine.
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3
Press the long edges of the rod pocket fabric under one-quarter inch. Place on the lining side of the quilted curtain. Locate the pocket fabric top edge 1 inch from the top of the curtain and center on the width of the curtain.
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4
Stitch in place along the two long edges of the rod pocket fabric. Use your hand needle and thread.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Use cotton fabric for ease of quilting.
Do not use drapery-weight fabric.
