Homemade Curtains for Kids

Make bright, colorful curtains for your kids.

Although you may have a traditional decor in most of your home, you can have some real fun decorating a child's room. An important element of decorating any room is window treatments, and there are some easy, interesting steps in making curtains for kids' rooms. You are limited only by your imagination.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape or tape measure
• Scissors
• Pins
• Iron and ironing board
• Fabric
• Sewing machine
• Curtain rods

Instructions

Instructions

1. 

   Accurate measurements will make the job easier.

   Measure the width of your window. A simple, expandable tension rod will fit inside the window frame. If you prefer to mount curtain rods outside the window frame, measure the length of the rod you will need to cover the area you desire to decorate. Then, determine if your curtains will be floor length or sill length, and measure the distance from the top of the curtain rod to the hem of the proposed curtain panel.

2. 

   Cafe curtains that fit inside the frame are simple to make.

   Decide how much fullness you want the curtain panels to have. Some window treatments, like a Roman shade, will have little or no fullness, and be the same width as the window. For fuller panels, multiply the width of the window by 2.5 or 3 to determine the width of the panels you will need. For example, a 45-inch wide window will need approximately 115 to 135 inches of fabric width to produce fuller, gathered panels.

3. 

   Try unusual fabrics to make your curtains.

   Choose fabric for the curtains. A colorful, patterned sheet will give you the seamless width you need in many cases. If you purchase fabric, it may need to be seamed or sewn in multiple panels to cover the width of the window. Consider other interesting options such as bandanas or tablecloths that can be sewn into interesting arrangements. You could even use something like grass skirting or fishnet for a themed decor.

4. 

   Ribbons, tied to a sheer panel, add a feminine touch.

   Assemble and sew your curtain panels. Add an extra inch to the width of your curtain panels to allow for a narrow hem down each side. Add an extra six inches to the length of your curtain panels to allow for the rod casing at the top and a hem at the bottom.

5. 

   Tiebacks could be made of silk flowers.

   Add embellishments to make the curtains even more individual. Sew fringe, ruffles, silk flowers or other items onto the curtain panels to add interest. Use fusible webbing to make applique patterns of numbers, letters or simple shapes. Let your imagination guide your use of details.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not comfortable sewing your own curtain panels, you can purchase curtain panels to decorate and embellish for a personalized look. Fabric paint and stencils can give you a one-of-a-kind curtain for your kid's room.

References

• Organizing and Decorating Kids' Rooms: Easy, No-Sew Kids' Curtains and Curtain Valances
• Make It Your Own: Make Your Own Curtains