How to Create a Cheap Sheer Curtain

Avoid paying high prices for store-bought sheer curtains.

Window treatments can be expensive, and finding the perfect match for your décor is often challenging. To alleviate these challenges, take matters into your own hands and create custom window coverings for your home. One of the most surprising cost-effective window treatments that can be homemade are sheer curtains. This no-sew window treatment is both cost-effective and highly customizable. Matching your personal décor is a snap with the large selection of flat bedsheets available from various retailers.

Things You'll Need

• Flat bed sheets
• Heat-set hem tape
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Curtain rod
• Iron
• Pressing cloth
• Stable surface for ironing

Instructions

1. Measure your window and calculate how many sheets you will need. Consider how full you would like the curtain to appear. Most curtains will require two twin-size flat sheets per window. Standard twin sheets measure 39 x 76 inches. Hang your curtain rods in the desired location according to the package instructions.

2. Lay the bedsheets out flat on your ironing surface. Iron the sheets to provide the best appearance once hung.

3. Locate the top hem of one of the bed sheets. Cut a slit in the top right corner of the hem. Repeat this cut on the other corner. Cut the slit just large enough for your curtain rod to fit through.

4. Measure your desired curtain length by measuring from the top hem down the panel. Add 2 inches to your measurement and draw a line with a fabric pen or chalk across the width of your panel. Cut along this mark. Fold and pin the hem up 1 inch and press flat. Remove pins and iron in hem tape according to the package instructions, or machine stitch.

5. Insert your curtain rod through the first hole and then all the way out the other hole. Repeat this process for any other sheet panels that need to be placed on this rod. Hang the curtain rod on the bracket, and your new sheer curtains are complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Flat bed sheets that match your bedding work well in a bedroom.

• Add visual interest and personalization by embellishing with ribbons, buttons and trim.

References

• Bed, Bath & Beyond: Sizing Up Your Bedroom