Instructions on How to Make Drapes and Curtains

Curtains are lighter, thinner and more decorative whereas drapes are thicker and longer.

Drapes and curtains help to keep the cold out in the winter and the heat out in the summer. They let light in when opened and darken rooms when closed. They add to your home's décor while also adding privacy. A cheap set of curtains costs a pretty penny. You can choose rich, beautiful fabrics to make your own curtains and drapes for far less. Making your own means getting a house full of curtains for the cost of buying two or three windows' worth of ready-made curtains.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Fabric, as much as needed
• Thread to match fabric
• Straight edge
• Fabric marking pen
• Sewing scissors
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Use a tape measure to find the height and the width of the window that you wish to make curtains or drapes for, measuring from the top of the trim to the bottom edge of the bottom trim. Measure from the top edge of the window frame to the bottom edge of the frame of the window if there is no trim. Add at least 6 inches to the height measurement so the curtain will fall below the edge of the window, or as much length as desired if you are making longer panels. Multiply the width measurement by 2. Plan to make two panels per window, each being that number of inches wide and as long as the modified height measurement.

2. Choose the fabric for your drapes or curtains. Use a thicker, heavier fabric for drapes, as they are used for energy conservation, and thinner fabric for curtains. Purchase as many yards as needed for each window according to the measurements you have, knowing that 1 yard is 36 inches, or 3 feet long. Fabric widths can vary from 36 to 54 inches or more.

3. Lay the fabric face down on a large, flat work surface. Use a tape measure, straight edge and marking pencil to measure and mark the fabric to be the height and width you need them to be. Run the fabric marking pen along the straight edge to make a guide line for cutting. Use sharp sewing scissors to cut the fabric; dull scissors or scissors not meant for fabric will make cutting difficult and fabric edges frayed.

4. Lay the cut fabric face down on your work surface. Fold the bottom edge of each panel up ½ inch. Insert common pins, also known as straight pins, down into and then back up through the fabric every 2 inches for the entire width of the fabric. Do the same for each edge, and then for the top.

5. Use a sewing machine and a color of thread that matches the fabric to stitch along all four pinned edges. Stitch twice for added strength and durability. Remove all pins when you are finished stitching.

6. Fold the top edge of the drape or curtain down 2 inches, or 3 inches if the curtain rod you will be using is round or large. This will create a rod pocket. Insert pins across the width of the fabric ½ inch up from the edge of the fabric. Stitch using the sewing machine, then remove all pins. Insert a rod through the pocket to hang the curtains or drapes.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time and measure carefully to avoid mistakes.

• Wash and dry your fabric before cutting it to size, to avoid shrinkage later.

• Use care and caution when using a sewing machine and sharp scissors.

References

• BHG.com