DIY: Curtains
If you have bare windows, you will probably want to cover them up for privacy but may want an attractive decorative feature as well. Curtains are your best bet for getting the privacy you desire in a format that doesn't look out of place in your home. Purchasing curtains can be expensive, but with a little know-how, you can make your own curtains and save a bundle. Does this Spark an idea?
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Tools
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Getting together the right tools is an important part of any home improvement project. For this project, purchase two to four panels of fabric which are about a foot longer than the length of your window. (The extra length will protect against shrinkage and any seams.) You can choose any fabric you want, but remember that a heavier fabric will be harder to sew and will keep the room warmer, so cotton may be your best bet. You will also need a sewing machine, thread, iron and ironing board, pins scissors and curtain rods.
Purchasing Fabric
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Before you travel to the fabric store, be sure to measure the length and width of your windows. This will save you time (and possibly money ) later as you can buy the exact size of fabric you need. Remember to add a foot to the length of fabric, and divide that number by three to get the measurements in yards. Also, before you go to the store, decide how many panels you want your curtains to have. Once you get to the store and have chosen your fabric, ask the fabric store attendant to cut the fabric into the number of strips you need. The clerk will usually do this if you ask nicely, and she is not too busy. Ask her to cut the strips, so you don't have to measure and cut fabric when you get home.
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Construction
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Once you are home, wash your fabric. This will help shrink it and will give you the actual size of fabric you will be working with. Once washed, iron your fabric to get the wrinkles out. The sides of the fabric should be finished, but one side will have the fabric maker's stamp in it. Iron this side over, and sew it with a straight stitch. The bottom and tops of the panel will be unfinished and will need to be sewn. Fold about ½ inch on the bottom over and iron it. Fold another ½ inch over, iron and sew this with a straight stitch. Move onto the top of the panel. Fix the top edge using the same technique except be sure to leave enough room for the curtain rod to slide in. Repeat this exercise for all remaining panels. Hang your curtain rod at the top of the window, and place the completed curtains on the windows.
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