Curtains are essential to any room, providing both functionality and style. While buying ready-made curtains is always an option, making your own allows you to customize the fabric, length, and design to fit your space perfectly. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting, this simple guide will show you how to create professional-looking curtains, even if you have limited sewing experience.
Follow these easy steps to make your custom curtains, and you’ll have a beautiful new window treatment in no time!
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather all the necessary tools and materials to streamline the process:
- Curtain the fabric of your choice
- Curtain lining fabric (optional for a more polished look)
- Scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Pins
- Sewing machine (or needle and thread for hand sewing)
- Thread
- Iron
Step 1: Measure Your Windows
The first and most crucial step in making curtains is measuring. Begin by determining where you want the curtain rod to sit on the wall. The higher you place the rod, the taller your windows will appear. Measure from the top of the curtain rod to where you want the curtains to fall (either just above the floor, window sill, or lower). Don’t forget to measure the width of the window as well.
Once you have the measurements, add extra fabric to account for hems. Typically, you’ll want to add around 7 1/4 inches to the height and width to leave room for hems and the rod pocket.
Pro Tip: Measure twice to avoid any cutting mistakes.
Step 2: Cut Your Fabric
Once you have your measurements, lay your curtain fabric flat and cut it to size. Don’t forget to account for the added measurements for the hems and rod pocket. If you’re using lining fabric, cut that as well, but make it about three inches shorter than the curtain fabric.
Tip: Use sharp fabric scissors to ensure clean, straight cuts.
Step 3: Pin and Sew One Side
With your curtain fabric laid out front-side facing up, place the lining fabric on top of it. Pin them together along one of the sides to hold them in place while sewing. Sew a straight line down the pinned side, ensuring the fabric stays aligned. The edges will look unfinished for now, but that’s okay—you’ll flip the curtain inside out later.
Step 4: Create the Bottom Hem
Now, fold 1 1/2 inches of the lining fabric up and 3 inches of the curtain fabric to create the hem along the bottom. Pin the folded fabric and sew a straight line to secure the hem. If the bottom hem doesn’t meet the side seams, you can sew those together to avoid loose edges.
Step 5: Sew the Other Side
With the first side sewn, move on to the second. Start by finding the center of the fabric and lining it, and pin them together at that point. Work your way out to the edges, pinning the fabric. Sew this side like you did the first, securing the fabric and the lining.
Tip: Don’t worry if the lining doesn’t reach the curtain’s edge—it won’t be noticeable once it is flipped and hemmed.
Step 6: Flip the Curtain Right Out
Once the sides and bottom hem are sewn, it’s time to flip the curtain right-side out. Reach inside and gently turn the fabric so the front of the curtain is visible. Use an iron to press the seams flat for a professional finish. If you don’t have an iron, press the seams with your fingers to make them neat and crisp.
Step 7: Create the Rod Pocket
You’ll need to create a pocket at the top to hang your curtain on the rod. Fold the top edge of the fabric over by about 3 1/4 inches to form the pocket. Pin the fold in place and sew along the edge, leaving enough space for the curtain rod to fit through.
Pro Tip: Ensure your rod pocket is wide enough for your specific curtain rod to slide through comfortably.
Step 8: Iron the Curtain
After sewing the rod pocket, give your curtain a final ironing to remove any wrinkles. Focus on pressing the seams to keep them neat and ensure the curtain hangs smoothly. This extra step will give your curtains a tailored, professional look.
Step 9: Hang Your New Curtains
When your new curtains are complete, slide them onto the curtain rod and attach the rod to the brackets on your wall. Step back and admire your handiwork!
Tip: For added elegance, let the curtains hang an inch or two longer than the window height to give the illusion of higher ceilings.
Final Thoughts
Creating your curtains is a rewarding DIY project allowing you to customize your home decor with fabrics and designs that reflect your style. With this simple guide, even beginners can achieve professional-looking results. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you created something uniquely yours.