Save money and get a unique look by sewing some DIY curtains. Hem the sides and bottom, sew some ribbon to hang, and you're done. This step by step article will show you how easy it is.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Choose the Fabric
Step 1. Choose a fabric that matches your intentions for enlightenment
Having no lining, your curtains will still let some light in.
- For the lighter look, choose curtains made of lace or sheer fabric. These fabrics will let in more light while still showing a simple pattern or color.
- If you want to block out the sunlight, look for a heavy linen fabric. Even without a lining this fabric will decrease the amount of light passing through, greatly darkening the room.
- If you choose fabric with a design, look for one that is only drawn on one side or that has the exact same design from one side to the other. This is because, if the sun shines through the curtains, it would show both designs at the same time, making them look very confused.
- Using a fabric with a very tight knit (500+) is slightly more expensive, but will block out more light because it is woven more tightly.
Step 2. Choose a fabric texture
While you won't always be touching the curtains, the texture of the fabric gives a different look when hung in the light.
- Cotton and polyester are the most basic fabrics for curtains, and the easiest to sew.
- Avoid using silk or satin, as they deteriorate in the light.
- Sewing knitted fabrics such as Jersey is very difficult, as they stretch when pulled. They may also collapse to the floor after hanging for a while, due to their elasticity.
- Do not choose a fabric that is too stiff, which will not drape when hung. One example is tulle, which is a nice type of sheer fabric, but too inflexible.
Step 3. Be creative with your fabric
You don't have to shop at a fabric store, look for second hand, vintage and thrift shops for great fabrics.
- Look for vintage tablecloths that may be the size you need for your window. They offer a fun and innovative look to your room.
- Using patterned sheets is an inexpensive alternative to buying fabric by the meter. You can look for new or vintage ones in antique or thrift stores.
Method 2 of 3: Making Unlined Unlined Curtains
Step 1. Hang your curtain rod
In order to know which fabric measurements to take, you will need to know from what height you will hang them.
- To give the illusion of higher ceilings, hang the curtain rod as close to the ceiling as possible., Or a foot and more above the window.
- If you want the curtains to curl to the floor, measure them 6-12 inches more than the total height from the rod to the floor.
Step 2. Measure your fabric
Depending on how you want it to look, the width of the fabric can change.
- If you want the curtains to completely cover your window, each should measure half the window width plus 2 inches. For example, if your window is 48 inches wide, each curtain should be 24 inches plus 2, so 26 each.
- If the curtains are just ornamental, measure them 1/4 of the total window width.
Step 3. Measure your hem
You will want a hem of about half an inch on each side. You will create the hem by folding the edge of the fabric, thereby giving a clean edge to the curtain.
Step 4. Apply iron-on adhesive to one side of the curtain
The tape should meet the edge where the hem will begin, so you can fold the fabric and use the adhesive to secure the folded section.
Step 5. Use an iron to attach the ribbon to the fabric
Make sure your fold is straight, and hem the edge with the ribbon in the middle. Iron the folded edge so that the heat causes the adhesive to adhere to the two pieces.
Step 6. Continue ironing all four hems
If necessary. apply extra tape to the corners to make them adhere well.
Step 7. Attach eyelets with the clip
Space them evenly along the top edge of the curtain for even drape.
Step 8. Hang your curtains
Insert the clip eyelets into the curtain rod and adjust the position to your aesthetic preferences. Have fun!
Method 3 of 3: Making Unlined Curtains by Machine
Step 1. Measure your fabric
As with unstitched curtains, you need to decide how much of the window you want to cover and then give extra bleed for the hem.
- Leave 6 inches of extra fabric at the top of the curtain to create the fold for the curtain rod.
- Sewing a hem requires less fabric than ironing it, so feel free to reduce the fold to just a few inches, but leave at least two.
Step 2. Fold the hems and iron them
You need to create a separate fold for the hem to make it easier to sew. Pin in place with pins.
Step 3. Sew the length of the curtains
You can sew by hand or by machine, but the second option will take significantly less time. Sew along the edge you just created, removing the pins as you go.
Step 4. Sew the width of the curtains
Follow the same rules as described by ironing along the hem and removing pins as you go.
Step 5. Apply the sling to hang them
Measure the tape to meet the size of the curtains, and iron it on the top edge. This will harden the edge, making it more durable for hanging.
Step 6. Fold the top 6 inches to create a tube
If your curtain rod is thicker, make up for it by adding more fabric for the round.
Step 7. Sew along the fold, creating the tube
Make sure the fold is straight across the width, either it won't pull the rod through or it will drape poorly.
Step 8. Hem the bottom
Pull the curtain down, fold a double hem to the desired height and iron.
- To make a nice finish on the lower corners. open the folds at the sides (undo a small part if you have already sewn them), and the hem.
- Fold the corner diagonally, then reset all the creases to create an 'angled tip'. Sew the hem and corner by hand (you can also do this by machine if you're in a hurry).
Step 9. Hang the curtains
Pass the rod from the tube you created, and hang the curtains as it suits your taste. Enjoy your freshly made curtains!
Advice
- Measure twice before cutting, mistakes could be costly.
- The easiest way to cut fabric straight is to line up the selvedge (the finished edge of the fabric) with the outline of a table - the edge of the table should give a perfect right angle for cutting.
- Before joining the curtain widths together, lay the pieces out on the floor, to check that the pattern is uniform along each curtain.
