How to Make Curtains
A simple curtain can add warmth and texture to your room without redecorating the entire space, and to guarantee you are getting a curtain that fits the look of your room, you can make your own curtains. Making your own curtains is a simple way to add new life to your room. Sewing your own curtains only takes rudimentary sewing abilities, a curtain rod and a few supplies from your local fabric store.
Preparation
Sewing your curtains will take about 30 minutes, but before you can start making your curtains, you will need to purchase a curtain rod. With a tape measurer, measure the length along the top of your window. Buy a thin, decorative curtain rod that fits the look of your space at your local hardware store. Make sure the rod is three to four inches longer than your window measurement. Hang your curtain rod with the included hardware, and measure again. Measure the length of the rod, add two-inches to this measurement and write it down. Next, determine the length you would like the curtains to drop beneath your window. Measure your drop length from the curtain rod. Add eight-inches to this measurement and write it down.
Measurements
Take your measurements to your local fabric store. Convert your window measurements into yards by using a yardage conversion chart in the store, or ask a sales associate for assistance. Buy the fabric of your choice in the maximum length possible. If your window is larger than the width of the fabric available, then divide your measurements in half to make two curtains. Keep in mind cotton or polyester blend fabrics will work best for this project. In addition to your fabric, you will want to pick up a few sewing supplies. You will need a sewing machine, a pincushion, sewing pins, a thimble, small ruler, sewing needles, thread, a cutting mat and a sharp pair of scissors.
Steps
Layout your fabric on your cutting mat and position your fabric wrong side is up. Use the rulers on your mat, and determine the lines that correspond with your window measurements. Cut your fabric with your scissors along those lines. You now have the fabric cut for your curtains. Take your fabric to your ironing board, and using your small ruler as a guide, press your vertical cut fabric edges down a ½-inch. Use your sewing pins to pin your pressed edges into place. With your small ruler, measure a 4-inch hem on the bottom, vertical edge of your fabric. Press the hem into place and pin with your sewing pins. At the vertical top edge, measure a 4-inch pocket for your curtain rod. Press the pocket into place and pin with your sewing pins. Take your fabric to your sewing machine and stitch over your pressed edges. Make sure you leave room at the top to place the curtain rod through the pocket. Finish off your stitching and remove your fabric from the machine. Slide the curtain rod through your sewn pocket. Place your rod above your window. You now have homemade curtains.
