How to Make Curtains: An Easy to Follow Guide

Learn How to Make Curtains at Home With Minimum Supplies and Sewing Skills

Nothing beats having a new curtain when it comes to giving a refreshing look to your room. Buying stylish or simple curtains from a store can be expensive. 

Functional and decorative curtains are pretty expensive, and sometimes you don’t get that perfect drape. Pretty sad, right?

Perfect drapes, blinds, and smooth fabric are essential parts of any room design. And the best part of all this? You can make your own curtain at home.

Making your own curtains at home is a fun and interesting DIY project to polish your sewing skills and upscale your home décor. Hanging your handmade curtain in your room can give you different joy and happiness.

In this guide on how to make curtains at home, you will get everything you need to know about sewing curtains at home. We will cover everything from measuring and lining to cutting and choosing the right fabric.

5 Types of Curtains You Can Make at Home

New curtains can add a unique character to your room. Before you try your hands on how to sew curtains, it is essential to know the different types of curtains that you can make at home.

Here are different types of curtains to help you decide the one you want for your home.

Single Panel

These types of curtains are made from one large piece of different types of cotton fabric. It can cover your entire window when it is closed.

Panel Pair

In this curtain type, two curtain panels are used to cover the room window. The panels can be opened on either side of a window just by sliding the curtains. The best part is you can also tie the curtains at the window’s sides to keep it open.

Window Treatment Set

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It comprises a pair of panel curtains and a matching valance. The window treatment set may include ropes for tying the curtain open.

Valance

If you love short curtains, then valance is for you. These curtains hang at the top of the window. It can be used over the long curtains to hide the curtain’s rod.

Window Scarf

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A window scarf is a type of fabric that can be draped over a rod just like a scarf. The look of the window scarf is pretty similar to the valance.

How to Choose a Fabric for DIY Curtain Sewing Project

So you have decided with the type of curtain you want to begin your journey of how to make curtains DIY project. The next step is to choose the right fabric for curtains.

We bet you spend a lot of time deciding the right fabric type than sewing the actual curtain. The curtain sewing project can be complicated if you choose the wrong types of fabric.

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If you are a beginner and want to learn to sew curtains, then it is recommended to choose a plain fabric and progress as you build your confidence.

Here are a couple of tips to help you decide which fabric, to begin with, your journey of how to make curtains from fabric.

Think About the Look of Your Window

A similar kind of curtain might look different based on the types of fabric you choose. Suppose you want a refined and sumptuous look, then opt for drapery fabric like velvet or choose linen if you want a casual, breezy look.

Assess How Much Light You Want to Pass Through Curtains

Different types of textile fibers in fabrics either let in or keep out the light. Voile curtains let in a huge amount of light while velvet, cotton, or brocade fabric keeps plenty of light out. 

Think of making a liner curtain if you want to make blackout curtains.

Know How Easy the Fabric Is to Clean

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Velvet or silk curtain materials come with dry clean care labels. They are not easy to clean as compared to cotton or polyester curtain. Make sure you check the fabric’s care labels to know more about cleaning instructions.

5 Popular Fabrics Used for Curtains

There are different types of fabrics available in the market that you can use to begin your journey of how to make curtains at home. The choice depends on the look you want to achieve, the easy-to-clean criteria, and the fabric look.

Here are some popular curtain fabrics people use to make curtains at home.

Polyester

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It is an affordable, lightweight, and wrinkle-resistant fabric. If you are a beginner and trying your hands for the first time on making curtains, then polyester is the best choice. 

Polyester curtains look great in the living room or bedroom. It is less suitable for the kitchen area since it is flammable.

Cotton

Cotton is one of the best lightweight fabrics with an amazing drape when lined in a proper way. You can use tight weave cotton to block out the light. Cotton curtain fabric is also best for beginners.

Linen

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The best natural fiber is linen, as it drapes well and moves in an elegant way. If you have an area in your home where it is breezy, then linen curtains will look best.

Voile

Voile is a sheer and open-weave fabric that can be utilized to sew curtains that obscure visibility while letting a lot of light in. The curtains made from this fabric works well for sheer secondary curtains.

Velvet

Image Source: Pinterest

Want to achieve a dramatic, luxurious look? Choose velvet fabric. This fabric blocks plenty amount of light.

Top Tips for How to Make Simple Curtains

Making your curtains at home can help you achieve a custom look as long as you make them right. Even though you are not a professional seamstress, the below-listed tips and methods will help you achieve a successful project of how to make simple curtains at home.

Start dressing your windows in no time and get handmade, amazing curtains with these tips/methods.

Measuring the Curtains Twice, Cutting Them Once

Custom-made curtains are 100% worth your investment. Make sure you have bought enough fabric for your DIY curtain-making project. The most important tip here is measuring and cutting the fabric with 100% accuracy.

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By paying close attention to details, you can avoid final results that are too short, long, or just look sloppy. The measurement you need depends on the type of curtain you want to sew and the look you want to achieve.

Bonus tip: Measure the fabric twice and cut it once.

Here are some standard measurements you can keep in mind:

Curtain pair pack width (inches)	Approx. Pole or track length for a full gather (inches)	Approx. Pole or track length for a relaxed gather (inches)
46	46	66
66	66	90
90	90	112
112	112	157

When cutting your curtain fabric, it is essential that the fabric is lying flat and is straight before you start. Do not stretch the fabric while you are working on it.

Align Fabric Patterns

If you use patterned fabric for sewing curtains, it is essential to align the patterns on multiple fabric widths that form each curtain panel. So, there will be one continuous and uninterrupted pattern when you see around the room.

If you don’t match the pattern, then the mismatched area can catch anyone’s eye. When you purchase a patterned fabric, pay close attention to the width and length of the pattern. 

They are called repeats. The repeats can be found on hang tags. You will need to purchase extra fabric to match the pattern. The larger the pattern, the more fabric you need for the curtain.

The Lining

Line the curtains unless you want a stunning sheer look. Lined curtains hang in a better way and provide more privacy. Choose off-white or white lining as it can reflect sunlight and keep your room chilled during warm weather.

Hem Curtains With the Proper Length

How to make curtains by hand sewing? Go for hand-hemmed stitches, which are less visible from the front. Curtains should be hemmed to the proper length as they can look complete when hovering between the floor and apron.

Image Source: The Shabby Creek Cottage

Regardless of the fabric weight, you need to fold a double hem into the bottom and sides. Don’t forget to miter the lower corners for a crisp look.

Supplies You’ll Need to Begin Your Journey of How to Make Design Curtains at Home

Making curtains at home requires a few common sewing materials and supplies.

Here is the list of supplies you will need to begin your journey of how to make design curtains at home.

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• • Pins
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Lining fabric
  • Curtain Fabric
  • Sewing Thread
  • Measuring tape
  • Sewing machine
  • Iron and ironing board

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Make a Curtain at Home

Trying hands-on how to make a curtain at home can be exciting for beginners and experts.

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All you need to begin your journey is to gather the above-listed sewing supplies and follow this step-by-step tutorial to add some flair to your home décor.

Measure Your Window

If you have ever done any DIY project, then you know the first step is to measure. Just like sewing different types of clothes, you should have a proper measurement to make the curtain. 

Figure out where you want to hang your curtain rod and secure the brackets. Use a measuring tape and start measuring from the top of the curtain rod to where you want your curtains to fall. 

Image Source: Marvin Windows

Measure the length and width of the window. Then measure the width of the window.

Wash Your Fabric

Before starting your DIY curtain sewing project, wash and dry the fabric. This will prevent curtain material from puckering and shrinking at the seams. Almost all types of fabrics come with care labels so that you can follow proper instructions.

Cut Your Curtain Fabric

At this stage, find a spacious flat surface and lay down your curtain fabric. Make sure you have chosen the right fabric and check for flaws before you start cutting it out.

Start unrolling the meters of fabric on a flat surface and get your best position to begin the fabric cutting process. When measuring the material for making curtains, for seam allowance add eight inches on top of your window measurement length. 

When measuring the width, it is essential to decide how much you want the curtain to gather.

Bonus tip: Measure your fabric 1 ½ inch to 3x wider than your window if you want gathered curtains.

Start cutting the rectangles using these measurements and cut the lining fabric 3x shorter than fabric.

Sew Side Hems

Hem your curtain material unless you like your handmade curtains to have raw edges. For one side, fold the fabric 1-inch over on its backside and iron as you proceed to create a defined crease.

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Repeat this step, fold ½ inch of fabric over the last crease, and keep ironing. Pin this pleat using straight pins and sew that crease in the down direction using a sewing machine. 

Same, repeat for the other side.

Sew Bottom of the Curtain

Want a bigger hem on the bottom of the curtain to balance the top curtain pocket? Start sewing the side edges of the bottom hem in the down direction. Then, fold the edge between ½ inch to 5 inches.

Sew the Curtain Rod Pocket

The next step is to make a pocket through which your curtains rod can run. 

Image Source: Drape Style

Fold the top of the curtain over three and a half inches, pin it, and sew it along with the fabric’s edges. It will form a pocket in which a curtain rod can slide through. 

You might want different types of curtain pockets like hanging grommets that can be attached to your curtain.

Iron It

Make sure you iron all seams so that they are crisp.

How To Iron Curtains Safely and Effectively? Everything You Should Know

Hang It

Voila! By this step, you have already completed your dream of how to make a small curtain on your own. The curtain rod pockets are ready; your curtain is ready, so what are you waiting for?

Just hang your beautiful hand-made curtain on your windows and let your guest praises your sewing skills!

Tips for Drapery Sizes and Hardware

It is not easy to find the perfect drapes in stores. Sometimes, the color, fabric, or style doesn’t go well with your wall color or furniture.

Image Source: Hadley Court

That simple yet beautiful-looking drapes should have the right size to enhance the look of your entire area.

Here are some tips to consider the right size, width, and length of the drapes. Follow these tips, and you can complete your journey of the “how to make homemade drapes” project.

• • The ideal length of the drapes should be long enough to kiss the floor. Where you hang your curtain rod will have an impact.
  • Choose drapes that puddle a few inches on the floor for a traditional and formal look.
  • Don’t allow your drapes to hang above the floor, as it can make the ceilings look lower.
  • If you want the drapes to look full, then the panels need to have a width of at least double the window width.

Here are some measurements for drapes:

Drape Size	Max Window Size	Min Window Size
40” W x 100” H	< 34” W x 98” H	> 44” W x 102” H
50” W x 100” H	< 44” W x 98” H	> 54” W x 102” H
60” W x 100” H	< 54” W x 98” H	> 64” W x 102” H
70” W x 100” H	< 64” W x 98” H	> 74” W x 102” H
80” W x 100” H	< 74” W x 98” H	> 84” W x 102” H
90” W x 100” H	< 84” W x 98” H	> 94” W x 102” H
100” W x 100” H	< 94” W x 98” H	> 104” W x 102” H

• • Keep in mind that the different types of fabrics hang in unique ways. It is essential to choose the right fabric.
  • Curtain rods and finials should complement drapery fabric. Heavy fabric like velvet can be hung on large, decorative rods, while light-weight fabric can be hung on lightweight rods.
  • The hardware you choose should also complement your room décor.
  • Each end of the curtain rod should have finials. It is a decorative accessory that can catch the eyes.

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Conclusion

Everyone likes to dress up their windows with gorgeous-looking curtains, drapes, and shades. Curtains are an essential part of home décor, which enhances the room’s overall look.

There are so many types of curtains and styles available which you can choose and make it on your own.

Sewing curtains at home can be cost-effective, and you can also polish your sewing skills. Just grab the essentials, choose the curtain style, find your desired window for hanging curtains and start sewing a beautiful curtain.

Once you are finished making curtains at home, don’t forget to give it a personalized touch by purchasing super easy, super custom woven labels from Superlabel Store.

Happy sewing!