How to Make Your Own Curtains for Beginners!

Hey there, beginner sewist. You’ve come to the right place. You’re trying to figure out how to make your own curtains instead of buying them, aren’t you? Well, friend, here is a breakdown on how to get started sewing your own curtains or valances.

Materials:

• Fabric of your choice
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Pins
• Iron
• Curtain rod
• Valance hardware (if needed)

Steps for Sewing Curtains or Valances:

1. Measure the window: Measure the width and height of the window where the curtains will hang. Be sure to add a few extra inches to the width and length to ensure the curtains will cover the window adequately. If doing a valance, decide how far you want it to hang. Then add another inch to each side to allow for the hems. You may add up to two more inches to your top measurement to allow for the top rod pocket.
2. Choose your fabric: Select a fabric that matches your decor style and complements the room’s color scheme. Curtains and valances can be made from any fabric! Do you want heavy drapery fabric. Check. That works! Do you want cute cotton with a fun print on it? Check. That works too! So does linen, denim, eyelet, and more! You can use any type of fabric!
3. Cut the fabric: Cut the fabric to the appropriate size based on your measurements.
4. Hem the edges: Hem the sides and bottom of the fabric by folding the edge over twice and sewing a straight stitch. Each fold can be 1/4″ to 1/2″. This is your preference. Press your folds before sewing. That will make it much easier!
5. Create the rod pocket: There are two styles to pick from for this. The first one does not allow for a ruffled look above the curtain rod. For this one, fold the top of the fabric over twice and sew a straight stitch along the bottom of the fold, leaving enough space for the curtain rod to fit through. If you want a ruffled look above your curtain rod, fold your top over, sew your first seam 1/2″ to 1″ from the top of the fabric, then sew another seam below that one. Your rod will fit between these two seams, so make sure you have enough room.
6. Add trim. Adding a ribbon, lace, or pom-poms, is always a fun touch to curtains or valances. If you want to add trim, measure to make sure you have enough to cover the length of your bottom hem (or even side hems!) and then just sew it directly onto the fabric. You can sew it on to the front side or the back side, depending on what looks best with the type of trim you purchased.
7. Hang the curtains: Slide the curtain rod through the pocket you created and hang it on the window.

Tips:

• Make sure to wash and dry your fabric before you start sewing to avoid any shrinkage.
• Iron your fabric before sewing to ensure a neat and tidy finish.
• If you have a patterned fabric, make sure to align the pattern properly to avoid any mismatched seams.
• Use a heavy-duty needle when sewing thicker fabrics like upholstery fabric.
• If you are new to sewing, start with a simple design before moving on to more complex projects.

Sewing curtains and valances can be a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your home decor. With a little bit of patience and practice, you can create beautiful window treatments that perfectly match your style and taste. Happy sewing!

Pssst. Want to read more articles on Sewing 101? Click here!