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February 1, 2012

How To Make Curtains

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Making Your Own Curtains For Cheap
Yesterday I told you how to make curtain rods, and today we are moving onto curtains!
  Curtains are so superbly easy to make. If you can sew a straight stitch on your sewing machine, then you can make curtains. If you don’t have a sewing machine (or just don’t want to use it) then don’t leave just yet, you can easily make these curtains with some hemming tape and an iron.
How to make curtains - Domestic Imperfection

You will need –

  • Fabric (check out this list of my favorite online fabric stores)
  • tape measure
  • scissors
  • iron
  • sewing machine, pins, and thread OR
  • hemming tape

Step One

So the first step is to buy fabric. I recommend using home decor fabric, but you can certainly use whatever fabric you like.
choose fabric

Step Two

Next you will need to measure and cut your fabric. Measure the length from the top of your curtain rod to the floor and then add 12 inches. Mine measured 92 inches, so I cut the fabric to 104 inches each.

fabric length

Step Three

Now is when you bust out the iron. First iron the edges of your curtain by folding the blank edge over until you can barely see the print, then fold them over one more time and press. This gives your curtains a finished edge.
Hemming curtain edges
Next iron the top and bottom by folding it over once and pressing.
preparing to hem curtains
Then fold over the top making sure your mindful of the way your pattern runs…you don’t end up with upside down curtains! Make it about 3-4 inches wide (I just used my phone to measure).
top of the curtains

Step Four

Stitch all your edges except the bottom (or use your hemming tape).
stitch the hems

Step Five

Next you’re going to need to hang the curtains in order to hem them to the correct length.
I wanted my curtains to look like back tab curtains (which I show you how to make here) without actually having to sew back tabs. So I bought these rings from Amazon and clipped them to the back of the curtain instead if the top, like so…

curtain clips

To do this you will need to lay your curtain out flat to make sure your rings are evenly spaced. Then just pinch a section and add your clip, making sure the top of the ring is about even with the top of the curtain.

 

Step Six

Once your curtains are hung, fold up the bottoms so that the curtains barely graze the floor and pin in place.

DIY Curtains

Then take it down, hem it, and hang it back up. Done! Cheap and easy custom curtains!

customized curtains

You may also like –

How to make curtain rods (for cheap!)
The nicest draperies I’ve ever owned
How to make lined curtains
How to sew an envelope closure pillow
Making Your Own Curtains For Cheap

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Filed Under: Decor & Crafts, Decorating Basics, DIY Decor, Living Room, Projects, Sewing, Window Treatments51 Comments

« How To Make Your Own Curtain Rods On The Cheap
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Comments

  1. Lisa @ Organized Chaos says

    February 1, 2012 at 7:23 pm

    So cute! I love the pattern you chose too!~ Going to have to try this when we redo our living room this Summer~!
    ~Lisa

    Reply
  2. Kate says

    February 1, 2012 at 7:44 pm

    those look great! I love them!

    Reply
  3. Erika T says

    February 1, 2012 at 7:51 pm

    Beautiful, now all I need to do is learn how to sew! Love those rings, looks pretty simple to use.

    Reply
  4. [email protected] to Sew says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:43 am

    Learning to sew can have a great many benefits. Not only is sewing an old time craft with a rich heritage, but it also has many applications today. Developing a skill for sewing can be helpful in your life, and can provide many benefits. Learning to sew your own clothes can save you money, as well as help you develop a sense of pride and accomplishment.

    Reply
  5. the cape on the corner says

    February 2, 2012 at 4:26 pm

    looks great! love that you can use any fabric you like when you make your own!

    Reply
  6. Rachael says

    February 2, 2012 at 4:37 pm

    Great idea with the curtain rings. Love the fabric too.

    Reply
  7. Rachael S says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:46 pm

    Awesome tutorial thank you for sharing! I love your fabric by the way!

    Reply
  8. redfly says

    February 2, 2012 at 10:47 pm

    Great tips, thanks!

    Melissa
    redflycreations.blogspot.com

    Reply
  9. Amy @ homesweetthriftyhome says

    February 3, 2012 at 12:21 am

    Hey Ashley! The curtains look great! Do you know about how much this project cost you? I need to hit a fabric sale in the city and get to sewing…have lots of naked windows in this house. :)

    Reply
  10. Ashley @ Domestic Imperfection says

    February 3, 2012 at 5:37 am

    Let's see…each window (I only showed one, but I did two) cost about $10 for the DIY rod, $16 for the rings, plus almost six yards of fabric was about $50 (from Fabric.com using coupon codes). If you need to go cheaper you could always sew back tab curtains (no rings) and/or buy cheaper fabric.

    You sound like me saying to need to take a trip into the city…let me guess, you live pretty far from things? Me too, hence the online shopping. No way am I loading up two babies and driving 40 minutes each way to go fabric shopping!

    Reply
  11. Shiloh says

    February 3, 2012 at 6:30 pm

    I love making curtains. I feel like it's such a simple way to make a big difference. Your curtains look great.:)

    Reply
  12. Biz says

    February 4, 2012 at 1:14 am

    These are great!
    I need to get my sewing machine serviced so that I can get back to sewing!!!
    Biz

    Reply
  13. [email protected] says

    February 4, 2012 at 5:52 am

    Such a great job! Over visiting from Addicted2Decorating and saw your curtains…I'm ready to do mine, but no sewing machine for me. Could you do this with fabric adhesive and leave the sewing out? Great job and thanks for sharing.
    I'm a new follower!! If you get a chance come over and visit at http://ourbluefrontdoor.blogspot.com

    Blessings,
    Andrea

    Reply
  14. Ashley @ Domestic Imperfection says

    February 4, 2012 at 1:00 pm

    You certainly could! I've never used fabric adhesive strips, but over at Young House Love that's all they use. You should buy a sewing machine eventually though, mine was only 60 bucks and works great :)

    Thanks for following along!

    Reply
  15. The Quilt Ladies says

    February 4, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    I just found you and I'm going to follow ! ! Great post !

    Reply
  16. A Pretty Life in the Suburbs says

    February 5, 2012 at 3:45 am

    Very very nice! I think I could do this, and I know just the place for them! Thanks for the inspiration!
    Jo-Anna

    Reply
  17. Caroline @ Double the Decor says

    February 5, 2012 at 5:45 am

    So glad I came across this post! I've been wanting to make my own curtains for a while now. Thanks!

    Reply
  18. Anonymous says

    February 5, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    OK. Nice job, helpful tutorial, it all looks very nice and is a HUGE improvement from the formerly all-brown room. But I had to laugh because your fabric is basically…brown!

    Reply
  19. Ashley @ Domestic Imperfection says

    February 5, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    Haha, I was wondering if anyone was going to point out that my curtains aren't as brownless as I intended. Don't exaggerate though, they're only partly brown! It seems I just can't help myself :)

    Reply
  20. Patti says

    February 6, 2012 at 3:31 pm

    These are lovely – love the fabric, too. I am curious – why do you stitch the side edges in the center of the pressed part, rather than close to the folded edge? Won't they eventually curl or roll on you?

    Reply
  21. Debra from Bungalow says

    February 6, 2012 at 4:03 pm

    I really like how you used the curtain rings, I've made curtains several times but haven't used rings that way before. Great idea!

    Come on over and visit me sometime!

    Reply
    • Henrietta says

      February 9, 2016 at 3:14 am

      I read your post and wished I’d wrttien it

      Reply
  22. Maria Elena says

    February 6, 2012 at 8:47 pm

    Sooo pretty! I love the fabric!

    Reply
  23. Andrea @ Decorating Cents says

    February 7, 2012 at 4:55 am

    They frame your window nicely. I like the pattern.

    Reply
  24. Ashley @ Domestic Imperfection says

    February 7, 2012 at 6:51 pm

    Ummm, that would have made more sense wouldn't it? I really didn't think about it…I hope they don't roll! Thanks for the pointer, I'm learning as I go :)

    Reply
  25. Rachel says

    February 7, 2012 at 9:20 pm

    I love the fabric you chose. Thanks for the tutorial. I'd love for you to share this at my VERY FIRST link party.
    Rachel
    http://adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com/2012/02/terrific-tuesdays-link-party.html

    Reply
  26. [email protected] says

    February 8, 2012 at 2:04 am

    These are gorgeous, and you made it look so simple! I'm currently in the “de-browning” of my dull living room too, I will definitely be using this tutorial. Really enjoying reading your blog and look forward to all your future posts! I am one of your new loyal followers! When you have a chance come on by and check out my blog (and make sure to say hi!). If you like my blog, I would love it if you would follow me back! Cath @ Home is Where my Heart is: http://cathhasablog.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  27. Deanna @ Little Green Bow says

    February 8, 2012 at 2:47 am

    These turned out great! Perfect fabric to help de-brown and liven up the space. Off to check out the cheap curtain rod trick. Cheers!

    Reply
  28. 4you-withlove says

    February 8, 2012 at 11:30 am

    I Love how you used your cell phone as a measurement guide! :D

    Reply
  29. Tisha says

    February 8, 2012 at 6:14 pm

    I adore this fabric, and what a simple tutorial! So smart to use the rings on the back to make a mock back tab. I'd love it if you'd share this at my Show & Tell party, going on now @ the Delectable Home.

    Reply
  30. Ashley says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    I love that fabric!! Looks great with the wall color. =)
    http://thelatestfind.blogspot.com

    Reply
  31. Kara @ Simplistically Sassy says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:25 pm

    Love this! I'm dying to do different curtains in my kitchen. I may have to use this tutorial. I found your link at Blue Cricket Design. Thanks for linking.

    Reply
  32. [email protected] says

    February 9, 2012 at 11:21 pm

    Love the curtain fabric.. :) Thanks for linking at friday fun party

    Reply
  33. Becolorful says

    February 13, 2012 at 2:02 am

    Nice tutorial and wow does that look great. Thanks for sharing on Motivated Monday at BeColorful
    pam

    Reply
  34. Alison @ Oopsey Daisy says

    February 14, 2012 at 4:40 am

    The fabric you chose is so beautiful!! Great tutorial! Thanks for sharing at oopsey daisy!

    Reply
  35. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    February 14, 2012 at 2:47 pm

    Great tutorial! I LOVE your fabric!!! Thanks for sharing at my party!!! Happy Valentine's Day!!! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  36. Sarah says

    April 8, 2013 at 8:37 am

    Thank you so much for this EASY tutorial on sewing your own curtains!!! We are moving into a new house in a month and I just took measurements on all of the windows so I can try to make them all myself!

    Reply
  37. Twila says

    January 17, 2014 at 11:32 pm

    Pinterest, I just must get my snake hide mounted… it has been hanging over the china cabinet door too long… love you tutorial…

    Reply
  38. Angella Stewart says

    November 11, 2014 at 12:12 pm

    Thanks for sharing your knowledge and skill. I have so many windows in my new house. I can’t sew but I am going to try to make a few of the curtains following your instructions. Any knowledge on how to make curtain for an oval shape window?have 4 of those.

    Reply
  39. Kathleen says

    June 3, 2015 at 3:53 pm

    Thanks for the tutorial. I pinned it and bought the fabric almost 6 months ago, and just got the drive to sew them today. I did and they look great. Thanks again!

    Reply
  40. Elle says

    November 29, 2015 at 1:21 am

    Hi, Nice post but am I the only one wondering what in heavens’ name is that thing on the wall above your windows?!?

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      November 29, 2015 at 9:28 am

      Ha… It’s a giant rattlesnake skin :) My dad made it.

      Reply
  41. Amy says

    March 4, 2016 at 10:50 am

    Do those clip on rings allow for each opening and closing of the curtains? Thanks for the tutorial!

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      March 4, 2016 at 2:37 pm

      Yes, they are completely functional and the curtains slide easily.

      Reply
  42. Marcie says

    May 28, 2016 at 8:12 pm

    How far did you put the outside clips from the edge? Right on or a few inches away? I’m debating sewing back tabs or doing clips. I need to make a decision and be brave enough to cut my fabric.

    Reply
  43. bobbie summersill says

    February 7, 2018 at 6:16 pm

    This was so helpful,I try it it works perfect,thank you so much for the information

    Reply
  44. Gift Munkombwe says

    May 10, 2018 at 11:25 pm

    I have learnt how to make curtains and my home is looking nice no more buying from the shops

    Reply
  45. Jake @ Contemporary Curtains says

    November 12, 2019 at 11:41 am

    You know what? I have recently done my small custom curtain project for my living room and that was done on the basis of your guide. Your guide really helped me a lot to accomplish that small task with higher quality. Thanks for sharing it with us, keep ut up!

    Reply

Trackbacks

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Ashley - Wildfire Interiors
Welcome to Wildfire Interiors! I’m Ashley, and I think you should love where you live. Small budget or big budget, color-obsessed or neutral lover, trend follower or trendsetter, and whether you know anything about design or not…we can all have homes that make us smile. Read more…

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