Sewing curtains is an inexpensive way to change the appearance of your rooms. Sometimes it is even easier to sew the curtains than to search the stores for just the “exact” color or design you have in mind.
It doesn’t take an expert at sewing to be able to make simple curtains that will look wonderful at your windows. Basic curtains can be even be made by someone who considers themselves a novice at sewing. As you get more comfortable with your sewing machine and skills, you will find yourself designing curtains that your friends will envy and admire.
Looking for bargain materials, remnants and even cotton tablecloths will reduce the cost of the curtains you are sewing, and still turn out beautiful curtains to enhance your room decor. On sale curtains can be had for a fraction of what you would normally pay, and with just a little sewing ability you can shorten them to fit the window size you need.
To Shorten Ready Made Curtains:
Put the curtains up on the rod at the desired window. Place a straight pin at the bottom of the window where you want the curtains to end. That will be your fold line for hemming the curtains. Remove the curtains from the rod and fold them lengthwise( side to side) in half. Lay each panel out on a flat work surface.
Use a tape measure to measure from the straight pin towards the bottom of the curtain. Measure down two and a half inches and mark it with a straight pin or a sewing pencil. Cut each panel straight across, to shorten the curtain.
Fold the very bottom edge under 1/4 inch. (Make sure you are folding towards the back of the curtain!) It helps to measure as you go, then crease this fold with an iron. Next, fold the bottom up the other two inches. The fold should be right on that first straight pin you measured at the window. Pin this fold as you work, and iron it down to flatten it smooth.
A good self check is to lay the panels on top of each other when you are done pinning the hems up. This will help to make sure that both panels match in length once you sew the hems in. Set your machine for a straight stitch and sew the curtain hem across the top of the fold line. Go slow and make the hem line as straight as you can.
To Cut Out Curtains to Sew:
Measure your window across and lengthwise. Each panel should be at least one and a half times wider than your window to allow for the gathering affect. You can make each panel as wide as you like, depending on how much gathering or fullness you want.
You will have to add several inches to the length of the window to allow for hemming the curtain and to make the rod pocket. Measure the length of the window from the top of the curtain rod to wherever you want the curtain bottom to reach. Add two and a half inches to allow for the bottom hem and four and a half inches to allow for the rod pocket fold.
Making the Side Seams:
Fold the sides of each panel towards the back of the material to make the side seams. Starting at the top, fold the side in 1/4 of an inch and then fold it over again 1/4 of an inch. Pin the fold down with a straight pin as you work down the length of the curtain panels on both sides.
Be careful to make sure all of your folds go towards the back of the material. (There is nothing more irritating than to find you have folded one side backwards, especially if you go ahead and sew the curtains!) Iron the side seams flat if it helps you. Thread your sewing machine with whatever color thread you have decided on. You can use thread that closely matches the material, or you can use a contrasting color to enhance the curtain design.
Sew the side seams on all of the panels. Sew close to the inside edge and sew the curtain panel as straight as you can. Don’t pull or tug on the material as it may pucker under the foot feed of the sewing machine. Let the machine feed the material. Just guide it along to keep it straight. I use a length of black electrical tape to help me see better. Just place the length of tape next to your machines foot feed to help you keep the material running straight.
Making the Rod Pocket.
Fold the top of each panel over 4 and ½ inches towards the back of the curtain. Pin in place and iron down the top fold. Measure down 1/4 inch and sew a straight line all the way across the top of each panel. This will make the top little ruffle that stands up on the curtain rod.
Now smooth the curtain panel out on a work surface. Fold the bottom of the top fold under by 1/4 of an inch and pin it down. Pin the fold all the way across each panel section. Sew this hem as close to the edge of the fold as possible. This forms the rod pocket for your curtain rod to slide into. Clip any loose thread, remove the straight pins and you are ready to hang your new curtains!
Adjustments
As you get more confident with your sewing skills, you can add or take away from these directions. You can adjust the size of the rod pocket to fit many size rods. You’ll figure out how to even tailor sheets, tablecloths and even shower curtain material into just the right type curtains you were searching for.
Remember, if you simply can’t find the exact color, width or length of curtains you are looking for, do not give up. It is a lot of fun to design and sew your own curtains and it will save you money in the long run. Even if you are a novice at sewing, go ahead and give it a try.
You don’t have to run out and buy an expensive sewing machine just to make some curtains. Ask a friend to borrow one, or look for one at a second hand store or yard sale. Experiment with using it and try your hand at sewing some simple curtains. You may find you enjoy sewing so much that your next stop will be the fabric store or sewing machine retailer. A sewing machine and a few skills will give you a lot of pleasure, and will save money on making new things and repairing some of your old things!
