DIY curtains - Arts, Crafts and DIY

68 Comments

I made my own curtains because it was just too expensive to have them made professionally . We also have high ceilings so finding ready made curtains to fit our windows was not easy.

Material

Jacquard fabric
Sewing machine
Pins
Measuring tape
Pen
Paper
Thread
Scissors
Rod and nail pack

Method

Take your measurements:
1. Measure your window frame horizontally (from the outside of the frame to the outside of the other frame)
2. Do the same vertically.
Calculate the measurements:
1. Horizontal measurement: double this number (this creates the fold look, increasing the number will increase the folded look). Then divide the number by 2 to create 2 curtains for the window.
2. Verticals measurement: add 20cm to your number (to allow for the height of the rod above the window).
3. Add 6cm to each measurement to allow for hemming.
Cutting, pinning and sewing:
1. Cut your fabric to your measurement. You should have 2 pieces per window.
2. Fold 1 cm of the fabric in the 2cm for the hem line and pin.
3. Do this to both ends of the curtain and the bottom.
4. For the top of the curtain fold in 1cm then 10cm and pin.
5. Slide your pole through to ensure it fits and the curtain easily slides through.
6. Sew your hems and the loop created at the top of the curtain.
I used the straight sew function on my sewing machine.
Fixing the curtain rod to the wall and hanging the curtain:
1. Use the instructions in your curtain rod pack to fix the rod to the wall above the window.
2. Slide both pieces of the curtain through the rod and hang.

Notes

Please note that the measurements in the rod pack you purchase will most likely differ from the measurements I have provided. The measurements that I have provided it what had suited my windows and high ceilings. Please also note that the fabric that I have used is not a blockout fabric but rather sheer, so please select a fabric that suits your needs and requirements.

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This project was posted by:

- mom82590
- 27 Nov 2014
  7:00 am

68 Comments

- - ChiWren said
  - 19 Nov 2023
    9:33 pm
Really great instructions. The first curtains I made when I was 20 I made by hand sewing in a day. Definitely wouldn’t recommend that method! I was determined and the effort was so worth it. Thankfully I have a machine now.

- - Ellen said
  - 16 Sep 2021
    7:45 am
This type of curtains are very easy to make indeed.

- - HelenP5 said
  - 31 Jul 2021
    3:21 pm
I thought making my own curtains would be difficult but when I moved into my new house that only had roller blinds, I gave it a go & it was surprisingly easy.

- - RonnieDe said
  - 17 Mar 2021
    7:50 pm
Great idea, and can be so rewarding.

- - mom19782016 said
  - 16 Oct 2020
    2:01 pm
I thought curtains would be hard but this looks ok!

- - mom462038 said
  - 07 Apr 2020
    5:22 pm
This would be so handy to be able to do. I’m a shocking seamstress and really struggle to go in a straight line with anything

- - littlehandsofmine said
  - 02 Mar 2020
    9:09 pm
I tried making my own…they were wonky

- - Mummyofone77 said
  - 25 Dec 2019
    5:54 am
Great idea! I do need new curtains

- - caramello said
  - 23 May 2019
    11:18 pm
thanks for sharing.

- - mom81879 said
  - 20 May 2019
    10:30 am
A lot of people just hang sheets or blankets. I like this idea much better.

- - mggarner said
  - 25 Jul 2018
    12:17 pm
That is good to know we need new curtains desperately
- mggarner replied
  
  10 Aug 2018 , 11:40 pm
  We have high ceiling too and most store bought ones are too short both width and length
- - kjgarner said
  - 22 Jun 2018
    1:32 pm
I have never made one myself, you are very clever to do so
- kjgarner replied
  
  26 Jun 2018 , 10:44 am
  I need new curtains for our house
- - mom160421 said
  - 25 Oct 2017
    8:26 pm
I’ve made my own curtains for many rooms and I find it very easy and satisfying.

- - mom19782016 said
  - 27 Oct 2016
    11:51 am
You’re very clever. It sounds a lot cheaper than having them made professionally.
- mom111059 replied
  
  24 Jun 2018 , 3:32 pm
  For Sure. Curtains can be very expensive.
- - mom111059 said
  - 13 Aug 2016
    4:31 pm
Thank you. I will keep this in mind when we need to replace curtains. Last lot we bought second hand from a home that just wanted a change. Curtains have been great for us. Just had to adjust the hem.

- - mom183717 said
  - 03 Jul 2016
    7:58 am
This is a fabulous way to save money if you ask me thanks

- - mom182953 said
  - 02 Jun 2016
    1:20 pm
I have a bucket load of material and i need new curtains so guess what i am doing today ☺

- - mom81879 said
  - 30 Nov 2015
    4:31 pm
I used this to hang curtains for my daughter. They’re not the flashiest, it was my first go, but they’re ok

- - mom165081 said
  - 29 Nov 2015
    11:55 pm
Home made curtains are heaps cheaper. I used to do this when renting. Well done making your home yours.

- - mom152736 said
  - 31 Oct 2015
    11:02 pm
well, this is something I want to try …I’ll try it with a small window first… thanks