I am a curtain person as you can see in my mini home tour at my old apartment. My sister…hates curtains. She is a shutters person. Those shutters she has, although really nice, are just too expensive for me. Besides, I love me a colorful curtain. But they can be expensive, too. I hate when they sell one panel for $50. One panel? Come on, curtain makers!
So years ago I embarked on my own curtain making. And let me assure you…I am not skilled with a needle and thread — and I sew by hand. If I can do it, anyone can. All you need is patience. And supplies of course.
— Measure your windows to decide how much fabric you need and how long you want your curtains.
— You can purchase fabric from any fabric store or order online. I love the tapestries and coverlets from Urban Outfitters (especially when they are on sale) and Full Moon Loom. You can even make curtains from sheets.
Babies room — room in progress
— A basic window often needs just one full size tapestry or 7 by 9 feet.
— For that basic window, you can measure how you want fabric to hang, then cut in half. Sew hem on edges.
— Larger windows will of course require more, but remember to measure and allow extra fabric so curtain has that curtainly wave and doesn't just look like a sheet pinned to the window like I used to have in college.
— I hem the top of the curtain with a loop, so the curtain rod slips through.
— For the bedroom, I double layered two different fabrics to shield out the most light. I just sewed fabric together and it's not only thicker, but reversible!
Bedroom window
Double layer reversible curtain
If I purchased pre-made curtains, I would have had to spend at least three times the amount I did. Sure, it was a little blood (from needle pricks) and sweat (and annoyance at times on re-threading that little needle), but it was all worth it.
Would you try this? Do you make your own curtains? Have any other tips to share?
