Make simple curtains Drapery and Swags Curtains and Curtain Shades
You don't have to be a professional to make a simple curtain, being able to use a sewing machine will suffice. Start by making simple curtains and then go on to make complicated and fashionable ones, drapery and swags curtains.
Linning curtains may seem difficult, but it is very simple if you can follow instructions.I will take you through the process step by step.
I will also let you in on how to measure windows to know how much fabric will be needed for curtains.
Adding a frill to a simple curtain makes it look expensive and that gives it value. Frills can be decorative as well.
Linning curtains may seem difficult, but it is very simple if you can follow instructions.I will take you through the process step by step.
I will also let you in on how to measure windows to know how much fabric will be needed for curtains.
Adding a frill to a simple curtain makes it look expensive and that gives it value. Frills can be decorative as well.
Making Drapery Curtains
Learn how to make curtains like a pro
You don't have to be a designer ... anyone can transform their home with this beautiful customized window treatments showcased in Sunset's Simply Window Treatments. The projects range from the simple to the complex. Techniques are explained for measuring, calculating yardage, cutting, basic sewing, and installing the finished window treatment. Create your ambience exactly the way you want it to be with simply window treatment
The name says it all (Simply window treatment) you don't get to make simply curtains only, there is shades and swags ( drapery curtains that hangs in a curve between two points)
Simply Window Treatments: All You Need to Know to Make Curtains, Shades, and Swags
Amazon Price: $2.98 (as of 06/02/2012)
This is what one of the custormers said: There are a few things I like about this book. The back of the book has a good reference section to teach you about hardware, inside mount, oustide mount, and basically to explain a lot of the techniques it uses throughout the book in the various projects. That is great. I also learned form this book how to make a perfect mitered hem. So professional looking! For that reason alone this book was worth my purchase.
How to measure your windows for curtains fabrics
Measure each window individually; even if the two windows look similar
Before you buy your curtain material, measure your windows so you buy enough materials. The length of the curtain will depend on what kind of curtains you want, floor length formal drapes, informal tab-tops or cafe curtains, measure from the curtain rail to the bottom of the window to your preferred length.Now to measure the width, take the window width measurements then multiply it by two and this will give you the amount of fabric needed to make your curtains look full. Allow 6 inches on both sides of window measurements for coverage. Use the same measurements for the curtain tape, if you need a curtain tape for the type of curtain you are making.
When making a lined curtain use the same method described at the top but deduct 3 inches on both sides of the lining material and 3 inches at the bottom of curtain lining.
Materials you will need to make the curtain:
Curtain fabric
Curtain lining fabric
Curtain tape ( if needed for your style )
Matching thread
How to make curtains
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Making swags curtains
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
The most comprehensive DIY window book on the market
The Complete Photo Guide to Window Treatments makes it easy to choose and construct today's most popular window treatments - 20 styles of valances, swags, and cornices; 20 styles of curtains and draperies; plus 10 types of window shades. Room photographs show each style in a variety of decorating styles, fabrics, and hardware. Each project has step-by-step instructions from beginning to end: measuring the window, cutting the fabric with confidence, sewing or constructing the project, and installing the treatment the professional way. Over 500 how-to photographs and diagrams make it easy to have professional results. This is the big book of DIY window treatments!
Product Description
The most comprehensive DIY window book on the market
The Complete Photo Guide to Window Treatments makes it easy to choose and construct today's most popular window treatments - 20 styles of valances, swags, and cornices; 20 styles of curtains and draperies; plus 10 types of window shades. Room photographs show each style in a variety of decorating styles, fabrics, and hardware. Each project has step-by-step instructions from beginning to end: measuring the window, cutting the fabric with confidence, sewing or constructing the project, and installing the treatment the professional way. Over 500 how-to photographs and diagrams make it easy to have professional results. This is the big book of DIY window treatments!
The Complete Photo Guide to Window Treatments: DIY Draperies, Curtains, Valances, Swags, and Shades
Amazon Price: $5.74 (as of 06/02/2012)
With a step by step guide and the pictures you won't get lost. You have everything you need to get the job done.
Spoil your window and let your house be the talk of town, with its beautiful curtains
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Let there be...shade! This new and expanded edition of a Sunset bestseller breezes in like a breath of fresh air, with everything you need to know to create gorgeous curtains, draperies, shades, and valances. Practical as well as inspirational, Curtains, Draperies & Shades guides you through the process of choosing fabric and hardware, provides easy-to-follow sewing instructions, and gives clear directions for installing your beautiful window treatments, from hanging curtains to rigging shades
More than 100 projects help you select the right window treatments to dress up every room in the house. And new designer touches--from fanciful clips to edge details--will have your friends exclaiming, "Wow, you made those"
Features:
New and expanded Sunset classic with more than 100 window treatments
Updated format with fresh photography and step-by-step direction
Covers the entire process: planning, measuring, sewing, and installation
New section on designer details for tiebacks, cascades, swags, edge details, and embellishments
Product Description
Let there be...shade! This new and expanded edition of a Sunset bestseller breezes in like a breath of fresh air, with everything you need to know to create gorgeous curtains, draperies, shades, and valances. Practical as well as inspirational, Curtains, Draperies & Shades guides you through the process of choosing fabric and hardware, provides easy-to-follow sewing instructions, and gives clear directions for installing your beautiful window treatments, from hanging curtains to rigging shades
More than 100 projects help you select the right window treatments to dress up every room in the house. And new designer touches--from fanciful clips to edge details--will have your friends exclaiming, "Wow, you made those"
Features:
New and expanded Sunset classic with more than 100 window treatments
Updated format with fresh photography and step-by-step direction
Covers the entire process: planning, measuring, sewing, and installation
New section on designer details for tiebacks, cascades, swags, edge details, and embellishments
Curtains, Draperies & Shades: More Than 70 Window Treatment Projects
Amazon Price: $10.72 (as of 06/02/2012)
Thiis book is packed with information, Step by step instructions... Wow curtains with tiebacks, cascades, swags you name it. Whatever you want to know when it comes to window treatment.
How to cut and sew simple curtains
Before you start, make sure you have the correct measurements
You are going to need space for cutting your fabric.
A cutting table or a clean floor will do
A very sharp pair of sewing scissors
Lay your fabric on your cutting space and measure the amount you need for your curtain. Let's say you are cutting for a long but simple curtain, on top of the finished length allow 2inches for the top and 6 inches for the bottom hem. Cut two piece of fabric to make a pair of curtains for one window.
For the curtain width it will depend on the width of your fabric to get the amount you need. If it's a narrow piece of fabric it is ok to cut 4 pieces and join 2 by 2 to make a curtain or even 3 piece and cut the third one in half so that you have one and a half pieces of fabric for each side.
Cut the curtain tape the same width as your curtain fabric.
Now that you are done cutting it is time to get sewing!
For your sewing you will need the following:
A straight sewing machine
Thread clipper
A sewing table
If your fabric is wide enough to make one of the two curtains, start your sewing by making a hem on the side of each fabric by folding an inch and fold again 3 inches. Then make a hem at the bottom, a thick hem makes the curtains look nice and heavy. To create this firm look we are going to fold our fabric 2 inches and fold again 4 inches on top then start sewing.
Press the hems with a steam iron, ensure you have three hems on one curtain, one on each length of the curtain and another on the width. Pressing will make your hems look solid and neat.
For our simple curtains we can use a curtain tape, a medium sized tape will do but that will also depend on the kind of pattern you want.
Before you sew the curtain tape on, fold 3 inches of fabric and secure with pins then press. Fold in the curtain tape at the ends, overlap an inch and pin the tape on the curtain and sew.
A cutting table or a clean floor will do
A very sharp pair of sewing scissors
Lay your fabric on your cutting space and measure the amount you need for your curtain. Let's say you are cutting for a long but simple curtain, on top of the finished length allow 2inches for the top and 6 inches for the bottom hem. Cut two piece of fabric to make a pair of curtains for one window.
For the curtain width it will depend on the width of your fabric to get the amount you need. If it's a narrow piece of fabric it is ok to cut 4 pieces and join 2 by 2 to make a curtain or even 3 piece and cut the third one in half so that you have one and a half pieces of fabric for each side.
Cut the curtain tape the same width as your curtain fabric.
Now that you are done cutting it is time to get sewing!
For your sewing you will need the following:
A straight sewing machine
Thread clipper
A sewing table
If your fabric is wide enough to make one of the two curtains, start your sewing by making a hem on the side of each fabric by folding an inch and fold again 3 inches. Then make a hem at the bottom, a thick hem makes the curtains look nice and heavy. To create this firm look we are going to fold our fabric 2 inches and fold again 4 inches on top then start sewing.
Press the hems with a steam iron, ensure you have three hems on one curtain, one on each length of the curtain and another on the width. Pressing will make your hems look solid and neat.
For our simple curtains we can use a curtain tape, a medium sized tape will do but that will also depend on the kind of pattern you want.
Before you sew the curtain tape on, fold 3 inches of fabric and secure with pins then press. Fold in the curtain tape at the ends, overlap an inch and pin the tape on the curtain and sew.
Making lined curtains
Lined curtain don't just look nice, they keep the warmth in during winter
It's nice to have long curtain that covers the window from top right down to the bottom in winter. Besides the luxurious look it gives your windows, the house stays warm, and saves you gas bills, especially when they are lined and made out of thick curtain fabric.
To make lined curtains to dress your windows in winter you will need:
Thick curtain fabric
Curtain lining fabric
A wide curtain tape (depending on the pattern )
Following the same pattern I explained earlier, cut your fabric.
Cut the lining 2 inches shorter at the bottom
For the sides cut the lining 5 inches narrower, this way you get to join your lining with your curtain fabric, seam allowance it is an inch on both sides.
The other way you can make your lining 2 inches shorter and this is used when you want your curtain joined at the top only and the side hemmed separate.
Both this patterns have their advantages and disadvantages.
The first pattern where the lining and fabric are joined the curtain look smart and thick enough for winter, but it is too heavy for washing it will take long to dry.
The second pattern even though it doesn't look as elegant as the first one, the good thing is that it dries easier and quicker than the first pattern.
When cutting, you leave the top part same length on both pattern and both fabrics.
Now let's sew our curtains
To make the first pattern start by sewing a hem on both the lining and curtain fabric. Fold an inch then 5 inches more and sew it down to make a hem, do same on both the lining and curtain fabric. Then press with a steam iron.
Then join the lining and curtain fabric starting at the top, pin the materials together and make sure it is same length at top. The bottom part... lining will be 6 inches shorter than the curtain fabric when finshed.
When you pin them together the lining must be on the outside part of the curtain fabric, to make sure that is right both the hem will be outside. Now sew them together from bottom to the top, seam allowance 1 inch.
Take off the pins one by one as you sew the materials together, do not take them off before otherwise you will end up with an uneven curtain.
After sewing both sides take the inside out and make sure the side are both equal, the fabric should be 6 inches folded in. The main thing is to make both sides equivalent. When you are pleased with your measurements then press with a good steam iron.
Next step, fold 3 inches on the top part of your curtain and pin all the way from one side to the other. Then press the hem, and then start to pin the curtain tape. Fold in 2 inches at the begging of the curtain tape, to stop it from fraying. Overlapping the hem on the curtain by an inch, pin the curtain tape on the curtain, leaving 2 inches free at top.
After you have pinned the top part of the tape to the curtain, remove the pins you used to pin the hem, then pin the bottom part of the curtain tape. Now sew on the top part of the curtain tape and the bottom part onto the curtain.
Remove all the pins; your first curtain is finished.
Before you hang the curtains you have to pull the strings to make some gathers on the curtain.
This how you do it; tie the three strings together on both ends of the curtain.
Next start pulling evenly to make the gathers
The final step is to insert the curtain hooks on the curtain, hook them evenly on the strings running through the curtain tape.
To make lined curtains to dress your windows in winter you will need:
Thick curtain fabric
Curtain lining fabric
A wide curtain tape (depending on the pattern )
Following the same pattern I explained earlier, cut your fabric.
Cut the lining 2 inches shorter at the bottom
For the sides cut the lining 5 inches narrower, this way you get to join your lining with your curtain fabric, seam allowance it is an inch on both sides.
The other way you can make your lining 2 inches shorter and this is used when you want your curtain joined at the top only and the side hemmed separate.
Both this patterns have their advantages and disadvantages.
The first pattern where the lining and fabric are joined the curtain look smart and thick enough for winter, but it is too heavy for washing it will take long to dry.
The second pattern even though it doesn't look as elegant as the first one, the good thing is that it dries easier and quicker than the first pattern.
When cutting, you leave the top part same length on both pattern and both fabrics.
Now let's sew our curtains
To make the first pattern start by sewing a hem on both the lining and curtain fabric. Fold an inch then 5 inches more and sew it down to make a hem, do same on both the lining and curtain fabric. Then press with a steam iron.
Then join the lining and curtain fabric starting at the top, pin the materials together and make sure it is same length at top. The bottom part... lining will be 6 inches shorter than the curtain fabric when finshed.
When you pin them together the lining must be on the outside part of the curtain fabric, to make sure that is right both the hem will be outside. Now sew them together from bottom to the top, seam allowance 1 inch.
Take off the pins one by one as you sew the materials together, do not take them off before otherwise you will end up with an uneven curtain.
After sewing both sides take the inside out and make sure the side are both equal, the fabric should be 6 inches folded in. The main thing is to make both sides equivalent. When you are pleased with your measurements then press with a good steam iron.
Next step, fold 3 inches on the top part of your curtain and pin all the way from one side to the other. Then press the hem, and then start to pin the curtain tape. Fold in 2 inches at the begging of the curtain tape, to stop it from fraying. Overlapping the hem on the curtain by an inch, pin the curtain tape on the curtain, leaving 2 inches free at top.
After you have pinned the top part of the tape to the curtain, remove the pins you used to pin the hem, then pin the bottom part of the curtain tape. Now sew on the top part of the curtain tape and the bottom part onto the curtain.
Remove all the pins; your first curtain is finished.
Before you hang the curtains you have to pull the strings to make some gathers on the curtain.
This how you do it; tie the three strings together on both ends of the curtain.
Next start pulling evenly to make the gathers
The final step is to insert the curtain hooks on the curtain, hook them evenly on the strings running through the curtain tape.
Can you sew, do you want to learn start by making simple and plain curtains
Sewing can be hard if you don't have the love and patient for it. And on the other hand it can be very easy, if you give it time. Most important thing about hand work you have to want to learn then it becames easy.
I taught myself how to sew and it is easy if you want to learn...
If you can sew what will you sew and how will you use the skill?
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KimGiancaterino Apr 6, 2012 @ 3:47 pm | delete
- I've made a lot of window treatments over the years. Thanks for a helpful guide!
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bjbook
Dec 16, 2010 @ 10:20 am | delete
- Great Lens...I learn something new everyday!
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avena
Mar 26, 2012 @ 2:59 am | delete
- Good lens! Thanks for kids curtains & drapes information. And this is also good information about beaded door curtain.
danby portable air conditioner
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Ladymoss
Mar 26, 2012 @ 7:02 am | delete
- Thanks for the nice comment
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Ken98
Nov 1, 2010 @ 11:22 am | delete
- great lens...curtains can really add a lot of character to one's home. my wife loves all kinds of window treatments and she has a blog about it.
curtains and window treatment
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Shirishb
Feb 18, 2010 @ 8:02 pm | delete
- A great step by step guide in did. Also books added to the lens are very relevant. Please add more about the selection of fabric. My Curtain Shop
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daria369
Jan 12, 2010 @ 8:02 pm | delete
- Very nice lens and useful instructions for anyone who is handy and patient - and enjoys to make their home cozy with small changes like new window treatments.
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Ladymoss
Jan 12, 2010 @ 8:39 pm | delete
- @ daria369 Thanks for your comments
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Books on how to make curtains
If you loved Caroline Wrey's Complete Curtain Making Course, you might also enjoy:
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Singer sewing machines
If you loved SINGER 7467 Confidence Sewing Machine, you might also enjoy:
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Genre: Feature Film-Drama
more...0 points
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Diane (Robin Givens) and Dontae McNeil (Sean Blake more...0 points
by Ladymoss
Proud to be African... born and raised in Botswana. I now live in England and do what the English do.
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