Every home needs a bit of sprucing every now and then. Sometimes a quick rearrange of furniture does the trick. Other times the home improvement requires extensive new organizational shelves and drawers to spice up the digs to something different. However, one of the first and most simple things that should come to mind is to make curtains.
There are many types of window treatments on the market. Some homes go with just blinds – like shuttered, draw-string slat or roman. Standard pre-made curtains come in all widths and lengths; and they are available just about anywhere online. You could have some shipped to your door today! The toughest part will be choosing from so many fabrics, colors, designs and styles available.
So, really…How do you know what to choose? Sometimes, the decision is dictated by what is in stock; and other times, budget becomes a mitigating factor. Longer length and heavier fabrics increase the price you will pay for curtains. Custom-made curtain draperies are the pinnacle of quality and style preference but often are out of reach, if you want to afford something less expensive and if you don’t have the skill to make them on your own.
AIS Designs’ Custom Print Fabrics
However, if you are skilled or creatively-inclined to try, you don’t need anyone to do make curtains for you. You can do it yourself (DIY). This article by House Beautiful takes you through some easy steps to get you well on your way. And, check out AIS Designs’ custom print fabrics to go along with your next tailored sewing project in drapery.
A step-by-step guide…set about creating a tailored, professional-looking curtain that anyone can replicate. Here’s how…
Read More At HouseBeautiful.com: How to Make Curtains
1.Measure
If you’ve ever done a DIY, you probably know at this point that the first step is to measure—and that you should really measure twice before making the first cut! For curtains, first figure out where you want your curtain rod on the wall (the closer to the ceiling, the taller they’ll seem) and secure the brackets accordingly. Then measure from the top of the curtain rod to where you want the curtain to hit. In the video above, ours ends just below the window sill. Next, measure the width of the window.
2. Cut fabric
Hall recommends adding 7 1/4 inches to both the height and width measurements to account for the top pocket and side and bottom hems. Cut a rectangle of your curtain fabric to these measurements, and then cut the lining fabric three inches shorter than the fabric (but the same width).
3. Pin and sew one side
Arranging your fabric with its front facing the lining, pin the two together to keep them in place and sew in a straight line along one side to create a hem. The edges will still be frayed, that’s fine! You’ll turn it inside out later.
4. Create lining hem
Fold 1 1/2 inches of the bottom edge of the lining fabric and 3 inches of the curtain fabric. Pin and stitch where they overlap to create the curtain’s bottom hem. If the hem seam doesn’t meet the side hem, stitch them together so there isn’t a loose flap.
5. Sew second side
Hall recommends finding the center of the fabric and lining, marking that point and pinning fabric and lining together there, and then working out from the center to the sides with the sewing machine. It’s ok if the lining fabric comes up short. Sew these together like you did the first side.
6. Flip curtain right-side out
Now that you have three sides sewn, reach into the bottom corner sand flip the curtain right side out! Trim any hanging threads and iron the seams to make them crisp. If you don’t have an iron, just press them with your fingers to come to a point.
7. Create rod pocket
Fold the top fabric over 3 1/4 inches, pin, and sew along the fabric’s edge so that a pocket forms between the top of the curtain and the stitch. Cut any loose threads.
8. Iron
Iron all seams to make sure they’re crisp, then iron the curtain all over to get rid of wrinkles.
9. Hang!
Run the curtain rod through the pocket, then hang or attach it to brackets in your wall. And voilà ! Your window is complete.
