Curtain Sewing Directions

Why indulge into expensive window drapes when you can design your own personalized curtains, easily and economically? Whether you are planning to restore your home décor or just wish to replace your old drapes with new ones, stitching your own curtains, rather than going for ready-made ones, may be just fun. What’s more, you can cut and drape it as per your taste and jazz up your personal space like never before. Curtains don’t just add to the appeal of your home, they assist in shielding your home from sunlight and at times, nosey neighbors as well. Often readymade curtains miss out on certain key features and may not fit your criteria. In that case the best option is to stitch your own window drapes. If you think that stitching curtains is a cumbersome task, think again! This step-by-step guide on how to stitch curtains is sure to challenge your belief. All you will need is a fabric to complement your requirements, a pair of scissors, measuring tapes, sewing machine, and a touch of creativity to get going. Read on for more.

How To Sew Curtains

Before you get started with the scissors and tapes, figuring out the perfect window drape to fit your need and decor may help. While cotton, linen, lace, taffeta and gauze are wonderful options, if you are looking out for cozy effect, heavier drapes like satin, silk, velvet or jacquard weaves will just add to the privacy and elegance of your space.
Once you have zeroed down on the fabric, assessing the length of your window might help you find the right measure for your window drapes. Multiply the horizontal measurement by two for the length of fabric and add eight inches to the vertical measurement. Also, if you are using cotton or linen, washing them before sewing may save you from a shrunk curtain later.
Once you have measured the window, use a marker to mark the areas that needs to be cut. For double-paneled window, you will need to cut the fabric into two equal halves. Remember to leave an inch or two along the edges for hems. For single paneled windows and doors, it’s best to keep your curtain as one single sheet.
If you wish to add lining to your curtains, it's best to cut the lining fabric of the same length as your curtain and then pin them together with their wrong sides facing each other. Now, using a sewing machine, sew the edges of the two materials together.
Next, fold the edges of your drape at least half inch backwards and hem sew the two long sides and one short side with sewing machine, leaving one short side unstitched. If you wish to add drapery weights at the lower end of the curtain, keep the other short end unstitched too.
You will need curtain rods and hooks to hang your drapes. You can also use curtain loop to hang your drape. For that, you will need to fold the top end of your curtain towards the back and stitch it. A 1 inch wide rod will need a 2 inch pocket. So, before you stitch the pocket, roll the top end of the curtain around the rod and mark out the lines to allow maximum room for the rod to slide in.
If you wish to have button cloth hooks for your curtains, instead of the ready-made plastic or steel ones, you will need to cut out straps from your drapery. Cut out equal-sized drapes. The number of straps you will need will depend on the width of your curtain. Sew a button each at one end of the strap and stitch the straps at equal distance on the wrong side of your curtain. Don’t forget to make buttonholes at the top edge of your curtain, as per the size of your straps and buttons.
If you are attaching drapery weights on the bottom end, sew the weights on the wrong side of the curtain, keeping the stitch close to the edges. After sewing the weights throughout the length, close the lower edge rearward and sew it. Your personalized curtains are ready to grace the windows!

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