Curtains
-Brother Sews Blogger
Instructions on how to make custom curtain panels that are perfect for home decor!
Shopping for the perfect curtains can be a nightmare, especially for someone who takes great pride in interior design. Each and every detail of the space has to be just right! Curtains are a huge part of a space and can elevate or downgrade it if you’re not careful.
Today I’m going to break down a couple of things that are important for you to know when looking into making your own curtains. I’m also going to show you how to make a simple curtain panel design that you can use for every room in your home. This design and the perfect fabric will have you well on your way to a beautiful home decor.
Let’s talk fabric. When choosing fabric for your curtains, there are a couple things you must consider.
1. Price. Because of the amount of fabric needed to create curtains, calculate your budget before shopping. This makes it easier to narrow down your options. Fabric per yard can get a bit pricey so, if you're able to eliminate the pricier fabrics up front, it’ll save you time.
2. Buying your fabric. It is imperative that you buy all of your fabric in one trip. Bolts come in different lot numbers which means the color may vary, so try to buy all of the yardage you need at once.
3. Quality of fabric. Consider the space you'll be creating the curtains for. Curtains can either elevate or downgrade the design of the space so be sure to choose the perfect fabric for your space.
SUPPLIES & TOOLS
- Brother Sewing Machine
- Fabric
- Matching Thread & Bobbin (Note: For this tutorial, I’ll be using a contrasting thread for visual purposes only)
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter
- Tape Measure
- Long Ruler
- Iron + Ironing Board
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Measure the width of your window. If you have an extra large window, use ⅓ of that measurement. If you have a large window, use half of that measurement. (note: Remember, we are making panels. You’ll have to make multiple panels if you are using your curtains for privacy and not decorative purposes.)
2. Measure the length of your window. This is where your designer eye comes into the play. How long do you want your curtains to be? For your curtains, you can go well above your windows and you can allow it to drape the floor.
3. Now that we have our measurements, we’ll need to add seam allowance. I’ll add a diagram below (fig c) to help those that are visual learners.
a. Add a 1” seam allowance to the width of your measurement.
b. Add 3. 5” to the length of your measurement.
4. We are going to start by hemming the sides. (fig d) It’s quite simple. Starting with the right side, fold the fabric over ¼”, then fold over again ¼” and sew in place. Press in place for a nice clean finish. Repeat on left side.
5. Now, hem the bottom repeating the same instructions as above.
6. For the top of the curtains, we’ll fold ¼” down from the top edge and we’ll fold down ¼” again. Press in place. From here, we’ll fold down 2”. (fig e) Press in place. Stitch as close the folded edge as possible to secure in place.
7. Do a final press with your ironing board and you’re finished. Create as many panels as needed to create the look that you want for your space.
Instructions on how to make custom curtain panels that are perfect for home decor!
Shopping for the perfect curtains can be a nightmare, especially for someone who takes great pride in interior design. Each and every detail of the space has to be just right! Curtains are a huge part of a space and can elevate or downgrade it if you’re not careful.
Today I’m going to break down a couple of things that are important for you to know when looking into making your own curtains. I’m also going to show you how to make a simple curtain panel design that you can use for every room in your home. This design and the perfect fabric will have you well on your way to a beautiful home decor.
Let’s talk fabric. When choosing fabric for your curtains, there are a couple things you must consider.
1. Price. Because of the amount of fabric needed to create curtains, calculate your budget before shopping. This makes it easier to narrow down your options. Fabric per yard can get a bit pricey so, if you're able to eliminate the pricier fabrics up front, it’ll save you time.
2. Buying your fabric. It is imperative that you buy all of your fabric in one trip. Bolts come in different lot numbers which means the color may vary, so try to buy all of the yardage you need at once.
3. Quality of fabric. Consider the space you'll be creating the curtains for. Curtains can either elevate or downgrade the design of the space so be sure to choose the perfect fabric for your space.
SUPPLIES & TOOLS
- Brother Sewing Machine
- Fabric
- Matching Thread & Bobbin (Note: For this tutorial, I’ll be using a contrasting thread for visual purposes only)
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter
- Tape Measure
- Long Ruler
- Iron + Ironing Board
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Measure the width of your window. If you have an extra large window, use ⅓ of that measurement. If you have a large window, use half of that measurement. (note: Remember, we are making panels. You’ll have to make multiple panels if you are using your curtains for privacy and not decorative purposes.)
2. Measure the length of your window. This is where your designer eye comes into the play. How long do you want your curtains to be? For your curtains, you can go well above your windows and you can allow it to drape the floor.
3. Now that we have our measurements, we’ll need to add seam allowance. I’ll add a diagram below (fig c) to help those that are visual learners.
a. Add a 1” seam allowance to the width of your measurement.
b. Add 3. 5” to the length of your measurement.
4. We are going to start by hemming the sides. (fig d) It’s quite simple. Starting with the right side, fold the fabric over ¼”, then fold over again ¼” and sew in place. Press in place for a nice clean finish. Repeat on left side.
5. Now, hem the bottom repeating the same instructions as above.
6. For the top of the curtains, we’ll fold ¼” down from the top edge and we’ll fold down ¼” again. Press in place. From here, we’ll fold down 2”. (fig e) Press in place. Stitch as close the folded edge as possible to secure in place.
7. Do a final press with your ironing board and you’re finished. Create as many panels as needed to create the look that you want for your space.