You can save money while getting unique curtains/curtains by sewing them yourself. You just need to hem both sides and bottom of the fabric, sew a special bisban/ribbon on top, and you're done! The step-by-step guide in this article shows you how easy it is to make curtains.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Fabric
Step 1. Choose the type of fabric according to the lighting effect you want
Since they will not be covered, the curtains may still get a little bit of sunlight.
- For the lightest curtain look, opt for lace or very sheer fabrics. Both types of materials allow most of the sunlight to enter while still displaying simple colors and motifs.
- If you want to block out the sun, look for thick linens. Even uncoated, heavy linen will reduce the amount of light that penetrates, making the room much darker.
- If you choose patterned fabrics, look for fabrics that are patterned only on one side or have the same pattern on both sides. Fabrics with different motifs on both sides will look very confusing when sunlight penetrates them, because the two motifs will be seen simultaneously.
- Using fabrics with a high thread count (commonly abbreviated as TC-threaded density of threads per square inch), such as 500+, will cost more, but the very tight weave can withstand most of the sun's rays.
Step 2. Choose the texture of the fabric
Although you won't be touching the curtains often, the texture of the fabric gives it a different look when the curtains are hung and exposed to light.
- Cotton and polyester are the most widely used fabrics for curtains, and are also the easiest to sew.
- Avoid using silk or satin fabrics, as they will fade when exposed to sunlight.
- Sewing knitted fabric is very difficult because it will stretch when pulled. In addition, the elastic nature of the knitwear will also cause it to begin to accumulate on the floor after hanging.
- Do not choose a fabric that is too hard / stiff, because it will not dangle when hung. An example of this is tile, which offers a choice of beautiful thin fabrics, but is too hard (not flexible).
Step 3. Get creative with the fabric of your choice
To get good fabric, you don't have to buy it at a fabric store; contact thrift stores, antique stores, and thrift stores.
- Try to find an old (vintage) tablecloth that fits the size of the window. This material offers an attractive stylish look to your room.
- The use of patterned sheets is an inexpensive alternative to buying meters of fabric. You can look for new or vintage bed sheets at an antique or thrift store.
Method 2 of 3: Making Seamless Seamless Curtains
Step 1. Hang the curtain rod
To know where to measure the fabric, you need to know how high you want the curtain rod to hang.
- To create the impression of height on the ceiling, hang the curtain rod as close to the ceiling as possible, or higher than the top window sill, about 30 cm or more.
- If you want the curtain to hang over the floor, measure the fabric 15–30 cm longer than the total length of the curtain, from the curtain rod to the floor surface.
Step 2. Measure the width of the fabric
The width of the fabric may vary depending on the appearance of the curtains you want.
- If you want the curtain panels to cover the entire window, each piece of fabric should measure half the width of the window plus 5 cm. For example, if the window is 122 cm wide, each piece of fabric must measure 61 cm plus the extra width (5 cm), so each is 66 cm.
- If the curtain panels are decorative only, measure the fabric to 1/4 the total width of the window.
Step 3. Measure the hem
You should measure the width of the hem, about a centimeter on each side of the fabric. Next you have to make the hem by folding the edges of the fabric, resulting in a neat curtain edge.
Step 4. Use a ribbon/tape on one side of the curtain
The tape should meet the edge of the fabric where the hem will begin, so you can fold the edges of the fabric and use the tape to reinforce the crease.
Step 5. Use an iron to attach the bisban to the fabric
Make sure that the folds of the fabric are straight, and make a hem at the edges of the fabric by tucking the tape between them. Iron the top of the fold so that the heat can glue the bisban to both surfaces of the fabric.
Step 6. Continue ironing the four edges of the fabric
If needed, do additional ironing on the bisban at the corners to make it stick.
Step 7. Attach the clip ring
Place the clip rings along the top of the curtains evenly spaced so that the curtains hang evenly.
Step 8. Hang your curtains
Thread the clip ring along the length of the curtain rod and adjust the hanging according to your aesthetic taste. Enjoy!
Method 3 of 3: Making Seamless Curtains Using a Sewing Machine
Step 1. Measure the fabric as needed
Like making blinds without seams, you need to determine how wide the section of the window you want to cover and then add additional width for the seams.
- Add about 15 cm wide at the top of the curtain to make a hole for inserting the curtain rod.
- Compared to adhesive seams, sewing the seams requires less additional fabric width to fold, so you are free to reduce the edges of the fabric for folding to just a few centimeters, at least 2 cm.
Step 2. Fold and iron the hem
You should make a clear seam crease to make it easier to sew. Keep the hem in position by pinning straight pins.
Step 3. Sew the long side of the curtain
You can sew them by hand or with a sewing machine, but the latter option will save you a lot of time. Sew the hem you ironed while removing the pin.
Step 4. Sew the wide side of the curtain
Do the same as you would the long side of the curtain, ironing the seams and removing the pins when sewing.
Step 5. Attach a ribbon/ribbon to the top of the curtain
Measure the bisban to the width of the curtain, then press it with an iron against the top of the curtain panel. The bisban will harden the edges of the top curtain, making it more sturdy when hanging.
Step 6. To make a hole, fold the top of the curtain 15 cm wide
If the curtain rod is larger, adjust the size of the hole by widening the crease at the top of the curtain.
Step 7. Sew the top edge of the curtain to make a hole
Make sure the holes are even, otherwise the curtain rods will be difficult to pass or the curtains will dangle unevenly.
Step 8. Hem the bottom of the curtain
Lower the curtain and make a double hem on the marked long side, then press it down with an iron.
- To make a neat finish to the bottom corner, unfold the seam as well as the hem on both sides (unstitched hem).
- Make angled creases at the corners, then carefully fold back the previously turned hem to form a 'diagonal corner'. Sew the hem and diagonal seams by hand (if you're in a hurry, use a sewing machine).
Step 9. Hang your curtains
Insert the curtain rod through the hole you made, and let the curtain hang down to your liking. Enjoy your new curtains!
Tips
- Re-measurement before cutting the fabric, otherwise you may incur extra costs.
- Before combining the curtain widths, spread the fabric across the floor to make sure the pattern fits.
- The easiest way to cut a piece of fabric straight is to line up the selvage (the weave on the edge of the fabric made by the manufacturer to prevent the fabric from unraveling) with one of the edges of the table-the edge of the table should be at right angles for the cutting reference.
