How to make curtains for your own home !

"The first step before you start to make curtains is deciding what kind of window treatment you would like to create ?"

Amateurs want to see the "Best amateur window treatments design" sent in by other visitors, or maybe send us yours ?

Professionals want to see the "Best professional window treatments designs" sent in by other curtain makers, or maybe like to promote your business for FREE ?

Got some experience making or fitting curtains ? Then why not help others by taking a look at some of the questions that have been submitted recently. Then if you can help with a bit of advice then post your own comment. Please don't be afraid to disagree with me. It has been known for me to wrong on occasion (obviously hardly ever ;-) )Just click on
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Real world example

Want to see a fantastic bay window. All made and put together by a first timer simply by following my easy guide on how to make curtains Click here. Afterward come back and read this page.

Have an expert show you exactly how to make beautiful pleated curtains

As much as I know how to make curtains of all kinds my friend Jennifer Thoden is a master of the art. She has been teaching people how to make all kinds of soft furnishings for many years. If you would like to make truly professional looking curtains then she can help you.

Don't know how to sew ?

Then for the people who know nothing about sewing machines we have a special section all for you. Easy make curtains. Simple no sew curtains. Hard pelmets that require no sewing skills. Also simple no sew swag scarfs. So with no curtain making skills by following this simple guide, you can make curtains in no time.

unlined curtains

Unlined curtains the simplest place to start. A simple panel of fabric hemmed on the sides and bottom. Then fold over the top and sew on your pencil pleat tape. Thats the curtain finished.

Lined curtains

A bit more time consuming than unlined curtains but to complicated to make. The benefits are protecting your curtains from the sun. Also they drape better with a sewn in lining.

Simple valances

A simple valance even a beginner can make. Can be sewn or use wonder web fusible tape with an iron. Once made simply gather the tape and hang.

Hard pelmets and cornices

Upholstered Pelmets and cornices are very contemporary. They take a bit of time to put together but are very simple. Once you get the hang you can make different shapes and trims.

Scarf swags

Scarf swags another simple to make but stylish window toper. You can hang on a rod or pole. You can also use swag holders to suspend it over your window.

Learn how to make roman shades ?

Love to make your own professional looking roman shades ? Then learn how to even if you have never sewn a stitch in your life ! Just click here on Easy roman shades to find out more.

Still unsure then checkout the curtain gallery

If not really sure what style of window treatment you want to make then the gallery page is a good place to start. This will give you some inspiration. I have done some general design rules for different rooms in your home. Well worth a look before you leap in. Most of it boils down to basic common sense.
Ultimately the most important rule is: If you really like it then just go for it. After all you're the one who has to look at it every day.

Before you start to cut your curtain fabric

You will need an area in which to make curtains. Laying out your fabric ready for measuring and cutting. If your not lucky enough to have a very large table, then the next best place is the floor. Make sure it nice and clean, wood or tiled floors are the best.

Try not to use a carpeted floor as it's difficult to lay your fabric out properly and to get an accurate measurement.

Next you will need a steel tape measure, preferably with a wide blade. It makes it easier to read and easier to use

Then next on the list is a pair of curtain scissors. A little bigger than standard scissors and made for cutting fabric. You can use standard scissors, it's just not quite as easy to cut the fabric. Then a pencil or tailors chalk to mark your fabric.

Curtain making sundries

You will need some long pins to hold your seems in place before you sew. Then a selection of needles to sew with, most haberdashery stores will sell packs with multiple sizes. Then some sewing thread in various colors again your local haberdashery store will sell starter packs with small spools of thread in various colors.

Curtain header Tape:

Pencil pleat tape is best to start with at your local haberdashery store you will be able to buy this by the meter, rather than a 50 meter roll. In an ideal world you would machine sew the tape onto the top of your curtain. Don't worry if you do not have a sewing machine or the experience to use one. You can hand sew the tape on to the top of your curtain.

Want to make curtains with just an iron ?

There is a 3rd alternative that is available today. That is an iron on pencil pleat tape that will do for all but the heaviest curtains. Click on No sew curtains on the navbar above. Talk about make life simple.

Really serious about making curtains ?

Then check out this complete curtain making workstation. Click on the image to the left to see this one and others. It will open in a new window. This page will stay below.

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