How to use fabric to make your own curtains

Making your own curtains - with lining we may add, is a relatively easy project to take on. If you already have experience using a sewing machine then you are going to find this easy-peasy! By using a sewing machine, the time taken to make lined curtains is not much different to making those without. With the guide given below, nobody will even guess that you made your curtains they'll think you have bought ready made curtains - but you will probably want to tell everyone your secret.

Read our fourth post in the fabric facelift series to learn how to make your very own lined curtains. You will probably want to set aside a day if you include shopping for fabric and lining, the cost will depend mostly on the fabric you choose but you can expect to pay around five pound for each metre of lining.

Here is a list of the things you will need to have to complete this project at home: Your chosen fabric, interlining fabric for curtains, heading tape for curtains, a measuring tape, fabric scissors, a sewing machine, a needle and some thread, pins and a pencil.

1) Measure Curtains

Measure out the amount of fabric and lining you will need to make your curtains. Measure the curtain lengths using pins or a pencil to mark them. Cut out the lengths of fabric, being sure that if you are using patterned that you begin at the same point for each curtain. When joining widths together, pin the pieces along the selvages with the right sides facing. Then, stitch them together with a 2 ½ centimetre seam. Press down the seams and then make a little snip every forty-five centimetres at the selvages.

2) Measuring the Lining

You will need the same amount of lining as you do curtain fabric; on measuring it out, cut and then join the lining. For each piece of lining you will need to trim five centimetres one one of the sides.

3) Curtain to Lining

Lay your material and lining out so that it is placed with the right sides together, making sure the side edges meet - you will notice that your curtain fabric will not lay flat at this point as it has more width, but this is how it should be. With a seam of 2 ½ centimetres, stitch the sides using your sewing machine. Press down the seams and then make a little snip every forty-five centimetres at the selvages. Place the curtain so that it is on its right side and press, making sure the lining is neat and central at the back.

4) Attaching The Heading Tape

From the top of the curtain, turn under three centimetres and press. Taking the heading tape, make a knot into one end of the cords and then pin it along the top edge of the curtain, covering any raw edges. Fold the short part of the tape under and then stitch using a sewing machine, stitching each of the edges. Apply the tape to fit the width of the curtain and then knot the cords.

5) The Hems

Undo the side hems at the bottom of the curtain and then continue with completing the main hem. Manoeuvre the lining so that it is 2 ½ centimetres shorter than your curtain and trim off any excess before sewing the hem by hand. If you want to make something extra special - perhaps you want coloured lining or a patterned curtain fabric, look for curtain fabric where the choice is at its most extensive.