Fabric Choices
Choosing your fabric is one of the first steps to sewing your own curtains. There are other things to look for aside from the color you want, including fabric weight, thickness, and grain. Learn about sewing fabric before you go shopping so you know what to look for besides a pretty color or print.
Fabric 101 Everything you need to understand fabric grain and grainline Fabric characteristics: nap, wovens and knits, one-way designs, plaids, diagonal prints and stripes, and fabric choices for first-time sewing
Cutting and Measuring
Being familiar with tools for measuring and cutting fabric is helpful in making sure that your end results are straight, even, and professional-looking. Although most people think of rotary cutting tools as a quilter’s tool, they are perfect for keeping things square when you are sewing your own curtains.
Sewing tools and equipment How to use rotary cutting tools
How Much Fabric to Buy
The size of the window, along with hems and headers, dictates how much fabric you will need. Learn everything you need to take into consideration before you make your fabric purchase because the last thing you want is to finish sewing your curtains and realize they’re too small for your windows.
How to calculate fabric needs to sew simple panel curtains
Your Sewing Machine
It’s important to understand your sewing machine and how to sew a basic seam before you start sewing your own curtains. Learn about sewing machine guides so you can sew a straight line. Don’t let a sewing machine win a frustration battle; know how to troubleshoot when the machine seems like it has a mind of its own.
Sewing machine seam guides Sewing machine troubleshooting Learn to sew a seam
Sewing Terms
Sewing might seem like it has a different language until you understand sewing terms and the equipment and parts that are referenced in the directions for your pattern.
Parts of a Sewing Machine
Choosing the Type of Curtain
If this is the first time you are sewing with a sewing machine, start simple. A basic straight curtain panel or valance is a great place to start before you tackle more complicated projects.
Free patterns to sew your own curtains and window treatments
Making Lined Drapes
Taking the extra step of lining your drapes gives them a more polished, professional appearance. This technique is also useful when you want to make blackout curtains for a bedroom. Although it takes a little more time, you can still finish the project in a day.
How to sew expensive-looking professional lined drapes in a day
