Here is another tutorial on how to make simple lined curtain panels for any window in your home. This method is so easy to make and you will love the look and feel of your room once you hang these with pride. It requires two different fabrics, a curtain rod and a Phillips screwdriver or drill.
Last weekend I whipped up some simple curtains for my bedroom window. This window is very wide and looks out onto our backyard. The way I’ve been making my curtains is to make two panels, sew them together with wrong side fabric facing me and leaving a 15″ opening to turn it right side out. Then top stitch around the edge. Either folding the top of the panels over by 5″ to form rod pocket or making a rod pocket sleeve.
Let’s jump right into the tutorial.
How to Make Simple Lined Curtain Panels – To Do List
Measure your window, width and length and then add 8″ to both. I always hang my curtains so they an extra 4″ above and below the window and on both sides of the window frame.
Also, if you want really full curtains you can double the width, or add 1.5 times the width. Then divide that number in half for the curtain width for each panel. You will make two curtain panels.
This last step is very important to get the perfect sized curtains. When using a curtain rod, you will need to fold the top of each panel over to make a pocket for the rod to slide through. Don’t make the pocket too tight or else you will have trouble opening and closing the curtains. It’s best to have 5″ as the pocket opening so add an extra 5″ to the length to allow for the pocket rod.
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Grab a copy of my Quilt Planning Journal, filled with graph paper and some note pages to help you design at least 4 quilts or sewing projects! I have been using mine and love it. Just jotting down ideas, reminders about websites or fabrics, general inspiration. Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished quilts and enjoy your creative process!
Lined Curtain Panels – Sewing Instructions
Materials
Fabric: You can pick any fabric you like but my curtains are made with cotton fabric bought at the local fabric store.
Curtain rods: You can find these on Amazon or at Target—whichever fits your style. Just make sure you get rods for the width you need.
Soft Tape Measure: Accurate measurements are key!
Phillips Screwdriver or Power Drill: To hang the curtain rod.
Cut Your Fabric
Here is how to calculate the curtain panel sizes. These are your cutting measurements when done.
Measure the entire width of the window, starting 4 to 6 inches before and after the window.
For full curtains, take the total width and divide in half. Take that number and add it to the measurement for width of window.
Take this measurement and divide by 2. This is how wide each panel needs to be.
Measure the length of the window, starting 4 inches before the window and below. Add 5 inches to this for the rod pocket. This is how long each panel needs to be.
Cut or piece together your main fabric and your backing fabric to create two panel using the measurements from above.
Sew Together
Press all four curtain panel pieces with iron: left curtain panel, right curtain panel and backing panels for both. Place each curtain panel right side onto each curtain backing panel and pin in place. (See photo below)
Then sew all the way around using a 1/2 inch seam allowance leaving a small opening about 15 inches wide to turn the curtain panels inside out.
Place the main fabric on top of backing fabric, right sides facing each other and pin in place with sewing pins or clips. I also used safety pins to hold the entire panel together so it would not shift while sewing.
Sew all the way around the outside using 1/2″ seam allowance, leave a 15″ opening to turn the panels right side out. (See photo below)
Pull the curtain inside out using the small opening, inserting your hand into the opening and grabbing the curtain to pull through.
Use a chop stick or boning tool poke out the corners and run it along the seam line to flatten it out and reshape curtain panel.
Close the opening by folding both sides in by 1/2″, pin in place, then sew the opening closed. Backstitch at the beginning and end.
You can place quilt lines horizontally or vertically to hold the panel fabrics in place or you can hand tie with yarn for a cottage core vibe. If sewing in place, do this before you add the pocket sleeve to the curtains.
Top Stitch
Now sew 1/2 inch seam allowance around the outside edge of the curtains. You can stop here but I like to do a second top stitch but this time with 1/4 inch seam allowance. (See photo below)
Make Rod Pocket
Here are two ways to do this. The easiest way is to fold the fabric over 5 to 6 inches (or enough for your curtain rod to slide through and have spare room) at the top of the curtain panel then attach with 1/4″ seam allowance.
The second way is to make a pocket and attach is to the back of the curtain panels. This is a great option if you don’t have enough main fabric to fold over 5 to 6 inches. That’s the issue I faced when making my curtains. Cut a strip of your backing fabric the full width of each panel and add 1 inch (seam allowance for both ends). The width of the strip should be 10 inches or wide enough for your curtain rod to slide through and have extra space for opening and closing. (See photo below)
Let’s clean up the raw edges of the strip first. Fold all sides in 1/2 inch and sew in place using 1/4 inch seam allowance. Fold the strip in half and line up with the top edge of the curtain panel on the back side. Attach the top using 1/4 inch seam allowance. Then repeat for the bottom of the pocket to really secure it in place. Do not sew the sides of the pocket closed or else you won’t be able to slide the curtain rod in it. I actually did this the first time I made curtains but don’t forget.
Slide both curtain panels onto the curtain rod. Install the curtain hardware using power drill or screwdriver. Then hang your curtains and enjoy!
If you enjoyed this, you may also like these tutorials:
Double Sided Patchwork Blanket
How Much Fabric for a Pillowcase
How to Sew a Pillowcase With Flap in 15 Minutes
Heat Proof Recycled Denim Potholders
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Tips and Tricks
You will want to wash your curtains from time to time so securing the top and back of the panels is important. You can machine stitch lines or a pattern to secure going from edge to edge. Another way is the hand tie the curtains using embroidery thread or cotton/acrylic yarn.
Choose your fabrics thoughtfully. Curtains change the look and feel of your room. The darker the fabrics, the darker your room will feel and visa versa if you use lighter fabrics. Also, if you use a light fabric for the back of the panel (or lining) then the curtains may be see through at night.
The rod pocket needs to have ample room in order for you to be able to slide the curtains open and closed. My sample curtains are too tight and it’s really hard to slide them. That’s because I didn’t have enough fabric for the top of my curtains so I made a sash for this rod pocket and attached it to the back of the curtain in the same fabric as the back of the panel. I also had to other measurements, these curtains only hang 2″ above my window and they still look great.
My front fabric had a tiny whole that I only noticed after I had sewn the panels together. I cut out a basic heart by folding a piece of fabric in half and cutting out half a heart. Then unfolded for the full heart and top stitched for a raw applique patch. I love it!
Tie backs are another great addition for homemade curtains. You can install a wooden peg 4 inches from the window and just pull the curtains to rest behind it during the day. Pull them closed at night. You could also sew a shorter strip like the one used for the rod pocket and use it as a sash to pull the curtains back. Use your imagination and have fun!
ABOUT SEW NIKKI
If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! My name is Nikki. I’m a weekend quilter, have a super small sewing space and taught myself how to sew and quilt by watching YouTube videos! My blog has How-To’s, Free Patterns and Pattern Reviews. Read more about me here.
I’m absolutely addicted to making curtains now for my home and you will be too! Please post photos if you make these and use #SewNikkiCurtains.
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