No Sew Curtains - 1 Day and $100 DIY Project

Reframe a Window with New Drapes made from Stunning Fabric

Sep 12, 2009

There is no better way to refresh the look of a room than with new window coverings. With just one day and $100 (or less depending on fabric). a new room will emerge.

With colder weather approaching, humans tend to stay inside and hibernate. In winter, more than any other season, the focus is on interior decorating. Creating a warm, inviting and cozy interior becomes the order of the season; and there is no better way to achieve these changes than with new season appropriate curtains. For the average sized window, this project will take one day (not including shopping time) and $100 or less. Cost will be largely determined by the quality of fabric chosen to complete the project. Obviously, if silk dupioni is used instead of sheer polyester or cotton, the cost will be more.

No-Sew Window Coverings

Nothing frames a room more prominently, for good or bad, than window draperies. It instantly becomes a feature of a room that sets the tone for the rest of the space. We would all love to be able to transform our windows with the changing seasons but who can afford a set of drapes for each season? It can actually be really affordable and very easy to do even for those who cannot sew at all!

No-sew curtains are easy to make, require no sewing and can be finished in just a day or two.

Measure Windows before Buying Fabric

Measure the width of the window at the widest dimension, which in most cases is outside the case molding. Decide how long you want the curtains to be and record your length measurement from the top of the window casing to your desired length point. With measurements in hand, a trip to the local fabric shop is in order to purchase fabric and materials.

Shopping List for No Sew Curtains Project

Things to Consider When Looking for Fabric

When choosing fabric, keep in mind that larger patterns can be busy and will not evoke a state of calm, while a minute pattern that looks cute on the fabric bolt in the store, will get lost on a large 10-foot picture window. Also, consider light sources; choosing heavier fabrics where privacy is necessary or to keep light out and airy, lightweight fabrics for rooms that need to let the sunshine in. For a very full effect, 2 or 2 ½ times the measured window width is required and be sure to allow for an extra 6 inches to the window height for hemming and pole pockets.

Creating Curtains without Sewing

Back at home, start by measuring the fabric and cutting each new curtain panel. Since most fabric comes in 54 inch widths, two window panels will be sufficient for most windows. However, for larger windows, or fuller curtains, 4 or 6 panels may be needed (Hint: Windows tend to look best hung in even numbers).

Once the curtain panels are cut, heat up the iron, press a one or two inch hem crease on three sides, and a four inch hem crease on the top, which will become your rod pocket. With the hem crease in place, insert your fusible webbing one length at a time, iron for 10-20 seconds and repeat until the side and bottom hems are finished. For the top hem, be sure to leave an open loop, large enough space for your rod to slide through easily. Once cool, wash the panels on the delicate cycle to remove the webbing stiffness. Press well, hang and enjoy!

The copyright of the article No Sew Curtains - 1 Day and $100 DIY Project in Interior Decorating is owned by Tracey Drake. Permission to republish No Sew Curtains - 1 Day and $100 DIY Project in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.