Curtains add elegance and beauty to our homes. Any house or room without a curtain looks ugly and unkempt. In this article, I will share a super simple method on how to hand sew curtains and stick around with you.
We’ll get started in just a minute. You will have many methods when it comes to making curtains.
Single panel and double panel limed. Long short, you can make curtains that hang using a rod pocket, or maybe they hang from clips or using grommets with some simple sewing skills.
You can make any of them today, though. I’m going to show you how to hand sew curtains with a rod pocket.
Steps on Hand Sewing Curtains
Here’s a list of materials you’ll need when planning on how to hand sew curtains:
- Fabric
- Thread to match fabric
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- A clear ruler
- Straight pins
- A seam gauge
- An iron
- A measuring tape
- A curtain rod
You can use any fabric for making curtains, from something sheer to heavy tapestry fabric. Be sure to visit the fabric department to get your favorite or if you want to choose something that complements your room’s decor.
Before we cut out any fabric, we first want to install the curtain rod. You can install it as high above the window as you want and as far beyond the width of the window as you wish.
Just keep in mind that the curtains will not be any further out than where the curtain rod’s brackets are.
Step #1: Measurement
Now you’ll take some measurements to see how much fabric you need to cut first. Measure from bracket to bracket to find the width.
Add two more inches on top of that number to account for the hems you’ll need to make. Next, you need to measure the length. Start from where the curtain rod hangs and measure to where you want the curtain to end.
Add 10 inches to this number to account for the hems. You need to make a two-inch double hem at the top that will be your rod pocket and a three-inch double hem at the bottom.
Step #2: Cutting
Using a rotary cutter on a cutting mat to get the straightest lines possible, but you could just as easily use fabric scissors if that’s what you’re comfortable using. Once your fabric is cut out, you’re ready to sew.
Step #3: Start sewing
Let’s start with the long side hems. Here you’re going to sew a half-inch double hem.
Fold your fabric to 1 inch and use a seam gauge to make sure you have that 1 inch. Fold all the way across as you move your seam gauge across the fold, checking the measurements.
Use an iron and press the fold. As you go, next fold the raw edge into the crease resulting in a 1/2 inch.
Fold press, as you fold, secure your fabric by inserting pins perpendicular instead of parallel to the bottom edge. Now you’re ready to sew with a needle and thread.
So right along the inner, fold with a straight stitch starting and ending with the backstitch. This completes your first half inch.
Once you’ve completed the hem on one side, double hem, repeat all the same steps to complete the hymn on the long opposite side of the curtain.
Once you’re sewed on both sides with thread and needle, you’re going to sew along the top edge of your curtain. Now, this will be a two-inch double hem, and it’s going to serve as the rod pocket for your curtain.
Use these steps for both sides of the curtain but instead fold the fabric up to four inches.
Check the measurement across the fold with your seam gauge pressing as you go. Fold the fabric into the crease to give you a two-inch fold.
Press pin and sew along the inner fold to complete that four-inch double hem.
Note: the size of the hem should remain open so the curtain rod can slide in
Step #4: Hem
The last step on how to hand sew curtains is hemming. Hem the bottom edge of your curtain. You’ll make a 3-inch double hem here. Press the fabric with your iron as you use the seam gauge to check the fold.
This is to give you a three-inch fold. Secure your fabric with straight pins before you begin to sew.
Now sew along the inner fold with a straight stitch starting and finishing up with a backstitch.
Step #5: Install the Curtain
Insert the curtain rod of your choice into the rod pockets, and all that’s left to do is hang your curtains. How cute are they, and they were so simple to make yourselves with your curtain.
Conclusion
This way, you can easily change up the look if you want by taking the rod out of the rod pocket and hanging the curtains using clips instead.
You have to give this method a try; it’s so simple, plus you get the luxury of making curtains out of any fabric you want and any length you want. I hope this write has helped you on how to hand sew curtains easily.