Give any space a touch of elegance when you learn how to make sheer curtains from scratch. You should know by now that sheer curtains are thin, airy, and lightweight materials that suit any background and are a perfect fit for creating relaxing environments.
Make your own sheer curtain using a long piece of fabric and hem the sides together. It’s a pretty simple process. All you need is a little bit of patience, basic sewing skills, and a complete list of sewing equipment.
Sheer curtains
These light and elegant pieces of fabric are brilliant at keeping the room well-lit and calm, especially during hot summer afternoons. They also give you an ample amount of privacy so that outsiders can’t entirely see through the inside.
Some fabrics that manufacturers use to make sheer curtains include linen, faux linen, voile, silk, lace, chiffon, and many more. In short, if the fabric is a little bit translucent, light, and creates a breathable feel, then it’s probably sheer fabric. Let’s look at how to make sheer curtains to give our spaces a touch of elegance.
Step 1: Measure your window
For this DIY project, you will need a significant amount of your chosen fabric. However, before we go fabric shopping, it might be best to get those measuring tapes first. Take note of your window dimensions and rod-to-floor height.
Decide how long you want your drapery to be. Some people prefer their sheer curtains to end just an inch or two below the window sill. Others would love a luxurious floor-length curtain. The height does a lot to manipulate the size of your space.
Floor-length curtains are more elegant and give the illusion of taller windows and higher ceilings. Shorter curtains provide a more casual and relaxed look. They are perfect for windows that have a window seat or furniture that is blocking the wall surface.
Step 2: Measure and cut the fabric
Using the dimensions of your window, determine the height and width of your curtain. Take note that when computing for the width, the curtains should not match the window’s exact measurement. Instead, multiply the width by 1.5 or 2, depending on the fullness of the curtain.
If you are using two or three panels, divide the width (already multiplied by the fullness) by the number of panels. For instance, a width of 32” and fullness of 2 should give you 64”. Divide the product by the number of panels based on your preference. The width for each panel should be 32” assuming that you have two panels, 21.34 for three panels, and so on.
Take out your scissors and cut the fabric into the panels. You can use a pencil and ruler to mark the lines before cutting them. Don’t forget to add extra inches for the hemming on all sides. You should also consider the curtain head allowance and add it to the overall length.
Note: If you want rod pocket curtains, you may want to add more length at the top to accommodate the rod.
Step 3: Hem the curtain.
Start by folding your side seams. Do a double fold for a more professional look and iron the fabric to define the crease. Use your sewing pin to hold it in place while you run the cloth under the sewing machine. You can use longer stitches to make the process quicker. Do the same on both sides. Repeat for the top and bottom.
For basic curtains, we can do a rod pocket. Fold the top of the curtain so that it fits your rod’s diameter. Pin and sew the fabric in place. Another way is to add your own tabs by attaching strips of fabric at the top or back of the curtain. The tabs will let you slip the curtain onto the rod and hold it in place.
Step 4: Hanging
If you chose a non-hardware method of hanging curtains, slip the fabric onto the rod and hang it on the bracket. You can steam iron the curtain to give it a more streamlined finish. Add pleats, tiebacks, or other curtain accessories to complete the look.
For curtains that need hardware like clip rings and drapery hooks, attach them at the top of the curtain. Slip the hardware onto the rod and make as many manual adjustments as necessary.
Tips in handling sheer curtains
You can add any decorations to make your sheer curtains look even better. Try layering them with heavier and thicker drapes to give your room more privacy. If you’re tired of regularly hung sheer curtains, you can always go for a window scarf type of look.
Get rid of any unpleasant-looking wrinkles using steam iron or a regular spray bottle with water. Be careful when treating the folds with heat, as the sheer fabric is sensitive and can burn quickly. Adjust the iron to the lowest heat setting before pressing the fabric.
Overall, sheer curtains are straightforward to style. They are versatile, and learning how to make sheer curtains should be an enjoyable venture, especially if you are new to the world of sewing. After all, curtains are a fantastic decoration element that serves visual aesthetics and practical functions like providing us with privacy, shade, and proper insulation.