DIY Panel Curtains in 4 Easy Steps

Curtains have been on my to-do list of crafty projects, and I finally got to try my hand at it this weekend, thanks to my mother and father-in-law. They just moved to their new home this past September and they've done such a nice job of decorating it to feel like home. One thing they hadn't done though is add some curtains to their door. They have a good sized glass pane at the top of their door that makes looking inside their home pretty easy. They really wanted something to cover it that way peeping toms wouldn't have it so easy.

I've never made curtains before, but it seemed like a pretty simple task. I watched some videos on proper proportions for curtain making, but I had to do some major adjusting because I simply didn't have enough fabric to do it the suggested way. I found these two videos to be the most helpful in learning how to make curtains. You can check them out here and here.

Here's what you need to make these super simple, panel curtains:

Fabric (I used a Linen fabric from Hobby Lobby)
Curtain rod
Self-healing cutting mat
Rotary cutter/Scissors
Lip edge ruler
Pins
Sewing machine
Matching thread (I used polyester thread)
Iron
Ironing board
Sewing Gauge (optional)

The measurement for the area I wanted to cover was approximately 20" x 27", and I ended up sewing 3 separate panels so they could be tied during the day to let more light in.

To determine how much fabric you'll need for your project, here's what you'll want to do:

First, mount your curtain rod. Measure from rod end to rod end. Add 8 inches to this measurement (you're adding the hem) then multiply by 2 (assuming you only want 2 curtain panels). For example, if the measurement from rod end to rod end is 36, add 8 inches, then multiply by 2. So, 36 + 8 = 44. Then, 44 x 2 = 88 (each panel would be 44  inches in width, but total width of fabric would need to be 88 inches). 

Next, measure from the top of the curtain rod to the floor, or to the desired length. Add 12 inches to this measurement (again, we're adding in the hems). For example, if the measurement from the top of the curtain rod to the floor is 48 inches, add 12 inches. 48 + 12 = 60 inches. Each panel length will need to be 60 inches when you cut your fabric. Since you need 2 panels, multiply 60 by 2 to get 120 inches. Divide 120 by 36 (there are 36 inches in a yard). You'll need about 3.3 yards of fabric, or 4 yards just to be safe!

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

For this project I cut 3 separate rectangles that measured 26"x 18".

Step 2: Fold, Press, and Sew Side Hems

I wasn't able to use the above instructions when adding in hems due to limited fabric, so my hems are going to be different from yours. Don't freak out. I'll explain what you do after I explain how I did mine 😊

I pressed the long sides of the fabric over 1 inch. Then, I folded them over again and pressed another inch.

 I pinned the fabric to keep the hem in place, but you don't have to if you're comfortable not pinning it. I lined up the inside edge of the fold with the left hand side of the presser foot.

When I finished sewing both sides, it looked like this:

If you used the above calculations you'll want to press the edges over 2 inches the first time, and then 2 inches the second time for both sides (this equals the 8 inches you added to the width earlier).

Step 3: Fold, Press, and Sew Top and Bottom Hems

Next, I pressed the shorter sides of the fabric over 1.5 inches. Then, I folded the fabric over again and pressed another 1.5 inches.

I know, my manicure is awesome. 😂

Again, I pinned the fabric to keep the hem in place, but you don't have to if you're comfortable not pinning it. Line up the inside edge of the fold with the left hand side of your presser foot.

If you used the above calculations, instead of folding the top and bottom hems in 1.5 inches twice, you'll want to do it 3 inches twice (that equals the 12 inches you added to the length).

Optional: If you want your curtains to have ruffles at the top, you can sew a header. A header is just extra fabric that sits above the curtain rod. To do this, sew 1 inch below the edge of the top hem. Just be sure that the pocket where your curtain rod goes is at least double the diameter of the curtain rod.

Step 4: Hang Your Curtains

Tada! You're done! Wasn't that super simple??? If you have any wrinkles in your fabric from when you were sewing, you may want to press those out before you hang them. Now all that's left is for you to admire your handiwork. I mean, you're pretty awesome for making your own curtains. 

I'd love to see your curtain creations! Leave me a picture in the comments so I can admire your hard work!

Until next time!

-Jor 😁