Curtians

We all reach a point in our home decorating where we wish for new window treatments. We recently had all new windows installed in our home and I told my husband I wanted new curtains to go with our new window. I began looking at department stores for curtains I liked, and was shocked at the price! Evidently I have expensive taste, as all the treatments I desired were in the 50-60 dollar range! I am going to tell you how I made four full sized curtains and valances for 40 dollars.

This tutorial will assume that you know how to run a straight stitch on a standard sewing machine

1. Measure your windows - The old saying measure twice and cut one applies here! Chances are that if you are making window treatments you will be buying a large amount of fabric. Begin by measuring the height of the window. Then add 1 inch for seam allowance on the bottom hem. You must also add allowance for the casing at the top that the curtain will run through. As a standard rule I allow 5 inches. Next measure the width of your windows. In newer homes a 45-inch wide cloth will generally be sufficient to make 2 panels. If you have an older home (like mine) or like very full curtains you may need to use wider fabric or cut two 45-inch wide pieces for each window. Figure your yardage like this.

45-inch fabric -

If you have three windows that are 53 inches tall -

Add 6 inches for hems and casings = 60 inches

Number of windows times inches needed

3 x 60 = 180 inches

180 divided by 36 inches (there are 36 inches in a yard) = 5

You need 5 yards

If you would like to add a window valance figure like this-

20 inch long valance add 5 inches for casing = 25 inches

25 x 3 windows = 75 inches

** If you are making tiebacks for the curtains add about 30 inches to your total measurement.**

75 inches divided by 36 inches = 2.08 yards. I would get 2 and a half.

If you would like fuller more bunched looking valances figure the yardage as above and double.

2. Selecting fabric - There are many things to consider when selecting fabric. Do you like light to filter in? Do you like things dark and private? Will you need to wash the curtains on a regular basis (such as kitchen curtains)?

Be sure to look at the special sales in your local fabric store, and check e-bay too. I found my curtain fabric for 50 cents a yard at a local sale.

3. Now that you have bought your curtain fabric cut each piece to 60 inches.

*** If you are making two panels from one width of fabric fold the fabric in half and gently iron. Cut with pinking shears and follow these directions***

Hem a straight stitch down both sides. Then, because the edges may be seen when pulled back fold the seam over and stitch again. This is called a rolled seam. Add a rolled seam to the bottom of your curtains also. At the top of the curtain run a regular seam, then fold over 2 inches of fabric, pin and run another seam to create the casing. Now you have a curtain panel! Sew another panel in the same manner to match.

4. Valance toppers - These instructions are for creating simple triangular valances. ***If you are seeking a cleaner, less bunched look cut one valance from 45-inch wide fabric. If you like a bunched look cut one half of a valance from each 45 inch wide fabric.***

Less bunched instructions - Decide how long you would like your valance to be and add 5 inches for casing. Fold valance fabric in half-length wise, measure down the fold and pin at desired point.

Example -

20-inch long valance

20 inches plus 5 inches for casing = 25 inches

Measure down the fold and put a pin at 25 inches.

Now go to the edge of the fabric, measure down 5 inches and put a pin. Using a straight edge pin or mark a diagonal line on the fabric between the two points.

Cut along the diagonal line. Roll hem the diagonal cuts, and sew casing the same as you would a regular curtain.

*** For fuller bunched valances fold fabric in half lengthwise, seam the two pieces together in the center and follow the above sewing directions***

You can add small tassels, trim or other baubles to the valances.

You can also cut and hem rectangular pieces from the valance fabric to use as tie backs for a nice polished professional look.