New Curtains - Tutorial

Since moving into our new place, we hated the curtains that were in the lounge/dining room, and since we can never find ones we like I went about making our own!

This is what was on the windows. BORING!!!!!!!!!

Now what is on the windows!

So here is how:

First of all measure your windows, this way you know they will fit. Essentially you want the top to be where the curtain rod goes through and the bottom to line up with the bottom of the window architraves or wherever you want the bottom of the curtain to be. I decided to just use the width of natural drill fabric x 2 to make a pair of curtains, as I wanted a slightly gathered look. 

Next pick your colours, I used 6 cotton homespun for the top and bottom and natural drill for the bulk of the curtain.

 

Now for a bit of maths. Take the width of your fabric you are using for each curtain and divide it by the number of colour pieces you are using, in my case 6.  Then add 1cm.  (0.5cm seam allowance) This will give you the size of the square you need to cut out of each coloured fabric 4 times. To make cutting the squares easier I made a simple template out of cardboard.

Still using your maths skills, work out how much of the bulk fabric you need. Taking your measurement of where you want the curtains to end, minus the size of your square then add 1cm. This will be the size of your bulk fabric including a 0.5cm seam allowance.

Cut out your squares and the bulk material.

Sew your squares together. You will end up with 4 sets of sewn squares (One for each top and bottom)

I probably should have ironed it but anywho lol

Sew a small hem on each end.

Now fold the strips in half WRONG sides together and pin it to the RIGHT side of the bulk material. TIP: mark the middle of the bulk fabric and work outwards so they are in the middle :)

Sew the coloured strips onto the bulk material. I used an overlocker/serger to sew them together. If you do not have one just straight stitch and zig zag the edges no biggy.

Repeat with the bottom and the other curtain.

2nd last step (I promise) if the bulk fabric is slightly wider than the coloured strips, hem the sides.

LAST STEP: Hang the curtains, sit back and admire your handwork!

I am now in the planning stage of some roman blinds, in a similar style for the bedroom. Will post when complete also.