Window treatments are expensive. This is partly because of fabric markups, which jack the price of fabric up even before it’s turned into curtains, draperies and valances. You can get around this by purchasing fabric from Cutting Corners, Interior Fabrics, and Fabric Resource. Even if you’re not good with a sewing machine, you can quickly turn this fabric into lovely DIY window covers.
Picking Fabrics
Our lightweight fabrics and multi-purpose fabrics work well for DIY window treatments. Lightweight fabrics are the best choice if you’re looking for a semi-sheer window cover or want curtains that will sway in the gentle breeze from an open window. The multi-purpose fabrics come in a wider range of patterns and colors and are a heavier weave.
You can also use both light weight and multi-purpose fabrics on the same window. The multipurpose fabrics make good valences to dress-up shear curtains. You can also hang light weight panel curtains close to the window, then layer heavier curtains over them.
If your DIY project calls for curtain lining, we carry several lining fabrics. Basic drapery lining helps protect the curtain fabric from fading in sunlight. Blackout fabrics will block sunlight, and are an excellent choice for bedrooms if you want to block the sunrise or outside lights at night.
No-Sew Tips
Since you’re working with fabric that’s been cut from a bolt, you’ll have to hem the edges to keep them from fraying. If you don’t want to sew, you can do this with fabric glue or fusible adhesive. Turn the fabric over, so the wrong side is facing up, and then fold over the fabric edge to the width you want your hem (1/2-inch or 1-inch is a good choice). Run a line of glue along the edge of the wrong side of the fabric to hold the hem in place, or use fusible tape. Let the glue dry, or tape cool, before moving on.
For no-sew hanging, you have several options. You can use the same method you used to create the hem to make a rod pocket. Just turn the fabric over at the top of the curtains, so there’s a large enough pocket to fit the rod through and glue. You could also hang the curtain from clip-rings.
Basic Curtains
At its most basic, a DIY curtain is just a panel of fabric that’s been hemmed and hung over a window. You only need to cut the fabric to the length you need for your window, hem with a sewing machine or a no-sew option, and then hang. If you use curtain clip rings, all you’ll have to do is attach the clips to the top of your curtain and slide the rings over a curtain rod. You could also just make a curtain rod pocket at the same time you’re hemming.
If you want to get a little more creative, you can add back-tabs or grommets to hang the curtains. For grommets, make a 4-inch hem at the top of the curtain, and then put in an even number of grommets. Grommet packs come with instructions for use.
For back-tab curtains, add the tabs when you’re finishing the top hem of the curtain. Cut 2-1/2 inch lengths of 1-inch ribbon or bias tape for each tab. Next, fold the top of the curtain over for a 1-inch hem, then fold again and pin in place. For each tab, tuck 1/2 inch of the tab under the top hem and pin in place. Place one tab at each end of the curtain, then space the others evenly (you’ll need 8-10 tabs total). Sew along the entire top seam, then sew the bottom edge of each tab individually.
When you are looking for a window treatment fabrics near you in Plano, TX, stop by our Cutting Corners location in Dallas, Tx for great deals on discount designer fabrics. We have something for every home interior project from gorgeous drapery fabrics, colorful outdoor fabrics, and luxurious Dupioni Silks.
