Decorating a new nursery can be an exciting activity for an expectant mother. One of the easiest places to start is with window treatments. There is nothing simpler to make by hand than panel curtains. They can be accessorized with vibrant child-safe decorations and other novelties. On this page, you will learn how to make curtains for a nursery with ease.
Tips
While you're out buying curtain fixtures, stop by a fabric store and pick up swatches of various cloth that you might like to use for the project. You can hold the swatch in front of the window and see if you still like it in comparison with the paint and other decor in the room before committing to a final purchase.
It is better to have too much fabric than not enough. Cutting away extra is much easier than adding fabric when you've miscalculated.
Check the properties of cloth before the purchase. Is it fire-resistant? Is it resistant to sun fading? Does it have special care needs?
If you'd like to add more spice to your creation, consider sewing fun buttons along the tops of the curtains. However, take care to sew them securely and only along the top area away from a child's reach.
Even if all your windows seem to be the same size, measure them any way. It's possible that their measurements vary enough to make a major difference in the final appearance.
It isn't advisable to have floor length windows in a babies room, because they can grab them which can be potentially unsafe.
Generally, sheer fabrics don't need a side hem.
Even if you plan to sew the curtains, use fusible web to hold down hems before final stitching. This will make the sewing process a breeze and lessen frays.
Use a press cloth when ironing.
Make sure to match the fusible web weight with the weight of the fabric.
Introduction
Depending what method you use, it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to make a set of panel curtains. This how to article will demonstrate both the sew and no sew methods. Although you need no sewing experience, you will have to make careful measurements to be successful. Before you begin, you'll need to purchase the curtain rods, install them then measure the width and length of the window.
Featured
On this web site, the author focuses on the details of sewing a hem on a curtain with a sewing machine. Although he only uses a small sample fabric, it's more than enough to give you the general idea of how to work with seam allowances, lock thread and control the machine.
Step 1: Supplies
- Curtain rod
- Curtain fabric
- Steel tape measure
- Screwdriver
- Thread*
- Needle*
- Sewing machine*
- Fusible web
* item not needed with no sew method
Step 2: Measurements
If you have installed the curtain rod and fixtures, it is time to collect the necessary measurements.
Finished Width:
- Start by measuring the length of the rod then double the number.
- If you plan to use a sheer or very lightweight fabric, triple the number.
Finished Length:
- Measure from the top of the rod to where you want the curtains to end. Usually, panel curtains stop below the window apron.
- Add at least 8 inches (preferably 12) to the number for seam and casing allowance.
Step 3: Buying Fabric
- Multiply the total length of all panels by the number of panels needed for all windows.
- Divide this number by 36 to calculate how many yards required.
Step 4: Fabric Preparation
Begin by washing the fabric according to its care directions. After drying and cutting the panels to length, iron all the pieces. This would be a good time to measure out and mark seam allowances. Press at least a 1/4 inch allowance all around.
Step 5: Side Hems
General:
- Turn under the side hem edge 1 inch.
- Press.
Sewing Machine Method:
- Make a straight stitch along the hem using 8 to 10 stitch length.
No Sew method:
- Place the webbing between the curtain and hem.
- Steam the fabric together.
Step 6: Casings
The casing is what covers the curtain rod. It creates the nice gathered effect seen in the panel style. General:
- Measure the diameter of the rod and add a 3/4 to 1 inch.
- Turn under and pin.
- Slip the curtain over the rod to test the fit.
- If you are satisfied, press down the casing.
Sewing Machine Method: Make a straight stitch along the edge using 8 to 10 stitch length.
No Sew method:
- Place the webbing between the curtain and edge.
- Steam the fabric together.
Step 7: Bottom Hem
Finish off the bottom hem in the same manner as the side. However, many people find that a taller bottom hem is more pleasing. So, try turning under a 2 inch hem for this purpose. Now that you have finished, you can add decorations as you see fit.
