How to Cover Curtains with Fabric: 5 Simple Steps.

Window curtains are a big part of your home’s exterior. They can be great for blocking out the sun during the day to make rooms feel cooler, or they can make rooms darker in the evening when you want to sleep. Curtains also help to maintain privacy in your home. The most common type of curtains are made from fabric and are often lined with a blackout lining to block out light even more. But how do you choose or sew fabric that will cover your window’s curtains? Here are some basics on how to cover curtains with fabric, so it looks just as good as any store-bought set.

Related Article: How to Make Curtains Slide Better.

Choose the right type of fabric

The type of fabric you choose will depend on the curtain style you already have. For example, if your curtains are made from a lightweight fabric, you’ll want to use a thick fabric. If your curtains are lined with an additional blackout lining, then you can go with any type of fabric.

If you’re just starting out and need to buy some new curtains, then it’s important to know which kind of fabric is best suited for your windows. A sheer or semi-sheer fabric won’t provide much privacy so it’s best to stick with fabrics that are more opaque like cotton, linen or polyester. These fabrics will give your windows more privacy and keep out light better than sheer fabrics.

measuring the curtain rod

The first thing you need to do is measure the curtain rod. The rod should be measured from the top of the rod to where it will hit when it’s extended down. If you want your curtain fabric to hang down past the curtain rod, you’ll have to take this measurement into account as well.

Sew the fabric onto your curtains

One of the best ways to cover curtains with fabric is to measure and sew the fabric onto your curtains. This will work if you’re only replacing the lining on your curtains or if you want to cover your old curtains. You can use a sewing machine or hand stitch it by hand. If you are using a sewing machine, it’s best to use a zigzag stitch to secure the fabric. If you are using an old set of curtains that are too short, don’t worry! Just measure the distance between two poles at the top of your window and cut your fabric accordingly. Finally, just attach your new curtain liner to the top of your window poles by sewing, tucking, or clamping it in place.

Add a lining to your curtains

One of the most important steps to take when planning how to cover curtains with fabric is adding a lining. A lining will ensure that your curtains are more durable and will make them easier to clean. It will also add a layer of privacy, which can be great for bedrooms.

If you want to get creative, you could use a contrasting color for the lining, or even sew two different colors together. You can also find pre-made linings at many fabric stores, which is an easy way to make your curtains look professional.

Adding a lining

for privacy

The best way to cover your window’s curtains with fabric is to add a lining on the back. This will help to maintain privacy in your home. If you want your curtain fabric to be see-through, then adding an additional lining is not necessary. You can just cut out the pattern of your curtains and use it as the front of the new curtains. If you want to make them more formal, you can use a thicker fabric for the front and leave it plain or add ruffles or lace around the edges. It all depends on what look you are going for!

Learn how to measure for curtains

Measure your window before buying fabric. You want to measure the size of your window (height and width) before you buy fabric, so that you know how much fabric to buy.

How to hang your curtains

The first step is to hang your curtains on the rod, and measure how much fabric it takes to cover them. If you’re hanging your curtains from a rod that’s wider than the window, you’ll need to measure both sides of the window separately and then add those measurements together. You can then use this measurement as an estimate for your fabric.

The next step is to figure out how wide the fabric needs to be. Again, you’ll want to measure both sides of the window separately and then add those measurements together. This will tell you how wide the fabric needs to be so that it covers both sides of the curtain rods and no light comes through.

Now, measure out your fabric width by adding 1″ for seam allowance on all four sides (2″ total). The extra 1″ will give you enough room for seams and any irregularities in the edges of your curtains or rod material at the top or bottom of the curtains.

Finally, cut your fabric into panels that are as long as your distance measurement from before added with 2″. For example, if it took 8″ to cover each side of a 54-inch-wide window with a 2-inch seam allowance, cut your panels 12 inches wide by 54 inches long.

Now, start sewing! Sew one panel onto one side of the curtain rod using a straight stitch or blind hem stitch. You can also serge or zigzag these seams if you have those machines at home already. Finally, sew another

Finishing touches to your curtains

The most important part of a curtain is the fabric. However, you can’t just throw any old fabric over your curtains to get that perfect appearance. You’ll need to take some time and care into choosing or sewing the right fabric for your window’s curtains.

If you’re looking for a formal appearance, try to find a dark colored fabric with a sheen. These fabrics will be more expensive than flat weaves and semi-sheens, but they give a room more of an elegant feel. If you’re looking for something less formal, choose a light colored cloth with texture like linen or cotton sateen. These fabrics come in many different colors and patterns and are less expensive than formal fabrics.

When choosing fabric for your curtains, pay attention to its weight as well as its color and pattern. The weight refers to the thickness of the material; thinner materials like voile will provide more privacy while thicker materials like velvet will add drama to your room’s decorating scheme. Once you’ve chosen the material that’s best suited for your space, it’s time to start covering your windows with this beautiful new set of curtains!

#1: Measure your windows with tape measure

#2: Cut one long piece of fabric for each side of the window

#3: Place lining on opposite side from where you want your hemline to be

#4: Pin both sides together

#5: Sew one inch from each edge of the lining onto

FAQS

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make curtains, here are a few tips to help you make them look their best:

Hang your curtains high enough to avoid light spilling in and waking you up in the morning.

Add a liner to your curtains for a more polished look.

Don’t use heavy materials that will weigh down your curtains.

Tie your curtains back with a decorative tie.

Consider adding a valance to your curtains for an extra touch.

If you have window treatments that require a rod, you’ll need a curtain rod adapter.

Above all else, have fun! You’ve made a big investment in making your home a place you love—now it’s time to enjoy it.