Beautifully decorated windows in a house are undoubtedly the pride of every housewife. The easiest way is to purchase a finished product in a specialized store or order individual tailoring of curtains from professional craftsmen. But, if you have at least some skills in cutting and sewing techniques, you can try to make original clothes for windows yourself.
For many, at first glance, this may seem like a rather difficult and incomprehensible task. However, in reality everything is completely different.
Cutting and sewing curtains is not at all difficult, try to follow this creative path under our strict guidance and using step-by-step instructions for creating curtains with your own hands.
How to choose fabric for curtains
The choice of fabric depends on the functional purpose of the curtains. Light translucent fabrics, as well as natural fabrics such as cotton or linen, are more suitable for the kitchen. For living rooms, you can choose heavier curtain materials.
It should be noted that in a room facing the sunny side, curtains can fade over time and lose their original appearance, so it makes sense to choose fabrics with special impregnation that prevents fading.
Advantages and disadvantages
Curtains for a doorway have more advantages than disadvantages. Let's look at the positive aspects first:
- the space is transformed. Decorative curtains can complement the palette or become an eye-catching accent;
- the door is more expensive;
- you can choose designs for non-standard openings;
- You can make a decorative curtain yourself;
- curtains are made not only from textiles. There are wooden, plastic and metal structures. Therefore, you can choose decorative curtains for different styles;
- you can visually adjust the size of the room. For example, you can hang the cornice 7-10 cm wider on each side. This will make the room more voluminous;
- interior renovation. Can be replaced more often than doors made of MDF or wood.
Now a little about the cons:
- the fabric curtain does not create sufficient barriers to noise, aromas and cold air;
- cannot be used in all rooms. For a bathroom or bedroom, doors made of wood or MDF are more suitable;
- Decorative thread curtains can become tangled or become the subject of play for pets.
How not to make a mistake with the size of fabric
The fundamental principle when determining the amount of material needed is: measure seven times, cut once. It is necessary to carefully measure the width and height of the room for which the curtains will be sewn, take into account the allowances for the places where the curtains are attached to the cornice and the hem along the bottom.
It is also necessary to find out whether the chosen fabric shrinks in order to avoid unpleasant surprises after the first wash. To do this, it is recommended to pre-wash and steam iron a small piece of the material you like.
Stylistic design of the doorway
When choosing curtains, it is important to consider not only color and textiles, but also compliance with the chosen style. Destinations can be classic, inspired by the understated nature of Japan, or incorporating rural influences.
Classic style
Styles such as antique, empire, rococo or Italian can be classified as classic trends in space design. Decorative curtains can be complemented with tiebacks with tassels, bells and lambrequins. Choose soft and heavy fabrics. This will highlight the luxurious style.
High tech
For a room decorated in high-tech style, you can choose laconic, strict and straight lines. Fabrics can be plain matte or with a metallic coating.
East style
To emphasize the sophistication of the East, you can choose curtains in bright colors with ornate patterns or ornaments. Curtain fabrics should be medium density or translucent. It can be muslin, tulle or silk.
Minimalism
Minimalism is characterized by straight lines and natural fabrics. Shades should be muted and natural. Decorative curtains can be straw, bamboo or paper. You can hide the opening behind a Japanese screen. If its size is from wall to wall, then the transition between rooms will not be visible.
Curtains for the door in ethnic style
Ethnic style is a concept that unites trends from different cultures. It will be different for each country's style.
To decorate the door, you can use a roller mechanism. These curtains are available in a wide range of colors to suit any room.
Arabic, oriental or Indian style is distinguished by bright colors with ethnic ornaments or patterns.
The cold Nordic style of Scandinavia involves decorative curtains for the doorway made of natural textiles. Curtains for doors can be linen, chintz or cotton. The color should be muted without bright inclusions. You can choose light canvases. They will make the room more voluminous.
Choosing a curtain style
On the Internet you can easily find a huge number of photos of DIY curtains. As a rule, such materials are accompanied by detailed step-by-step descriptions. Most of the models are really not difficult to make and even a craftswoman with little experience can sew them.
The choice of style largely depends on personal taste and preference. It is also necessary to take into account the size of the room for which the curtain is being prepared - simple models look better in a small room; for a spacious living room, curtains decorated with draperies and lambrequins are suitable.
Ideas for creativity
You can gain inspiration and fresh ideas by looking through photos of beautiful curtains. Using a decorative lambrequin in a New Year's style, you can add a festive mood to everyone in your household in one move.
A strip of openwork lace attached to the top of a plain dark curtain will add elegance and grace to it. And curtains made of bright patchwork, made using the patchwork technique, will make your room a unique island of comfort.
How to decorate curtains
The simplest curtains will look original and elegant if decorated with suitable decorations. Cotton or linen curtains can be decorated with braid or ribbons. You can sew suitable beads and fringe along the bottom of the curtains.
Ready-made decorations for butterfly curtains, flowers, and various toys are very popular now. The finished decorations are simply attached to the curtain fabric, giving it an interesting and very pretty look.
Note!
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Living room decoration
Any of these types can be made more decorative by adding decorations. The main thing here is not to overdo it.
Curtains should match the overall style of the room and not draw undue attention to themselves, so you shouldn’t use everything at once. Let's focus on one thing.
Various ways to attach curtains
The option of attaching the curtain to the cornice can also be designed in an unusual and original way. Often it is the design of the fastening that becomes the highlight of the most ordinary curtain.
The panel can be placed on the cornice using eyelets - special fasteners in the shape of a small circle through which the cornice is threaded. Eyelets are made of various materials - metal, plastic, wood, and can be of different colors and shapes.
A curtain “tied” to the cornice using a wide braid or ribbon looks impressive. This method of fastening is suitable for light curtains in the kitchen or children's room; they are ideal for sewing short curtains with your own hands.
Execution options
Before you start sewing, it is best to understand the methods of cutting and sewing various models. They start making curtain patterns with their own hands after they have looked at all the curtain models they are interested in and the instructions for their implementation. Sewing tools:
- ruler, chalk and scissors;
- machine if necessary;
- iron with ironing board;
- centimeter and a set of safety pins.
Any curtain model is complete without tulle. This is a traditional combination that invariably remains winning and attractive to housewives. Therefore, first of all, attention is paid to this topic.
Required materials in the form of:
- translucent and thin fabric;
- threads harmonizing in color;
- curtain ribbon.
Where to begin? For window curtains, you don’t have to bother yourself with a pattern for a tulle curtain. It is enough to measure the dimensions of the window opening according to the following rules:
- The width of the fabric should be twice the width of the window opening. As for the length, it should be calculated as follows. Ten centimeters are added to the required length of the tulle fabric - this will go to hem the bottom. Three centimeters are added for subsequent processing of the top using curtain tape;
- The work is carried out without a pattern, because there is no need for it. Points are marked on the material. To do this, you will need a centimeter with a ruler and previous calculations. The required piece of material is cut out along the points of the line. It is more convenient to fold the material in half, then cutting will be faster and less space will be needed;
- Processing of slices is carried out as follows. The upper part of the curtain is folded inward by five mm and ironed. Then also another couple of centimeters. The total length of the hems is 1.4 cm. The stitching is laid at the edge of the bottom of the hem;
- Before sewing on the ribbon, you should practice a little. The stitch should end up being even, without any “overhangs” on the lace for tightening. The tape is attached at the top and bottom. If its width is more than five cm, then an additional line in the middle will be required;
- Along the edges the material is folded 0.5 cm and ironed. Then another 0.7 or 1.0 cm and a stitch is made. The bottom is also processed. There is a hem first by 0.5 then by 2.5 cm and stitching;
- The curtain is being ironed. At the seams, the fabric needs to be stretched a little;
- The cord is pulled out on both sides so that the number of folds is the same as originally intended, but the tulle should be slightly larger than the window opening. The edges are then tied. The excess is cut off.
Curtain tiebacks
A beautiful tieback is another very simple way to decorate the most ordinary curtain. On the Internet you can easily find a huge number of options for a wide variety of pickups. These can also be tiebacks made of fabric to match the curtains, contrasting with the color of the curtains.
Fabrics can be used in a variety of ways, from chiffon to soft leather. Designers suggest making tiebacks from disused items - men's ties, women's gloves, children's toys, beads and other jewelry - almost anything.
Thus, creating an original curtain with your own hands is really not difficult; it is a great way to show your imagination and originality.
Note!
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Materials
Fabric is far from the only material from which you can make a spectacular item.
Suitable for work:
- Old disks;
- Cocktail straws;
- Plastic and wine stoppers;
- Beads and buttons;
- Styrofoam.
French curtains
Making French curtains will require time, patience, and skill. French curtains are a curtain with many horizontal draperies. Such a curtain is sewn from light fabrics, such as tulle, organza, chiffon, silk.
In order for a French-style curtain to turn out really beautiful, you need to pay attention to the markings for the drawstrings, with the help of which the assembly will be carried out - the lines should be even, at the same distance from each other. French curtains can also be decorated with fringe and beads.
Pleated
The main advantage of pleated curtains is that they block street light when there is an excess of it. They are an accordion, the top and bottom of which are attached to a metal profile or fixed to the window frame using double-sided tape. Pleats are made from a paper base, for example, wallpaper, but “accordion” made of thick fabric is also found quite often in the interior.
The width of the canvas should match the width of the window, but the length should be cut 45-50 cm greater than the height of the frame. The base for the curtain is laid out horizontally in increments of 3-3.5 cm, folded like an accordion and carefully ironed. Using a hole punch, several holes are made in the folded accordion, into which the adjusting tapes are later passed. The lower ends of the ribbons are tied with a bow or secured with a decorative bead, the upper ends are glued to the frame with tape.
To prevent the textile from losing its texture, it is recommended to first soak it in a gelatin solution, dry it and soften it with a warm iron. It is also important to select a fabric in advance that can hold a given shape for a long time. For example, you should pay attention to samples with a large amount of polyester.
Roman curtains
Such curtains are very relevant for small spaces, ideal for a small kitchen. They occupy only the window space, are very functional and look stylish. For Roman blinds you will need a special mechanism, and then the panel is prepared according to the scheme.
When sewing Roman blinds, you need to make sure that the selected material does not shrink after washing, otherwise the curtain, unfortunately, will not last long. Marking should be done carefully and carefully.
It is believed that it is difficult to sew a Roman blind the first time; in subsequent times this process will bring joy and pleasure to the needlewoman.
What is needed for the job?
In order to sew curtains you will need:
- Material for curtains.
- Sewing machine.
- Safety pins.
- Needle and thread.
- Scissors.
- Pencil.
- Long ruler.
- Sketch.
Lambrequins for curtains
Lambrequin is undoubtedly an exquisite decoration for a classic curtain. Lambrequins come in different types: swags, frills, molds, and various ties.
Note!
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These fancy names hide special decorative elements that make the curtains original and unique. Lambrequins are sewn according to patterns; they are not difficult to find on the Internet.
Before you start sewing, you need to carefully consider the design of the curtains, draw a sketch, and select suitable fabrics. At first glance, the process is quite labor-intensive. But, undoubtedly, curtains with lambrequins will decorate any room, make it presentable and impressive.
Hourglass
In order to visually “raise” the ceiling, vertical structures in the form of an “hourglass” are used. Plain tulle of any shade is placed on top of a thick curtain or as a third layer on top of a light curtain, pulling it together in the middle.
An interesting decorative solution is to arrange several “hourglasses” of different shades in a row, smoothly transitioning from light to dark.
Photos of DIY curtains
Step-by-step recommendations for beginning craftswomen
Check out the main points that need to be done if you decide to sew curtains for windows yourself.
- Use all your imagination, imagine and think over original curtains so that they perform not only an aesthetic, but also a practical function.
- Based on the selected model, select the appropriate fabric and cornice.
- Find a ready-made pattern or develop a custom version based on the basic model.
- Calculate the amount of fabric needed taking into account the parameters of your window and the desired folds and gathers.
- Make a life-size pattern; for this you can use wallpaper left after renovation or glue newspapers together.
- When purchasing material in a store, select the appropriate color of thread and, if necessary, buy chalk, pins, a tape measure, and scissors. You may also need curtain tape, braid, braid, interlining or similar accessories.
- The next step is to start cutting the curtains. A hard table surface or a flat floor is best for this. For beginners, in order not to make mistakes when marking parts on fabric, you can draw on the wrong side of the material. To do this, the pattern pieces are pinned and outlined with chalk, taking into account seam allowances. Once all the details are taken into account, start cutting.
- Now it is important to connect the parts and folds with needles, then iron them.
- When you are satisfied with the resulting look of the product, machine sew the seam and pull out the basting. To evaluate the resulting masterpiece, use the back of the sofa or a long wooden slat on which you can lay out the finished curtain.
Below you will find a detailed and detailed description of each of the steps.
For tulle
The tulle in the window opening should almost reach the floor; you also need to take into account that you will need to make a fold along the edges, therefore, you will need a margin of length of the canvas.
Window textiles are usually sold in standard rolls. Window tulle is sold in rolls 280 cm wide. This height is suitable for apartments with a ceiling height that does not exceed 2.60 m. Otherwise, the tulle will be too short.
Curtains
Rolls of curtain fabric come in different widths: 1.4 m, 2.8 m and 3 m. If the width of the roll is comparable to the height of the ceiling, then the consumption is calculated according to the collection coefficient; if the width of the roll is not enough, then pieces of fabric will need to be sewn together. In this case, the material consumption will be greater.
You also need to consider the pattern when purchasing fabric. If the pattern is located from top to bottom, or from left to right, then the piece of fabric should start from a whole element. If there is an abstract design on the fabric, you can take any piece of material.
Practical advice
Before purchasing fabric for curtains, several main factors are taken into account:
- practical and aesthetic purpose of the room;
- general style of the room;
- ceiling height, size and location of windows.
Decide on the main functions of curtains for the room. Will they protect from sunlight and dust or is it important for them to keep warm in the winter? Sometimes they are used to mask the imperfections of a window opening, increase or decrease the size of the window, and visually raise the ceiling. Take a close look at your window and decide what you would like to bring into your space.
When choosing a fabric, immediately pay attention to softness and pliability for drapery.
General recommendations:
- For the sunny side, choose fabrics impregnated with a protective agent against fading in the sun.
- To retain heat during the cold season, dense fabrics with a wool lining are used. In the summer, such curtains are removed, replacing them with light, lace options.
- The most practical curtains are made of polyester (a small admixture of cotton is allowed). This material does not deteriorate during washing (at temperatures up to 40 degrees).
- The most capricious and sensitive to external influences are fabrics: velvet, linen and cotton; they can only be cleaned dry.
