How To Make DIY Curtains the No-Sew Way

This project is so much simpler than it sounds. The idea of making curtains is daunting if you don’t have sewing skills, but it’s entirely possible and you can easily accomplish it in one day. Here’s how!

These instructions are for a 96” (8’) ceiling.

1. Purchase fabric. This is the fun part because you are no longer limited to the selection of curtain panels at the store. Order whatever tickles your fancy. Just make sure it’s suitable for the Heat n’ Bond method described below.
2. Purchase 2 rolls Heat n’ Bond iron-on adhesive – 10 yards each.
3. Measure and cut two curtain panels at 100” each. This allows for an additional 8”. You’ll have 4” at the top and 4” at the bottom for a wide hemline. This also accounts for the curtain rod to hang 4” lower than the ceiling.
4. Sides: Prep for treatment by folding, and iron 1” seams on each side of the panels.  Unfold, and then lay a strip of bonding material on top of the unfolded seam – paper side up. Apply heat with iron for a few seconds to adhere it to fabric. Peel off paper. Fold the seam back over the bonding material and apply heat with iron for 5-10 seconds. Flip curtain over and apply heat again for 5-seconds so that the bond is secured on both sides of the seam.
5. Top & Bottom: Use the same process except fold seam as a 4” section so it looks like the wide hems you see on curtains sold in stores. If the top and bottom seam are too thin, it will be a giveaway that they’re homemade. Remember, you allowed for 4” of extra fabric on top and bottom when you measured and cut, so your curtains will still be the right size with this extra fold over.
6. If you feel confident in your measurements, create hems on top and bottom. If you’re not 100% sure you’ve got it right, do only the side and top seams, and then hang them to make sure they’re the right length. If so, use straight pins to mark exactly where the bottom seam should be. Then take them down again and Heat n’ Bond the bottom hem.
7. Attach ring clips that clamp at the top of the curtain so you don’t have to slide the rod through it.
8. Hang and admire!