Many prudent owners of private houses and apartments prefer to do the main housework on their own. Having adopted step by step instructions how to make curtains with your own hands, any hostess is able to create a unique masterpiece. It will turn out to decorate the house and save the family budget.
What you need to know, be able to and have
Curtains for windows are not difficult to sew. You need to have basic skills in cutting and sewing, a great desire to personally realize the ideal project and a well-equipped workplace.
You will need the following tools and materials:
- fabric cuts, threads, decorative trim elements;
- sewing machine, hand needle;
- scissors, pins;
- tailor's measuring tape, ruler;
- chalk, pencil;
- nail polish - for highly loose fabrics, it is better to immediately process the cut line.
The best fabrics for tailoring are linen, silk, velvet, taffeta, viscose, etc. Natural fabrics with synthetic additives are a budget and practical choice. You need to choose a beautiful material that is not prone to color loss and is easy to wash.
New fabric should be washed in warm water without powder, let dry and iron. Only then start cutting out the details. This will later avoid deformation of the finished product during washing.
For a small window, it is optimal to combine two types of fabric, it is advisable not to use dark colors. Consideration should be given to the possibility of adjusting the internal space. The room is visually perceived higher when drawing with vertical stripes, horizontal ones "expand" the room.
To sew curtains simple models, you can immediately start cutting the fabric. Cut 1 or 2 pieces of the desired size into a rectangular shape. For complex samples, it is advisable to prepare patterns (especially if work experience is not great). It is convenient to draw them on the remnants of wallpaper - after repairs, apartments usually have unused material. You need to work at a large table, in his absence - on the floor.
It is permissible to hem the curtains manually (with a secret stitch), on a typewriter, or use a special adhesive tape. In order for the line to lie flat, the fabric does not warp, you must first iron the fold line.
When working with a sewing machine, do not start work on the main pattern. First, make sure that the stitching on this fabric is even and neat. If necessary, adjust the stroke of the machine, replace the thread.
The photo shows the curtains different models made by hand. The simplest for self-production are products with ties and English curtains.
How beautiful to decorate a window
For tailoring curtains of complex patterns, introductory lessons are required. Carefully following the instructions will help to simplify the difficult task as much as possible.
For sewing lambrequins, it is important to have a high-quality pattern, accurate cutting and careful observance of all the subtleties of technological operations. You can successfully combine parts from different fabrics or unequal shapes. The main thing is to be combined with the overall design.
Roman blinds are very fashionable. They tightly close the window, so it is important to accurately measure the size of the opening and make the desired pattern. The fabric is used very economically, the pattern is clearly visible. You will also need Velcro tape, wooden bars, rings for lifting the curtains, a weighting bar and expendable materials for fastening.
A popular choice is eyelet curtains. You can attach fitting rings to the canvas at home. The fabric is bought with a 3-fold margin in width. Only in this case it is realistic to achieve graceful bends and waves on finished product. Along the length, take into account an additional allowance of about 6 cm - for high-quality fastening of the grommet.
Rings are installed in last turn when the canvas is processed on the other sides. The distance between them is 15-20 cm, the indentation from the edges is 5 cm. Be sure to glue non-woven or other strong tape when bending so that the curtain does not sag or tear on the eaves.
For the hole, make a preliminary markup, then cut it out with scissors. Halves of the ring are applied with different parties and snap.
How to update the old
At limited budget it is justified to use a fabric that has already been in use, but has retained a beautiful appearance. It is possible to successfully remake old curtains in such a way that they will change the familiar interior beyond recognition.
There is an option to radically alter them, change the style and shape. Or decorate with additional elements - sew on strips of another fabric, add ruffles, fringes, edging, beaded jewelry, elegant bows, and so on. It is only necessary to observe the measure, and not to sculpt everything at once.
An interesting solution is to sew a whole canvas from separate shreds. Can be stenciled to cut the same shape or vary sizes. Pre-pieces of fabric are carefully ironed. Such curtains are hung in the kitchen, children's room.
There are situations when it is required to lengthen ready-made curtains. For example, transfer from an apartment to a dacha, where the ceilings are higher.
Options for action:
- Sew loops on top. use satin ribbon or strips of suitable material. It is not recommended to extend more than 10 cm.
- Sew on the bottom frill 10-15 cm.
- Add a straight transverse insert at an arbitrary height. So you can adjust any length. It is important to choose the perfect combination of fabrics, the contrast is approved.
Updated curtains will look like the original design idea, and not a forced saving measure.
Imagine and implement new ideas!
DIY curtain photo
Surely, everyone has a special "chest" with different fabrics, which seem to be outdated, but the hand does not rise to throw them away. And most often these fabrics are curtains that once shone on the windows like new trend. Of course, they are already slightly burned out, but they still retain the spirit of their time. What can be made from such fabric? Where to use it? Let's reason, fantasize and implement the most interesting ideas.
Textile
Of course, it all depends on what kind of fabric on the former curtains. The once flirtatious Scarlet sewed a magnificent “new” dress from heavy curtains. By the way, there is nothing to worry about, especially if the fabrics are natural.
Linen
It is generally a fabric outside of time and space. Flax has always been and has always been a model of nature, and most importantly, good taste. Therefore, linen curtains made of decorative linen are not a reason to fold the fabric deep into the drawer. From them you can make wonderful sailing Roman blinds. To do this, in addition, you will need only a few strips, braid or lace, a sewing machine and scissors. And if simply - the most primitive set for cutting and sewing. The main thing is to make the correct calculation in the instructions for Roman blinds so that all sections look the same organically, and when they are assembled, there is a single beautiful composition. Since the Roman version often requires a smaller amount of material, the best-preserved canvases can be selected.
In addition, you can make beautiful napkins for the kitchen, decorative items for the living room. You can try to apply embroidery, yourself or purchase at a sewing accessories store. This will decorate and refresh the fabric a little. And if you stretch linen on the dial of inexpensive watches, you can get a stylish piece of furniture. To do this, you will need a watch, a small screwdriver, as well as a needle and thread or a stapler - depending on how the fabric will be attached with reverse side. The watch is pre-disassembled to the dial. Numbers or other elements used to indicate time can be peeled off with a thin small screwdriver or a thin metal spatula. Then the fabric is stretched over the dial and is well fixed in the taut state from the reverse side. Then the clock is assembled again, and the designation of the numbers is glued back, while the hands are screwed on.
Brocade
It rather refers to either a classic fabric with gold, silver embroideries, or an imitation. So, such curtains can get new life in the form of interior pillows. It is not at all difficult to sew small pillowcases, which are then stuffed with the remnants of fabric or foam rubber. To do this, you need to cut out square or rectangular parts with double the length or width - depending on the design of the pillow. After that, grind off the part from the back, leaving room for the filler. When the pillow is filled, you can sew it up, it is very important to properly distribute the filler. It is best to knock it down in the opposite direction at the time of sewing, then simply align it by shaking it slightly. Such pillows can be placed on armchairs, sofas, floors, windowsills - depending on the direction of the interior and its condition.
Synthetics
With the help of old synthetic curtains, for example, chairs can be well repaired, namely, a soft back and seat. To do this, you need to measure the chair, transfer the dimensions to the pattern with an additional allowance. After you can cut out. You can fasten it with a conventional industrial or construction stapler if you have to deal with a tree. In other cases, interior glue can be used.
In conclusion about the main thing. The remaining fabrics are always material for new ideas. For example, from the best pieces you can make a wonderful bedspread and much more.
No one is surprised that yesterday's fashionable and modern curtains are today becoming a relic. But do not throw away a strong fabric just because it has gone out of fashion or has faded a little in the sun. Having shown imagination and resourcefulness, you can remake old curtains in such a way that you get new decors for the interior of a house or cottage.
How to give new life to old fabrics
First you need to deal with the type of fabric from which the outdated curtains were sewn.
Brocade
This is a dense fabric made of silk with an ornament, which is made with silver or gold threads. Sometimes fibers made from alloys of these metals are used. The thread with gold in the production process is wound on linen, cotton or silk weft. Natural brocade is an expensive fabric, so imitation is more often used in residential premises, which visually differs little from the original.
It is a pity to throw away such products, therefore, it is in the power of every housewife to renew old curtains, giving them a new life. The easiest of the old new ones.
Synthetics are wear-resistant, so they are ideal for upholstery of the backs and seats of old chairs. To alter the curtains, first take measurements, taking into account the overlap, then cut out the details and, after a preliminary fitting, sew them from the inside out if they are made in the form of covers. But it is easier and more convenient to work if the pieces cut from the old synthetic curtain are glued to the base with interior glue or nailed with a stapler.
Tulle
Tulle is considered a kind of synthetic materials. After prolonged use, it turns yellow or gray, as a result of which it is replaced with a new one. But there is always the opportunity to use the old one to make the interior more comfortable and aesthetic. To begin with, the fabrics are returned to their original color with bleach. To do this, use a strong brine, blue or white.
From ready-to-use flower pot material, decorations for frames on old photos. If they decorate Vacation home or a summer house - baskets or pillows are decorated with tulle. For a pillow, you will need a base stuffed with batting or holofiber and an openwork material folded several times. The tulle pillowcase is sewn up from the inside, put on the pillow, and then carefully sewn up by hand.
Old tulle is used to decorate tablecloths: it looks especially beautiful on fresh air in the garden.
Ideas for old curtains
By turning on fantasy and creative thinking, even the oldest curtains lying in the chest are “reanimated”. To implement the idea, you need the simplest sewing skills and a little patience.
Patchwork
It happens that many small ones have accumulated, and they are all different in style, texture and color. In this case, they do. Assembled from pieces, they become the most striking and exclusive design element that attracts attention. The result is cute: the pride of the hostess and the surprise of the guests.
Tip: if you wash all the pieces before work and iron them well with a steamer, the fabric will not shrink and will not shed during operation.
Practical options for sewing curtains or patchwork bedspreads are:
- Cotton fabric.
They are unpretentious in care, easily withstand frequent washing, which is so important in the case of a kitchen room.
Patchwork
Textile window decoration is such a complex issue that you don’t even know how to approach it. You need to choose a color, pattern, fabric, come up with a style, buy the right amount of meters, give it for tailoring, hang it ... And even manage not to spend a fortune on all this.
The main thing is to decide on the color of the fabric and texture. 
You will need
the cloth
threads
pins
pencil or chalk
tape measure or measuring tape
tape-braid
scissors
beads, lace and other decorative elements as desired
Progress
The most important thing is to make the correct measurements of the window. Next, decide on the length and style of the curtains. Consider the fact that the curtain is attached to the cornice above the window, so add another 20-25 centimeters. They also occupy another part of the wall on the sides. Therefore, in width, you need to add at least another 25 centimeters on each side. Well, of course, do not forget to add 2-3 centimeters on each side for processing the edge. These are measurements for a straight curtain, if there is drapery, then this fact must also be taken into account. 
Now start cutting. For sewing a simple curtain, you can draw with chalk immediately on the wrong side of the fabric. Exactly cut off the necessary part of it and iron. 
From each side edge of the curtain, fold the fabric to the wrong side 2 times, first by 1 cm, then by 2 cm. Iron and stitch on the machine close to the inner fold line. 
Cut off a piece of braid equal to the width of the curtain + an allowance of 2.5 centimeters from each edge. On the wrong side, center the braid along the top edge of the curtain and pin it with pins, stepping back from the fold line 1 centimeter. Then pin the bottom edge of the braid with pins. Pull the ends of the cords on the right side of the braid and do not tie. Tuck the braid inward by 2.5 centimeters. To avoid wrinkling, sew the top and bottom seams in the same direction. Then sew it from the sides, without affecting the free ends of the cords on the front side. 
Instead of braid, you can sew loops. so even more interesting and stylish. 
Use different elements for decoration: buttons, beads, belts, flowers… 
We also bring to your attention some interesting samples. You just need to put in your measurements. 
Some ideas for inspiration
Well suited for a summer residence. 
An interesting option for kitchen. 
Do not rush to throw away old curtains. They can be shortened, thereby giving the room a completely different look. 
Unusual decision. 
A good option for the living room. 
The perfect combination. 
So fresh! 
Looks very rich. 
Simple straight curtains, but a harmonious combination of colors immediately made the room more stylish and comfortable. 
Beautiful pelmet in the kitchen
In order to sew this pelmet (here the length of the cornice is 1.8 m), we need: a veil of two colors, an oblique trim and eyelets - 11 pieces.
Step 1: (I will show step by step manufacturing lambrequin on paper, hopefully that everything will be clear to you) And so: We take a veil (colors of your choice) of such sizes and process both blanks with an oblique trim.
Step 2: Put the veil (color A) right side up on the right side of the veil (color B) and sew both parts along the top edge.
Step 3: After we have fixed both parts of our lambrequin along the top edge, we process the top edge with an overlock or zigzag. We bend 5 cm of the top edge to the wrong side and lay a machine line.
Step 4: We turn our lambrequin face up. We iron and make markings for installing the eyelets. From the top edge we retreat down 1 cm. We find the center and circle the inside of the eyelet. How to install eyelets correctly, I hope you know. (For those who will do this for the first time, I advise you to watch the master class on installing eyelets on the same site) After all the eyelets are installed, we take a bias trim, fold in half and sew. From it we will make ties with which we will attach our lambrequin to the cornice. How many meters you need it, you will determine for yourself. We cut the sewn oblique trim into equal parts - you need 11 pieces in total. so that they do not crumble. Now each segment of the oblique inlay must be placed in the grommet and tied with a free loop on the round cornice. And so all the eyelets, making the loops the same size. Then you correct them with your hands our lambrequin, maintaining the same distance between the loops. That's all! I wish you all success.
Many years ago, in the south of France, in the small provincial town of Tulle, sewing craftsmen created a unique fabric that was named after the city. A modern living room or bedroom is simply inconceivable without an elegant curtain, the material for which is airy tulle.
Tulle in the interior
The first step is to decide what kind of tulle you need. There are a huge variety of types of this fabric, but the main types are distinguished: organza, veil, mesh and muslin. Natural tulle will serve you faithfully for many years, but the canvas will wrinkle and lose color from exposure to bright sunlight.
Therefore, it is better to purchase a tulle made of polyester fabric. It allows you to make the curtains more resistant to fading, and also helps to ensure that after washing the material does not lose its original shape. Highly important characteristic tulle is its bandwidth. 
For example, the mesh does not prevent the free passage of air flows through it, but is an accumulator of dust particles. Therefore, it needs frequent washing. Organza, on the contrary, does not pass air well, but at the same time it practically does not collect dust on its surface.
How beautiful to hang tulle 
Do not think that you need to hang a narrow short tulle on a small window. On the contrary, if you decorate it on both sides with sufficiently voluminous curtains made of this material, then the window will sparkle in a new way. 
If the walls are in a sad state, it is not necessary to make repairs. Use tulle of different colors and textures, it turns out very original. 
You can also stick strips of tulle on the walls. Looks very nice. 
If there are several windows on the same wall, do not hang a separate curtain on each. This makes it very easy and cheap. It is better to hang a wide tulle on the entire wall. 
If, on the contrary, you are a happy owner of a window on the entire wall, then decorate it with a separate tulle. It is more practical and also gives a certain zest. 
With the help of tulle, you can add color accents to a boring interior or simply balance the color. 
Even if the window is protected from prying eyes with ordinary blinds, you can supplement it with tulle. It will immediately become more attractive. 
Short tulle curtains are suitable when you do not want to draw attention to the windows. 
Using several layers of tulle, you can easily do without bulky curtains. 
Dividing a room into zones with tulle is a real pleasure. Looks incredible! 
Lace curtains are a mystery. 
The tulle canopy looks amazing! Agree, sleeping on such a bed is much more pleasant! 
Tulle can also decorate a bath. How beautiful it looks! 
And a few more ideas for inspiration.
Now you know that with the help of tulle curtains you can change your interior beyond recognition. In addition, it is much cheaper than buying wallpapers, paintings, figurines and others. The home always looks fresh and expensive.
