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DIY Custom Curtains

DIY Custom Curtains

Published by NannetteD on 16th Jul 2025

Want to make your own custom curtains? Whether you're decorating a kitchen, nursery, or living room, sewing curtains is one of the most satisfying DIY home decor projects. This guide walks you through how to measure, calculate fabric, and sew four popular curtain styles—Rod Pocket, Tab Top, Grommet, and Café Curtains—using your favorite fabrics by the yard.

Step 1: Choose Your Curtain Style

There are four common curtain styles to consider when sewing custom window treatments. Each one has a distinct look and method for hanging.

  • Rod Pocket Curtains – A traditional, gathered look where the curtain rod slides through a sewn pocket at the top.
  • Tab Top Curtains – Fabric loops are sewn to the top of the curtain panel, offering a casual or farmhouse-style finish.
  • Grommet Curtains – Metal rings punched into the top edge give a clean, modern drape.
  • Café Curtains – Short panels that typically cover only the lower half of the window, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or breakfast nooks.

Step 2: How to Measure Your Window for Curtains

Accurate measurements are key to curtains that hang and drape beautifully.

Measure Curtain Width:

  • Step 1: Measure the full width of the window, including trim.
  • Step 2: Multiply the width by 1.5 to 2.5, depending on how full or gathered you want your curtains.

Light fabrics: Use 2.0–2.5× for extra fullness

Heavier or lined fabrics: Use 1.5–2.0×

Measure Curtain Length:

Measure from the curtain rod (or where it will be mounted) to your desired finished length. See below for style-specific length tips:

Curtain Style Rod Placement Header Type Length Tip
Rod Pocket Above frame or ceiling Pocket casing Add 1–2" above rod for casing
Tab Top Same as Rod Pocket Loops add height Include 3–4" for tab length
Grommet Rod runs through grommets Modern finish Add ~1.5" above rod center
Café Curtains Mid-window or sill height Usually rod pocket or tabs Common lengths: 24" or 36"

Step 3: How to Calculate and Cut Curtain Fabric

Once you know your finished dimensions, use the following formulas to calculate your fabric cuts.

Add Seam Allowances:

  • Top hem: Add 3" (or more for grommet casing)
  • Bottom hem: Add 4"
  • Side hems: Add 1.5" per side (3" total)

Fabric Cutting Formula:

Cut Width per Panel = (Finished Width ÷ Number of Panels × Fullness) + 3"

Cut Length = Finished Length + Top Hem + Bottom Hem

Tip: Order extra fabric if you're matching patterns or stripes across panels.

Step 4: How to Sew Curtains (By Style)

Each curtain style follows a similar sewing process with slight variations. Choose your curtain style below for step-by-step instructions.

Rod Pocket Curtains – Beginner-Friendly

1. Hem the sides:

  • Fold in ½", press.
  • Fold again 1", press and stitch.

2. Create the rod pocket:

  • Fold top edge down 1", press.
  • Fold again 2–3" (depending on rod thickness), then stitch across the bottom of the fold to create the pocket.

3. Hem the bottom:

  • Fold up 2", press.
  • Fold again 2", press and stitch.

Tab Top Curtains – Farmhouse Look

1. Make the tabs:

  • Cut strips 4" × 10".
  • Fold lengthwise, stitch, turn right-side out, press.

2. Hem sides and bottom as described above.

3. Attach tabs:

  • Evenly space tabs across the top back edge.
  • Stitch bottom of each tab to the curtain’s top edge.

4. Sew the facing (top band):

  • Cut a strip of fabric to cover the tab ends.
  • Sew it to the top edge, flip it to the back, and stitch down for a clean finish.

Grommet Curtains – Modern and Structured

1. Hem sides and bottom as above.

2. Mark grommet placement:

  • Space 6–8 grommets evenly across each panel, starting 1–2" from the edges.

3. Install grommets:

  • Use a grommet kit and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for punching and securing grommets.

Tip: Reinforce the top edge with fusible interfacing if using lightweight fabric.

Café Curtains – Ideal for Kitchens or Bathrooms

  • Follow either the Rod Pocket or Tab Top instructions above.
  • Make shorter panels that typically cover the bottom ½ to ⅔ of the window.
  • Optional: Add a matching valance (short top panel) for charm and extra coverage.

Step 5: Press and Hang Your Curtains

Once all seams are sewn:

  • Press every seam and hem carefully for a crisp, professional finish.
  • Slide onto the rod, arrange pleats or gathers evenly, and enjoy your new curtains!

Bonus Tips for Sewing Custom Curtains

  • Add lining fabric for improved light control, privacy, and insulation.
  • Use washable fabric in high-use spaces like kitchens or kids' rooms.
  • Sew with a walking foot when using thick fabrics like canvas or blackout lining.
  • Use coordinating thread and the correct needle for the fabric weight.

Ready to Sew Your Own Curtains?

Shop our custom printed fabrics by the yard to create truly unique curtains for any space. With 15+ base fabrics—including cottons, linens, cotton and polyester canvases, and even outdoor polyester—you can print any design in our catalog, or upload your own!

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Featured Design: "Sailboat" by AjoyeDesigns

Meet The Artist: Abby Glover, AjoyeDesigns

Fabrics by AjoyeDesigns

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest has given Abby a true appreciation for the natural world. Whether it’s hiking in Mt. Hood National forest, or beachcombing along the Oregon Coast, the days spent gathering wildflower bouquets has most certainly left its mark. Inspired by the limitless design details and color palettes found only in nature, her artwork is often a representation of the natural beauty that is around us every day. By exploring both hand sketching and watercolor painting, she loves to create patterns that resonate with those who enjoy the little details of life.

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