DIY No Sew Curtains (Under $25!)

This DIY no sew curtains tutorial will show you how to make quick and easy curtains in one afternoon with a few simple materials and with no sewing!  The step-by-step instructions will even show you how to add a custom touch with a simple border!

When we bought our farmhouse, the previous owners left a TON of their things that they didn’t want.  One 30 yard dumpster later and we didn’t knock out even half of the things that they left behind.  One of the things that they “let us keep” was their old pet-soiled, flea-hopping curtains.  They had to go the moment that our key unlocked our front door for the first time.  They were cringe-worthy.  They stunk.  I believe that I actually squealed out of disgust as I tore them down off the wall.  But I bet at one point they were a good choice beside that large bay window.

I knew right away that the basic idea of curtains in the room was a good idea, I just needed to start with a clean (LITERALLY) slate.  So after shopping around and not finding anything that I was envisioning for the room (nor the price tag that I was envisioning for my wallet), I decided to go the DIY route on this one and I am pretty happy that I did.

These curtains turned out exactly how I imagined them looking in my head.  All I needed was the basic idea of what I wanted it to look like (color, opacity, trim detailing) and a sunny Sunday afternoon to get it all sorted out.

And as far as the “no sew” aspect… well I do know how to sew, but you see, I haven’t found my sewing machine just yet.  It’s yet to be unpacked and there’s that slowly unpacking thing still going on around the farmhouse.  Plus, I can show you that you can pull off these curtains with or without a sewing machine, because if you are anything like me, I didn’t learn (still a relative term for me) to sew until I was the big 3-0.

Okay, so here’s the supply list (some links are affiliate links):

• Fabric: Get whatever type of fabric you want.  I wanted a slightly sheer fabric and found a really affordable fabric that is not too heavy and looks great hanging.  I purchased (on sale for $2.49/yard) the Country Classic Cotton in white from Joann Fabric.  The thicker the fabric, the more fabric glue you will likely need.
• Measuring Tape: this is a must.  There are no do-overs after the fabric has been cut.  I like to hang curtains higher and wider than the window itself.  It gives the illusion of a much larger window and therefore a much larger brighter space.  SCORE!  My curtains are hung 15 inches above the top of the window sill.
• Trim: I picked up Jute Webbing in Natural (SKU# 070659911538 from Joann Fabric).  The trim piece along the bottom border of the curtains gives these curtains a custom feel without being distracting or over-the-top.  It also draws the eye down to the floor, which brings the eye from ceiling-to-floor and helps the room look taller.  I went with a wider trim piece in a more neutral color because I like to change things up.  As my taste change so can my decor while my curtains can stay the same.  It’s easier to change out a vase than it is to make a new set of curtains!
• Fabric Scissors: Don’t try and cut your curtain fabric with a dull pair of scissors.  You may destroy the fabric that you just purchased.  Instead, grab a pair of fabric scissors.  Fiskars makes an affordable pair of fabric scissors that I use in my projects.
• Fabric Glue:  There are a bunch of different ones out there but my tried and true favorite is Unique Stitch.  I have never had an issue with it not holding up.  One tube was definitely more than enough to make all four panels in this project and a tube cost less than $5 at the local fabric store.
• Curtain Rod /Curtain Rings:  I didn’t include these items in the price of the curtains but you will definitely need these to place your curtains up on the wall.  I fortunately had the ones that were left in the farmhouse (and I actually really liked them!) so I didn’t have to go buy them.  You can also make them very cheaply (here’s a great tutorial by another fellow blogger!  Clever idea!).
• Sewing Machine*: you can use a sewing machine in any step that you would use the fabric glue in this tutorial. What ever way you want to get your craft on is fine by me.

First thing that you need to do is straighten out your fabric so that there are no wrinkles in it.  The clean kitchen table or floor works best.

Next, carefully cut your panels according to your measurements.  Measure measure measure before cutting cutting cutting.

I like to use the crack in the middle of my kitchen table as a “straightness” guide while cutting.

Then you need to decide where you want the trim to be placed.  My trim was placed about 4.5 inches from the bottom of the curtain panel after the edges had been finished off (which accounted for about another 1″ of fabric).

Line your trim up and cut it to the exact width of each of your panels.  Measure twice three times, cut once.

Then line up your trim piece to exactly where you would like it to reside permanently.

Then, flip one half of your trim piece over so that the backside of it is facing up.  With your fabric glue, trace around the edges of the trim piece with a 1/2 inch gap between the actual edge of the trim and where the glue lies. Carefully lay that half of the trim piece back down over the curtain panel and do the same thing to the other half.  Apply gentle pressure to the trim piece and allow to dry for 30 minutes (or until your brand fabric glue is dry).

Now it’s time to start finishing off the four edges of each curtain panel.  Flip your panel over so that the backside is facing up.  Line each of the four cut edges with your fabric glue.  Fold the outermost 1″ of fabric (which should have the glue on it) on to itself (so the cut edge is glued to the backside of the panel and is no longer seen from the front).  Have I confused you yet?  I gotcha, don’t worry!  See the pictures below for a visual aid 🙂

Again, apply a little gentle pressure and make sure that the glue is getting the job done.  I should note here that if you are messy like me, I would recommend putting something under your panels while you are working with the fabric glue.  I use used grocery bags from my recycle bin for this.

Next you need to decide where to place your curtain rod.  Take into account how long your curtain panels and curtain rings are and how far (if any) off the ground you would like your curtains to hang.  I didn’t want my curtains actually touching the ground because I can’t see white fabric staying clean for long if it is in contact with my floor.  Just for reference, my curtain rods are hung 15″ above the edge of my window sill and my curtains have about a 1″ clearance from the floor.

Whatever height you decide is best to drill those holes and screw in those screws, make sure you measure one too many times before starting.  They say measure twice, drill once.  Or whatevs.  😉  I kid, I kid. But seriously, measure it again!

Obviously one of the most fun steps is pinching on the ring clips (as evenly as you can… or just use your measuring tape for reassurance!).

Ummm…. so I know this is such a ‘duuuuuuuuuh‘ thing to say but I feel like I have to say it…. the next step is to put the rings through the curtain rod and place the whole curtain panel up.

You may need to play with your panels a bit to help them hang the way you want them to.  I prefer that the long edges of my curtains face the wall and not outward for the eye to see. Just my personal preference y’alls!

Now sit back and enjoy your DIY no sew curtain craftiness!

If you have any questions or tips that you’d like to share about your DIY no sew curtain experiences, please let me know!