How to Make Outdoor Curtains for a Sliding Door

Outdoor curtains must survive rain, snow, heat, cold, wind and mud. It is impossible to make outdoor curtains that last forever, but by using the right fabric and thread -- woven or spun polyester -- the curtains can last a long time. Sewing curtains doesn't take much time, and anyone with the most basic sewing skills can make them.

Measuring tape
Woven polyester material
Scissors
Sewing pins
Heavy-duty nylon thread
Sewing machine

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the width of the sliding doors, and add 8 to 12 inches to determine the correct size curtain rod. Attach the rod above the door so that 4 to 6 inches stick out past the doors on both sides, and the rod is 1 or 2 inches above the door. This guarantees the curtains cover the door completely.
- 2
  Measure the height of the door from the curtain rod to the ground. Measure the width of the curtain rod, and add that measurement to the door height. Add 2 more inches to that measurement to determine the curtain length. The extra inches are for hems and the rod pocket.
- 3
  Measure the length of the curtain rod to determine the curtain width. Add 2 inches to the measurement for hems. If you want the curtains to appear wavy when closed, add another 12 inches to the measurement.
- 4
  Cut the material to the length and width measurements using the measuring tape and scissors. Cut the material in half vertically to make two panels. Set one panel aside.
- 5
  Rest the material on the work surface so it is completely open. If the material has a front and back, the back should face upward. Fold 1/2 inch of one of the edges toward the center, and pin it in place with sewing pins. Place the pins as close to the edge of the folded material as possible. Make sure the entire length of the material is folded only 1/2 inch. Keep measuring the distance as you go.
- 6
  Repeat with the other three edges until all four are pinned. The folded material becomes the hems that keep the material from unraveling.
- 7
  Use a sewing machine to sew along the material with heavy-duty thread. Follow the pins, removing them as you go.
- 8
  Fold down the top edge of the sewn material to the width of the curtain rod plus 1/4 inch for a little extra room. Pin the material in place, placing the pins as close to the edge of the folded material as possible. The pins sit on the hem. Sew across the material, following the pins.
- 9
  Sew the hems and rod pocket on the other panel. Slip the curtain rod through the pockets of the curtains to hang them.

How to Install a Rod on French Door Curtains

How to Build a Single Shed Door

Windows, Doors & Walls