How to Convert Regular Curtains to French Door Curtains

Install French door curtain rods 1 inch above and to the outside of the window trim molding. Screw the brackets into the door using a screwdriver, and attach the curtain rods to the brackets. The lower rod is designed to stay in place, with the curtain pulling upward against the rod.

Measure the width of the door, and multiply by two. This is the width of the curtain panel that will work best for each door. A standard French door is 80 inches in height, so select a curtain panel at least 80 inches in height for each door.

Measure the actual height from the top of the top door curtain rod to the bottom of the bottom door curtain rod. On a standard French door, the height will be approximately 74 inches. Add 2 1/2 inches for ruffles.

Cut the bottom of the curtain to match the height measurement you arrived at in Step 3. The top of a plain curtain panel will have a pocket that you can modify and use as is. Fold the bottom fabric under 1/4 inch and iron. Fold the fold under 1 1/2 inches. Sew a seam 1 3/8 inch from the bottom and a second seam 7/8 inch from the bottom. This will create a 1/2-inch pocket and a 7/8-inch ruffle.

Sew a seam 1 3/8 inch from the top edge and a second seam 7/8 inch from the top edge. This will form a top 1/2-inch pocket with a 7/8-inch ruffle. Slide the curtain rods through the pockets, and hang the curtain.

Fold the remaining fabric in half along its length, with the right sides together. Sew a 1/4-inch seam along the long edge. Turn the strip right side out, and iron flat. Tuck the end fabric 1/2 inch to the inside, and sew a top stitch to close the opening. Wrap the fabric around the center of the curtain, and pull so that the strip pulls the fabric together in the middle. Overlap the sewn end 2 inches. Cut the strip. Tuck the end fabric 1/2 inch to the inside, and sew a top stitch to close the opening.

Hand sew a snap to each end of the fabric strip. Add a large, decorative button centered on the outside of the snap location. Place the strip around the curtain, and snap it closed.