How to Make Curtains With Self Ties

Curtains

• 1

  Measure the distance from the top of the rod to the desired location of the bottom of the curtain. Add 6 inches to this measurement to calculate the length of fabric required for each curtain panel. Also measure the length of the curtain rod.

• 2

  Cut a panel for each side of the window with the length you calculated and the width of the curtain rod. The total amount of fabric gathered on the rod will be twice the width of the window to create a full curtain.

• 3

  Place a panel right side down on an ironing board. Fold down 1/2 inch at the top of the panel and iron the fold. Fold down another 1 1/2 inch to make a casing. Sew the casing into place by stitching 1/4 inch from the inside fold.

• 4

  Fold up and iron a 1-inch fold on the bottom of the panel and then fold up a 3-inch hem. Sew the hem in place by sewing 1/4 inch from the top fold of the hem. Make the second panel in the same way.

• 5

  Hang the curtains by inserting the curtain rods through the casings.

Plain Tiebacks

• 6

  Tie a string around the curtains on each side. Adjust the height and tightness of the string until you are pleased with the effect. Mark the height of the string with a small pencil mark on the inside of the window frame. Screw in a cup hook at this point. Cut the strings and measure the length of the loop that was around the curtain.

• 7

  Add 1 inch to the length measurement and cut two strips of fabric this length and 5 inches wide. Cut a strip of heavyweight sew-in interfacing with the same dimensions.

• 8

  Lay one strip right side up on a flat surface and lay the second strip right side down on top. Lay the interfacing on top of the stack.

• 9

  Sew 1/2 inch from the edge all the way around the stack of fabric, leaving a 4-inch opening for turning. Make square corners by stopping at the corner with the needle down in the fabric. Lift the pressure foot, turn the fabric to a 90-degree angle to go around the corner, lower the pressure foot and continue sewing.

• 10

  Cut the seam allowance at the corners at a 45-degree angle. The seam allowance is the fabric that extends beyond the seam. Turn the tie right side out and sew the opening closed.

• 11

  Sew a 1/2-inch plastic ring to each of the top corners of the tie. Make a second tie in the same way. Wrap the ties around the curtains and hang the rings on the cup hooks.

Bow Tiebacks

• 12

  Install a cup hook by screwing it into the wall.

• 13

  Cut two 5-inch-wide and 3-foot-long strips of fabric.

• 14

  Lay one strip right side up on a flat surface and lay the second strip on top right side down.

• 15

  Sew 1/2 inch from the edge all the way around the stack of fabric, leaving a 4-inch opening for turning. Make square corners. Clip the corners of the seam allowance and turn the tie right side out. Sew the opening closed.

• 16

  Sew a 1/2-inch plastic ring halfway along the top of the tie. Hang the ring on the cup hook. Wrap the tie around the curtain and tie it in a bow in front. Follow the same instructions to make the second bow tieback.