How to Make Curtains for a Homemade Swing Arm Rod

Measure from the top of the curtain rod to the floor. Add 7 inches to this measurement. Measure the width of the rod between the hinge and the finial. If using heavyweight fabric, such as brocade, double this measurement. If using lightweight fabric, such as woven cotton, triple the measurement.

Cut a rectangle of fabric with this measurement.

Iron a 3/8-inch fold of fabric to the the back side of the fabric on each side of the curtain. Iron another 1/2 inch to the back to create the side hem. Sew 1/4 inch from the inside fold with a straight stitch.

Make a 1-inch fold to the back side of the curtain at the bottom. Iron the fold in place. Iron up a 4-inch hem in the same way.

Sew the hem in place by stitching 1/4 inch from the top fold of the hem with a straight stitch and a standard stitch length.

Iron a 1/2-inch fold to the back side of the fabric at the top of the curtain. Iron down another 1 1/2-inch fold to make the casing.

Set the sewing machine to sew a straight stitch with a long stitch length. Sew 1/8 inch from the bottom fold on the casing. Sew another seam 1/4 inch above this seam. Pull the bobbin threads to gather the curtain to fit the rod. Adjust the gathers evenly.

Set the machine to sew a straight stitch with a standard stitch length. Sew between the rows of gathering stitches to hold the gathers in place.