How to Hang Outdoor Sheer Curtains -- AND They Stay Put in the Wind!

5 Materials
$22
2 Hours
Easy

Sheer curtain panels can obscure a less than desirable view and they can frame a stunning view. They say “special, cozy & private”. And it’s not expensive. We’re talking sheers and NO expanse of rods are needed.

Here’s the trick for outdoor sheers. You do NOT want to run them through a rod!!! The wind will grab them and have them hanging wherever he wants them, not where you want them.


More details are in the full blog tutorial.


Take charge of this. Use knobs, NOT rods!


Let's Get Started. You'll Need:


Materials:



  • Sheer Curtain Panel
  • Ribbon, 24-inches per panel
  • Drawers Pulls, 5 per panel
  • Dowel screw to fit Drawer Pulls
  • Locking Cup Hook
  • Decorative Ribbon for Tie backs


Supplies:



  • Drill & bit for starter holes
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine, optional
  • needle and thread
  • Ladder
  • Tape Measure
Prepare the Curtain Panel(s)


Choose a sheer ready made panel that is machine washable and dryable. Any rain will dry quickly and you can throw in the washing machine between seasons or maybe mid-season too.


Mine are made from the cheapest white sheer window scarf Walmart had in stock. Typically window scarf valances are 216″ long, yielding two panels. You can use ready-made panels, if the length is right and you don’t mind spending a bit more as trade-off for no cutting and hemming.


I cut that long scarf into two long panels, about 108-inches each. Then folded and pressed a modest hem, folding over twice. Ran it through the sewing machine, but you can certainly hand-stitch if the machine terrifies you. This hem will be at the bottom and hardly show. Don’t stress about its perfection.

Add the Ribbon Loops:


Use stout ribbon, such as grosgrain or a soft webbing.


I wanted to stay with white and only had a wide grosgrain piece on hand. So I pressed it in half lengthwise and then stitched down those sides (probably didn’t really need to stitch the sides).


Cut you ribbons to length. For my 1-1/8″ knobs, I cut my ribbons 4 1/2-inches long. I suggest doing a zig zag over the ends, or if machine fear kicks in, then heat-seal the ends.


You can only heat-seal ribbons that are of synthetic fibers. (not cotton, wool or burlap). Cut you ribbon and pass the flame from a lighter across the very tip of those cut edges. Watch carefully as the edge melts and shrivels up.


Mark where your ribbons will go.


With five there’s no math required. One centered on each of the side hems, fold in half and mark the middle, then line up each corner with the middle and and mark both of those middles.

Stitch the Ribbon Loops in Place


Next, on each mark, stitch a ribbon folded in half with ends lined up a bit below the top on the backside of your panel.


TIP: Pin one of the ribbons in place and test again, making sure the loop is large enough to make it over the drawer pull.


All good? Then stitch these securely!!! I used a box with one edge of the box along the upper folded edge of the hem. This keeps the upper edge flat and hanging evenly. You can certainly do this by hand. Your stitches will barely show.

Prepare to Hang Your Sheers


Measure and mark the placement for your knobs.


Start a pilot hole with a drill (or if your drill battery is dead when you’re ready for progress, a large nail will do — oh, like that’s never happened to you. Yup, I thought so…..).

Now screw your drawer pulls onto one end of your dowel screws and then into your pilot holes.

Stating the obvious, hang each ribbon loop over a knob.

Once hung, tie a decorative ribbon loosely around the panel and determine what height you want your locking cup hook.

Ta Da! Instant Ambiance


I'd love to see your success with this project. Please share a picture on IG tag and hashtag southhousedesigns. I'll see it then and possibly feature you.


If you enjoyed this DIY, please follow me (blue button at the top) and jump over to my blog to check out more like this.

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Diane - South House Designs
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  3 questions
  • Ticia Ticia on Jul 13, 2020

    Wonder if you can do this on a stucco wall? It looks great but I can just see all the frogs and gekkos having the time of their life in it. Wish I could do it.

  • Kay bruce Kay bruce on Jul 20, 2020

    Could you add “small” weights to the bottom to keep from blowing around?

  • Edith Cherascot Edith Cherascot on Jul 14, 2021

    What kind of sheer curtains are used? You said sheer but it look more another material. Thank you for sharing this idea and answer my question.

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