How can I make no sew insulated drapes

Kay
by Kay
I have very drafty windows in my apartment (just moved in) I need something to block out the drafts and also add more privacy, as I only have mini blinds now.
I am on a VERY limited budget and I do NOT sew. If anyone has ideas please share! Thanks so much!!icon

  8 answers
  • Ken Ken on Jan 18, 2018

    Any place that sells insulation and weather stripping will sell a kit with clear plastic sheets (thick plastic wrap) and double stick tape. You tape around the windows, attach the sheet, and heat with a hair dryer to take out the wrinkles. That WILL keep the drafts out.


    I have used a product called "liquid stitch" to make bathroom curtains out of beach towels. Just fold one end of the towel over to make a rod pocket and dab the liquid on. Of course you can use any fabric you like to do the same thing. Doesn't have to be towels.

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Jan 18, 2018

    Hi Kay,

    Creating your own drapes would involve buying heavy material, cutting it to fit plus leaving allowances on each side and end for finishing. You'd probably also want to look for insulating material to incorporate into the curtains. You can do the with a product like Stitch Witchery which can be ironed between 2 pieces of fabric. Below is a link to a Pinterest page that has some ideas, but before you do it, I'd suggest looking at Walmart. They might have some curtains that will actually cost you less than buying the proper fabric that you would need. You could do one room at a time, as part of your budget to get the results you want. You could also cover your windows with plastic. It comes in a kit with instruction and what you need to install it. They are temporary but might work for this winter. Below the first link is a link to what is available at Home Depot so that you know what you're looking for. Wishing you the best.

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/287456388693759498/?lp=true

    https://www.homedepot.com/s/window%2520insulation?NCNI-5

  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Jan 18, 2018

    You can purchase insulated drapes and they are not really expensive. It would cost you just as much or more to make them anyway. Buy the ones with the grommets on top and then a curtain rod of your choosing. These are easy to open. Try Walmart or Sears.

    • Kay Kay on Jan 18, 2018

      Thanks, But I was hoping to be able to make some with what I have on hand. Like blankets/sheets. I have 4 windows and it would be about $10 for one panel, and would be more than I can budget

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Jan 18, 2018

    Go to a sewing center. There are fabric glues you can use. Take fabric with you so they know what it is going to be used on and will probably be able to help you with tips on the drapes and how to use the glue best. There are also fusible tapes that you put on with an iron.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 18, 2018

    Cheaper to buy drapes from a Walmart type of store compared to going to a fabric store, buying material and sewing.

    • Kay Kay on Jan 18, 2018

      This is really helpful! Thanks so much Janet!

  • Emily Emily on Jan 18, 2018

    I have used a plain fleece blanket to use as a curtain in our small computer room. It is about 82" square and is white. I sewed wooden rings onto the top and they go on a wooden rod. Probably cost me $5 for the fleece (at our discount store) and all sides are finished. The window is about 32" wide plus molding so this is very full and goes to the floor from the top of the window frame. On other windows I have used these fleece blankets as liners. On this window since there is a top "flip over" border, I just used t-pins to fasten the blanket in. Then in the summer I unpin it, wash it and the curtains and add back in for winter weather.

  • Kelly Denoyer Russell Kelly Denoyer Russell on Jan 18, 2018

    Not insulated but shower curtains can work as drapes. Walmart sells some pretty inexpensive ones. Fabric is going to cost more With or without sewing skills.