How can I use vertical blind hardwear to hang drapes or curtains?

I don't know much about such hardware, but if the clips that hold the blinds can be reused, perhaps fasten lightweight curtains to them. The clips on my vertical blinds are plastic and I don't think they'd support fabric heavier than a lightweight cotton. Good luck!

The clips for vertical blinds work mainly because the plastic blinds have snap in notches that have been machine-made into the stiff straight edges. Unfortunately they do not function with fabric. The problem is not that they can not hold up or support light weight fabric, as Nicki comments, but moreover, that the fabric will not be solid enough to snap into the clips.

To attempt to make weighted vertical panels out of fabric will be very difficult. It will be next to impossible to get all panels cut on the grain, resulting in the panels not hanging vertically straight. The panels will need to be hemmed to prevent fraying. It will be very frustrating to try to get them all the same length. The top edge will need to be reinforced and thickened, then notches to match the clips will need to be made.

In my experience I have yet to see any attempts that do not end up in the trash bin.

I used clip on hooks for a drop cloth and hung them evenly between the plastic clips over the cords in the track. The hem touches the floor evenly all the way across. If you want to still be able to open them you will need to use a spring rod. I made a valance to hide the hooks.

I bought a house with vertical blinds in all rooms. Rather than remove them because Florida gets hot, I bought No No Brackets (Ebay) which slip over the vertical blind hardware and allow you to use curtain rods. I have them in two rooms so far and love them. The blind on the sliding door stays to one side and allows me to use it to block light if needed. These No No Brackets are wonderful. I am going to use them in all the rooms with the blinds.

The NoNoBrackets, while not exactly re-using the vertical panel hardware, offer a nice alternative to especially renters wishing to have more decorative window coverings, such as grommet drapes, but are not permitted to make holes in the walls to mount additional curtain rods.

Thanks Flipturn! I had seen something like this before but never knew what they were called! I really appreciate your help!

Mary

I took the verticals down while they were pulled shut and spaced the hooks connected to the drop cloth over the cords between each plastic vertical holder. I bought bamboo beaded curtains and attached them to the drywall and hung the valance. I hope you attack the project. No one will believe it is a drop cloth when you show them.

You're welcome.

Look in Haberdashery Dept. or Curtain store for clips that will fit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxfLUfWy3us

Hi Mary, hope this helps you out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n387xGwfCpk