What is an easy and cheap way to make curtains?

Janet Edwards
by Janet Edwards
  14 answers
  • You don't say how long or wide you need but flat bed sheets and ring clips work well. You can fold the sheet and then clip if they are too long. Don't even have to cut anything.


  • KattywhampusLOL KattywhampusLOL on Aug 28, 2017

    ns easily and inexpensively :) Hello Janet :) You can use sheets; either sheets with a lovely design on them that you want to put up in your house, or plain sheets that you stencil your own design onto (either by hand or with a stencil) --- or plain sheets you dye yourself (like tie-dye) -- or just plain sheets! OR Dropcloths ;)

    http://thefrugalhomemaker.com/2014/06/25/no-sew-inexpensive-long-curtains-made-from-sheets/

    http://www.welcometoheardmont.com/2013/06/tutorial-easy-peasy-curtains-from-sheets/

    http://diyshowoff.com/2011/12/26/diy-project-parade-and-diy-no-sew-script-drop-cloth-curtain-tutorial/

    https://www.viewalongtheway.com/2011/09/a-striped-curtain-tutorial/

    https://www.viewalongtheway.com/2013/04/no-sew-diy-greek-key-curtain-panels/

    http://www.artsychicksrule.com/2013/04/easy-no-sew-curtain-panels.html

    ORRRRR you CAN sew up some lined curtains to make blackout curtains:

    https://www.viewalongtheway.com/2012/06/tutorial-how-to-sew-lined-back-tab-curtains-drapes-curtain-panels-whatever/


    SEW EASY ;) LOL Have fun with them, and thanks for asking Hometalk for ideas on how you can make curtains easily and inexpensively :)

    We would LOVE to see what you've done!

  • Ken Ken on Aug 28, 2017

    The cheapest would be to scan for sales. You likely won't be able to make curtains cheaper. Second is to hunt through clearance at the nearest fabric store to find something you like. Sewing would be the least expensive to seam the edges and make a rod pocket but if you don't have a sewing machine of sewing skills there is a product called fabric glue. Fold edges over, iron, then open them back up to put in the fabric glue. I used the stuff to make beach-themed beach towels into curtains for a bathroom.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Aug 28, 2017

    You can make curtains out of any material - sheets, towels, etc. If you don't sew, there is iron on tape or clips that have a ring on one end to go through a curtain rod. I've even seen a valance made from doll clothes clipped to a curtain rod. So cute.

  • Sunny C Sunny C on Aug 28, 2017

    Hello Janet; I have seen some very inexpensive, slightly used curtains at Thrift Stores.

    You can pick them up for a song, and they are usually really nice looking.

    Also, if you can sew, you can make some, easily using bed sheets, large pieces of Fabrics.

    Furthermore, you might consider doing what I have in the past.

    Wal-Mart sells very inexpensive pull down light blocking shades. They are easy to install, and they last. You can then hang anything over the shade, and it gives a very nice, custom look to any room.

    I hope that these ideas help you!!! Take Care!

  • Tam14858312 Tam14858312 on Aug 28, 2017

    i buy table cloths and sew a rod pocket in the top by folding over about four inches or more and stitch straight across about one inch below the fold that makes a nice top that looks gathered when on your rod then stitch another straight line about two or three inches below your first row and insert your curtain rod depending on your rod circumference, it might require a wider fold. hope this give you and idea. have a great day.

  • Karen Krysowaty Karen Krysowaty on Aug 28, 2017

    My bathroom cafe curtains were made from two sets of napkins. All I did was purchase the rods and the curtain hooks that clip on and voila a new set of curtains.

  • Olive Greenz Olive Greenz on Aug 28, 2017

    Modern okay? We had a huge family room that had windows all around it. I put up brass rods (or thin pipes) and used the inexpensive round brass clips you buy by the package. The fabric stores have light blocking fabric that is usually white or a little darker on the other side and it comes on a big roll. It is actually very pretty, cheap but fab. I didn't sew anything. Just cut the fabric to size and clipped them on the rod.




  • Michele Pappagallo Michele Pappagallo on Aug 28, 2017

    use painter's drop cloths from your local home center....the cloth type, not plastic.

  • Elaine Elaine on Aug 28, 2017

    I bought iron rods and rings (the type that have clips attached) then slid the rings on. I then bought sheets from Walmart or anywhere cheap. The sheet sizes depended, of course, on the size of the window. They looked great!!! If you want the room darker, hang two sheets; one on top of the other so they are "lined". In other words, there'd be four sheets at each window IF you wanted them doubled up or "lined". If you don't need a room very dark, then just clip on two sheets; one at each end of the rod.

  • Chubby58 Chubby58 on Aug 28, 2017

    I make my shower curtains out of a double flat sheet from Walmart. Try Getting single flat curtains in a solid color and stencil with fabric paint on them. Use the large hemmed end as the bottom and the seam at the top for a rod or simply use curtain hooks. Make sure you wash the sheets before doing this.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Aug 29, 2017

    In order for your time put into the project in making window curtains yourself instead of purchasing ready-made to be worthwhile , then the fabric that you use must be washable and durable, not weak or see-through, provide privacy, block the light, insulate from sunlight, and meet any other specific purposes as to why to want curtains in the first place.


    There are many ideas out there as to what type of fabric you can use or repurpose for curtains but you must also consider if the final effect will meet with your expectations. All fabric is Not created equal just because it is material. Curtain/drapery fabric is designed to be sturdy to withstand the pulling and tugging of opening and closing, and is a minimun weight and consistency to hang straight and properly.

    Usually ready-made curtains are finished with serged edges and seams. If you don't have a serger, it will be a lot more work to finish the seam edges so that they are durable and don't fray or fall apart.


    Another huge consideration is the cost of any curtain/drapery hardware - grommets, hooks, rods, brackets, etc. They are not cheap, as they are made to be sturdy to hold and support the weight/gravity of the fabric and the movement of opening and closing the curtains.


    A very common and unfortunate mistake made by diyers looking for a quick fix is to try to cheap out on purchasing hardware that is too thin, small, or not strong enough, and then mounting it on the to wall incorrectly, without the proper toggle bolts, attachments, etc. Sooner or later the screws will be pulling out, taking chunks of the drywall along with them, and you will have a huge mess.





  • Rkm28381831 Rkm28381831 on Aug 29, 2017

    a new fad happening on some of the diy shows is to buy the canvas-type drop cloths for painting and repurpose them into curtains. They look good on the tv and would certainly be plenty sturdy. You could also add a variety of embellishments pretty easily. Very inexpensive as well. Good luck and above all, HAVE FUN!!