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DIY Custom Curtains (For Less than $130)

January 23, 2021

 Custom Curtain Sewing Tutorial

Let’s talk about the mild anxiety I had when realizing new home ownership was expensive! From adding storage units everywhere in the house, furnising additional spaces and ….

…the cost of window treatment.

Window treatments have SUCH a large range in prices. You want something that will last but also something stylish that can elevate the space while simultaneously giving you hygge (i.e. cozy) vibes.

Quality drapes and blinds were a sticker shock for me even though I KNEW somewhat what to expect. When we moved in we purchased light filtering blinds knowing that sometime down the line I would sew curtains to bring in the cozy home feels.

As I am reworking the nursery, I wanted to share how I created some custom drapes for the bedroom. Pleats create such a beautiful drape, so I opted to make this style.

This was the before

Drapery Fabric

Let’s first talk about drapery fabric and how expensive it can be. For this room, I wanted to use a different print but the cost of the curtains would double the price. I just COULD NOT justify it even though I had to change my vision for the room. I went to our local Lens Mill store and bought some high quality beautiful cotton/linen blend fabric.

Installing the Curtain Rod

You guys! This was the first time I hung up the curtain rod all by myself. Yes it may be only a curtain rod but I am so dang proud of myself. I placed the rod about 3.5″ from the top of the ceiling. The brackets were installed 8″ from each side of the window.

The key tip here is to use tape! Painters tape or masking tape will help you install it all on your own and ensure that it is level.

It was pretty simple but honestly what terrified me was that I would mess up on the drywall screws. I used a drill to make some pilot holes and used drywall screws to install the brackets. I now have this new found confidence for using power tools ha!

Okay onto making this curtain!

WHAT YOU’ll NEED:

  • 6 yards of drapery fabric (I bought mine for $10/yard)
    • The width was 57″. This would work well for a standard size window and ensure that there still some fullness when the curtains are closed.
  • Matching thread
  • Sewing machine
  • Scissors
  • Iron
  • Measuring tape
  • Pleating tape (heavy weight similar to the one linked) ($25)
  • Curtain hooks ($20)
  • Curtain rod set from Ikea ($10)
  • Ring clips from Ikea (ring clip2 sets $5/each)
  • Pins

Total cost for materials: $125

Keep in mind I have plenty of pleating tape and curtain hooks to sew a couple more curtains!

Step 1: Wash and dry your fabric to avoid shrinkage later on.
Step 2:  Cut the fabric in half. You should have three yards of fabric per curtain.
Step 3: Press and Sew the Side Seams

Fold the raw edge in 3/4″ and press using an iron all the way along the side.Use your measuring tape as you go along to ensure it is straight. Then fold over again 3/4″ and press. Repeat for other side.

Sew down the length of the panel using a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Step 4: Press and Sew the Top Hem

Fold the raw edge in 4″ and press using an iron. Then fold over again 4″ and press.

Pin to secure the fold and sew along the bottom fold using a 1/4″ seam allowance.

 

Step 5: Add the Pleating Tape

Measure the top edge of the curtain panel. Cut the pleating tape to this length + an additional 1.5″. This will allow for an additional 3/4″ on each side of the tape to be folded under when you sew the pleating tape to the curtain.

Center the pleating tape in the middle of the top hem. Fold the edges under by 3/4″ and pin all the way along to avoid the tape from moving. Then sew along the top and bottom edge of the pleating tape. I used the red lines on my tape as a guide.

Sew the sides of the top hem using a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Step 6: Add the Hooks

Place the hooks evenly along the pleating tape. I used 8 hooks for my curtains.

Step 7: Determine Length of Curtain

Hang the curtains and determine the length you require. The curtains should touch the very bottom of floor for optimal length. Place a pin horizontally at the location of your desired length.

Remove the curtain and fold evenly along this edge. Place horizontal pins throughout. I would HIGHLY recommend using a long measuring tape to ensure the length is even from the top hem to the bottom hem as you do this.

I did not do this initially thinking I would save time. Let’s just say, it was very uneven and I had to rip it all out.

You can use your first panel as a guide to do the same for the second panel.

Step 8: Press and Sew Bottom Hem

I opted to use a 4″ bottom hem for a more custom look. Alter the following instructions as needed if you require a smaller hem.

Measure 8 inches from where you put the pins and cut off any additional fabric. Fold the raw edge over 4″ and press. Fold over again 4″ and press. This step is the exact same as sewing the top hem.

Remove the horizontal pins. Then pin to secure the folded fabric to the curtain panel. Sew along the folded edge of the bottom hem using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Then sew the side seams.

There you have it! I hope this tutorial was helpful and gave you some inspiration to sew your custom drapes.

Final Thoughts

I love the custom look of these curtains. The best part is you can customize it to whatever colour and length you prefer!

Although I wanted something a bit more playful in this room, it was not worth the investment. My plan is to add some of those fun moments using decorative pillows and accessories. Stay tuned!

 

Follow along on Instagram @kukarudesigns.com or facebook at kukarudesigns. Tag me in your makes because I would love to see and share them over on Instagram.

Other fun tutorials:

  • Bunny Ear Scrunchie
  • Double Bow Tie
  • Blanket Scarf

IF YOU LIKE THIS POST, SMASH THE SUBSCRIBE BUTTON TO MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER FOR UPDATES ON NEW MAKES AND PATTERNS. SUBSCRIBING HELPS TO  SUPPORT THE BLOG SO WE CAN CREATE MORE TUTORIALS LIKE THIS FOR YOU!

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Retro boxy tee hack gives me all the summer vibes! Retro boxy tee hack gives me all the summer vibes! This time I decided to use the #MNjarrah to make a t-shirt using leftover striped cotton jersey fabric that I had purchased from @blackbirdfabrics last year. I am finally making my way through my fabric stash! This was a make it work moment with limited fabric and a stripped print ah! If you have sewn with stripes you know...getting those lines to match up is something else. This tee is far from perfect but I LOVE it so much!

The base was a sleeveless Jarrah Sweater. I altered the pattern by making two sleeves (check the blog for details) and shortened the hem all while trying my best to keep the stripes matched up... I would say 85% of the time it worked! Check my stories for the bloopers :)

Do you have any favourite tshirt patterns?
_____________________________
Pattern: Jarrah Sweater @megannielsenpatterns 

Fabric: Striped cotton jersey @blackbirdfabrics 

#mnjarrah #meganneilsenpatterns  #sewersofinstagram #sewcreative #memadeeveryday #sew #sewingblogger #handmadewardrobe #imakemyownclothes #diyfashion #sustainablefashion #isew #iheartsewing #handmadeootd #memade #ilovesewing #isewlated2021 #handmadeootd #sewcialists #ootd #momstyle #blackbirdfabrics #kukarudesigns #memadeeveryday #retrofashion
It has been some time since I introduced myself. L It has been some time since I introduced myself. Let me know if you have anything in common!

1. My name is Kusala prounounced Ku-sa-la (it means good karma)
2. I was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Canada when I was 2
3. I have lived in 4 Canadian cities including Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa
4. My first creative hobby was playing piano. I played until grade 9 royal conservatory at which point I did not want to be hassled to practice and promptly quit ha! 
5. When i was younger I took traditional Kandyan dancing lessons and even performed on Parliament Hill
6. I have killed many plants in my lifetime but still love to think I have a green thumb
7. I work in health research
8. I have naturally curly hair but hated the look growing up so I always straightened it. Sometimes  I would straighten it just to curl it again. I’m finally embracing the natural curls.
9. I live in loungewear and that is the majority of my wardrobe
10. I am a mama to two boys who are home with me while I’m on maternity leave. I’m thankful that I get this year with them and I know how lucky I am to be able to be at home for this length of time. They are my inspiration for my kids sewing patterns.
11. Sewing and diy is my creative outlet and has helped me through this pandemic.

I hope you got to know me a little better.  I’m excited you are all here and following along my chaotic journey.

#mnjarrah #jarrahsweater #imakemyownclothes #sewcialdistancing #isewlated2021 #sewistsofinstagram #ilovesewing #memade #memadeeveryday #ootd #diyfashion #sustainablefshion #isew #sewfashion #statementsleeves #heart #heartfashion #fashionsewing  #sewersofinstagram
#memadeeveryday #sew #sewcreative #fortheloveofsewing #memadevalentine2021 #diy #introduction #pigeonpinkredparty #pocwhosews
For Galentines day, we pair a sweatshirt with a fu For Galentines day, we pair a sweatshirt with a fun tulle skirt...

..and call it cozy high fashion ha!

I had been searching for weeks for a pattern to make with this beautiful dreamy pink leopard print terry fabric I purchased from @simplififabric and just could not settle on one. I finally decided to make the leap and use it to make the #mnjarrah– view  A.

Anyone else have anxiety trying out a new pattern?

Even after cutting into it, I questioned my choice but I am so glad I trusted the process. Since this fabric is not fleece-lined, it actually has the perfect amount of drape for a lightweight cozy sweatshirt for the Jarrah!

I had a lot of fun dressing up and wearing heels for #galentinesday ! I also wanted to participate in some online valentines day sewing community challenges this year which gave me the extra motivation to finish this make on time!

_____________________________

Skirt : Handmade by me - self drafted. Tutorial on the blog.

Pattern: Jarrah Sweatshirt @megannielsenpatterns 

Fabric: dusty pink organic French Terry Fabric @simplififabric 

#mnjarrah #memadevalentine2021 #pigeonpinkredparty #sewersofinstagram #sewcreative #memadeeveryday #sew ##sewingblogger #handmadewardrobe #imakemyownclothes #diyfashion #sustainablefashion #isew #iheartsewing #ootd #memade #ilovesewing #isewlated2021 #valentinesday #galentinesday #handmadeootd #sewcialists #ootd #momstyle #simplififabric #kukarudesigns #MNjarrah
Let's talk about throw pillows and the oh so popul Let's talk about throw pillows and the oh so popular pom pom pillow...

I was watching a video on @alexandragater channel recently and came across these super cute pom pom pillows. Since then I have seen them everywhere online. It is the perfect combination of the boho chic style that is all over Pinterest! 

These pillows retail at SUCH a high price point. I found one at @hm but they have been sold out for months! So I decided to DIY a pom pom pillow for the nursery to add that fun pop of colour to the room! 

The tutorial will guide you through sewing two different styles of pillows a simple zipper cushion cover AND a pom pom pillow BBC!

For the pom pom cushion I used a beautiful luxe velvet cotton that is so soft! The zipper cushion was made from a heavy weight linen in the colour canyon. As for the yarn, I used what I had in my stash but any thick yarn will work!

I love how this adds a fun pop of colour to the room!
________________________________

Throw pillows: handmade by me
Fabric: velvet cotton and linen @spoolandspindle
Let’s talk about loungewear... It seems like 20 Let’s talk about loungewear...

It seems like 2021 is starting off the same as 2020 in terms of fashion trends. Loungewear is still having its moment this year with loungwear sets and rompers trending. Seeing that I will be at home for the forseeable future, I needed a few more cozy pants and I knew I had to sew up another pair of Hudson Pants . 

For this make, I used a beautiful brushed french terry from European Import that I purchased from @simplififabric last year. 

This fabric is honestly the most cozy material I have ever worn! It has a stunning muted touch on the outside and warm, ultra fuzy inner lining.

These pants pair well with a t-shirt and zip up hoodie :) I chase two kids around all day, and cozy pieces just make it easier to play with them.

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________________________________

Pants: Handmade by me
Fabric: European import brushed French terry in khaki @simplififabric
Pattern: Hudson pants by @truebias 

#hudsonpants #truebias #sewersofinstagram #sewcreative #memadeeveryday #sew ##sewingblogger #handmadewardrobe #imakemyownclothes #diyfashion #sustainablefashion #isew #iheartsewing #ootd #memade #ilovesewing #isewlated2021 #isewedpants #loungewear #handmadeootd #sewcialists
Let's talk about window treatments... I definitel Let's talk about window treatments...

I definitely had some mild anxiety when I fully understood how expensive home ownership can be! From adding storage units everywhere in the house, furnishing additional spaces and ….

…the cost of window treatments.

I wanted to add some hygge vibes into the nursery. It was a bit lack luster on the comfort side of things. These DIY custom curtains were less than $130 to make and install. I was able to get the look, length and quality that I envisioned for the space. 

You guys! This was the first time I hung up this #ikea racka curtain rod all by myself. Yes it may be only a curtain rod but I am so dang proud of myself.  I now have this new found confidence for using power tools ha!

The details on how I got this look are up on the blog! 

________________________________

Fabric: Cotton/linen blend from @lensmillstore 
Curtain rod: Racka @ikeacanada 
Curtain hooks: @ikeacanada 

#lensmill #localfabricstore #kwawesome #kwcraft #sewersofinstagram #crafting #canadiansewer #customcurtains #customdrapes #curtains #roommakeover #nursery #nurserydecor #sewcreative #sewist #sewingblogger #craftsastherapy #sewialdistancing #isewlated2021 #ilovesewing #customwindowtreatments #interiordesign #handsewn #custommade #ikeahack #ikeadecor #ikeabedroom
I’ve had a weekend full of failures... If you w I’ve had a weekend full of failures...

If you were following along this weekend I thought I could finish my Hudson Pants. Turns out I could not get my serger to cut through three layers of fabric and it kept getting jammed and I ended up with broken thread as well as broken needles. After adjusting the machine, I found it a bit better. The project did come to a halt as I am now waiting on some needles ha! Any helpful tips for the serger/over locker?

Then onto sewing a curtain. I used the wrong pleating tape and the Ikea hooks I bought were too small! So, last night I had to order more supplies. It’s surprising how a couple items add up. Anyone else feel this way?

Oh and today when I tried to install one of the curtain rods that I bought nearly a year ago, it ended up being too short! 

Sewing is never perfect and it can be pretty messy sometimes. This weekend just ended up being more messy. I guess that’s part of the ride. 

#sew #sewingproject #sewersofinstagram #sewceative 
#memadeeveryday #sew #sewcreative #fortheloveofsewing #sewist #sewingblogger #sewing #handmadewardrobe #imadethis #ilovesewing #homesewn  #createmakeshare #etsy #etsyseller #makerstrong #craftsastherapy #sewingmakesmehappy#creativelifehappylife #sewallthethings #diyfashion #serger #overlocker #sergertips
I have been quiet this week.. I took a break from I have been quiet this week..

I took a break from sewing and creating this week. It has been a heavy week in more ways than one. Personally there has been some major life decisions in the background that are exciting but also emotionally heavy.

And now a fresh new year and we are back into a state of emergency and stay at home order. Of course this has not changed much for me since I’ve been following the same guidelines for nearly a year now. Yet, there are still so many feelings around the loss of normalcy, loss of connection and loss of routine.

I know many of you are in a similar position or having similar feelings. I have found that taking a moment to process all of those feelings and sit with them has been has been a such a game changer both physically and emotionally. Know that this moment in time is not going to last forever. 

I will be starting some new projects this week to focus my energy. I find sewing and crafting a way to channel those feelings. 

How are you all doing?

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