How to make simple ring clip curtains...sew - or no sew - easy. I promise.
I have basic sewing skills, very basic, but I do like custom items and I refuse to pay a lot for them, so I make my elementary skills work. I would say that aside from my costuming gig, most of my stitching knowledge has been used to make curtains.
Granted, there are many ways to fashion curtains without sewing at all and I am all for that, but sometimes I want a look or a fabric that I cannot readily find.
The curtains that hang over my kitchen table are a perfect example.
I fell in love with the rooster fabric and I knew I wanted a very finished, custom-looking window treatment, but I didn't want the labor and hassle of a big sewing job. So I constructed a very simple rectangular valance with a coordinating fabric border and plain backing and I hung it up with clips.
My finished valance hangs on a six foot window so I needed it to have some scale. It is 16" long ~ 12" of rooster fabric, 2" top and 2" bottom of checked trim.
My white liner fabric is a 16" long. I am a sloppy seamstress, so I cut each of my fabrics with almost an inch extra all the way around for seam allowance. The width of the fabric should be about one and a half times the width of the window.
I cheat all the time when I create and curtain making is no different. I do not have fancy cutting machines or straight edges. I make sure that my floor is really clean and then I lay out the fabric, measure where I need to cut and line it up with a groove in my wood floor.
I run the scissors along the groove and I get a perfectly straight edge.
When all the pieces were ready, I sewed the trim onto the rooster fabric, wrong sides facing out. I ironed the seams down before I pinned the roosters to the liner, pretty sides facing in.
Then I sewed them together, creating a large rectangle, leaving a small opening to turn it inside out. When complete, I ironed the panel and clipped it up to the rod.
I played around with the clips a bit until everything hung precisely the way I wanted.
No rod pockets to create, no fringe or trim to deal with, just a very simple rectangle to sew and yet the look is high end and the price was budget friendly.
They add a nice touch no matter the season!
They add a little drama and frame the space.
Of course, you can alter the measurements to suit your own window size or style. Perhaps you crave mid or floor length panels or cafe curtains, this technique lends itself to so many variations!
For more super creative curtain cheats and fabric decor inspiration, check out my sewing tab in the top menu for projects including these:
By all means let me know if you try this! Do you make your own curtains?
I've always loved this look and that fabric is wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteAt our last house I made curtains very similar but did it with iron on seam tape. No sewing skills at all here. :)
I have never tried that seam tape, Stacey. I am actually less afraid of the sewing machine, because if I mess up (and that happens a lot), I know I can rip it out! Not sure what happens if I botch the tape! :)
DeleteHi Kim! Oh, these are just the sweetest little valances. I love that fabric too! You did a beautiful job with the trim too. Any one would think these were completed commissioned. Be a sweetie,
ReplyDeleteShelia ;)
Shelia, thanks so much! I do love that fabric ~ even though I'm not a huge fan of birds in real life, when it comes to décor, they are my favorites! Thanks for popping by!
DeleteBeautiful valances...love your dining area!
ReplyDeleteMiss Bloomers
Thanks so much, Sonia! It was sweet of you to comment! :)
DeleteHi Kim, you did a beautiful job with your valance and I love the fabric that you picked out. You kitchen looks so bright and cheery.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Thanks Julie! It is bright in here for sure! I like the valances, because they don't cover too much of the windows.
DeleteHi Kim....so pretty. Just the perfect touch in your dining room. Jane
ReplyDeleteThanks Jane! It's simple, but it works! :)
DeleteKim, you did a custom job on these gorgeous rooster curtains! They hang beautifully, too!
ReplyDeleteHelen, thank you so much for the lovely comment. They were so easy to make, really...and the lining helps to stiffen them up so they hang well. That and a little bit of luck! ;)
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteYour curtains look great...can't beat easy and custom look at the same time. Would love to have you come by and share them at my party.
Blessings,
Linda
Thanks so much Linda...I do love a party! I will check it out!
DeleteOne of the prettiest features of your kitchen, Kim, and I love the fact that they look custom, but have a homemade warmth and whimsy to them. Cock-a-doodle-do delightful!
ReplyDeletePoppy
Thanks Poppy! I just fell in love with that fabric and the look evolved from there.
DeleteGreat curtains…love your breakfast nook!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jamie, it's one of my favorite places to sit...and blog! :)
DeleteYour nook is just lovely! Those windows are beautiful and your curtains turned out great. Thanks so much for stopping by chapter37 and for your kind comment!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Abby. It was sweet of you to pop over and leave a comment. I really do love your countertops!
DeleteYour curtains are Extraordinary!!! I love the combination of fabrics and, you may already know this, I love red, too! :)
ReplyDeleteA few years ago I sewed up a valance in the same manner, no coordinating trim, for my friend's daughter. Her fabric was a little lighter in weight and I didn't think they hung quite a well as I would like. But, for a teen girl's bedroom, they were thrilled, and you know how hard it can be to get things just right for someone at 13. ;)
Thanks for linking up at Project Inspire{d} ~ Hope your week is filled with extraordinary moments!
~Diane
Thank you, Diane, you are always so kind! Pleasing a fickle teen is a major accomplishment, they must have been some Extraordinary curtains, as well! Thanks so much for the party. I actually hadn't linked up there in a while, but your invite lured me back!
DeleteThanks for sharing this, Kim. I've made a lot of my own curtains and valances over the years, but have never used clips like these. I like the look very much, and it sure does simplify the whole hardware thing. You did a great job. Until this post, I actually thought these were custom made. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy, just don't look too close! ;) I love the clips, because they eliminate the need for a rod pocket or cornice. I also don't need to be so precise with my measurements, there's lots of room for error!
DeleteBeautiful setting for your lovely curtains. Makes me want to sit down and drink a pot of tea!
ReplyDeleteCome on over! I love guests...and tea! :)
DeleteThose valances look perfect in this room, love all the red...very cozy! Following by FB, via my personal page.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diane. I kind of have a red problem! ;) Following you back, you have a lovely blog!
DeleteYour dining area is lovely and of COURSE I am in love with the red valances!!! You did a wonderful job of making them!!
ReplyDeleteFYI if anyone is interested...several colors of the little clippy rings are on sale at Joann Fabrics, for half price!!
Blessings to you,
J
Thanks for the lovely compliments J and for that info! A few people on Hometalk were asking me about the clips! I will update my post! :)
DeleteFor the liner, did you just use plain white fabric or is it special type of fabric? I'm wondering if I can use the fabric that I'm using for the border for the liner.
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle! Yes, for the liner, I used plain white liner fabric, but you can use any fabric you like. It won't affect the design at all. Good luck!!
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