Homemade Curtains

You can't be a stay at home parent with out doing some DIY projects; and, being a stay at home dad is no different.  It wasn't too long into my new endeavor of staying home that I figured I would give it a try.  My first project: DIY Curtains.

I found a website with easy instructions (sorry, I can't remember what the site was).  I will try my best to explain how I made them.

1. Started out by measuring the window the curtains would go on and buying enough fabric to cover.

2. Cut the fabric to the appropriate size to cover the window and hang down as far as you would like.  When cutting keep in mind you will need to fold and sew each side so measure and cut extra.  The vertical sides each have a 1 inch hem.  The horizontal side each have a 2 inch hem.  I thought this looked nice and it ensured the top hem was large enough for the curtain rod to slide through.

3. The website suggested using double sided tape (if you weren't too adept at using a sewing machine).  Sewing is not a skill I have mastered, so I figured I would give the double sided tape thing a try.  Tried, and failed.  At least now I know to never try that again.

4.  I ironed each hem so it would make it easier to sew.  It did - I was very happy that I thought of this before I started.

5. After ironing and getting the sewing machine all set, the sewing is super easy.  Everything is straight stitches from end to end.  Be sure to sew the vertical sides FIRST and the horizontal sides LAST.  This will ensure you don't sew over and close the top loop so the curtain rod can slide through the curtain.

That is all there is to it!

I'm sure all you master seamstresses out there will be laughing at this post, some of the terminology I use, and...this part:  One thing to make the sewing go A LOT easier - make sure you put the foot down!  I sewed the entire curtains with the foot up!  Thanks for pointing that out to me Annie :)

Henry just had to photo-bomb!!