Easy (No-Sew) DIY Curtains

I love curtains.  Not only is privacy a must in most spaces, but curtains also add to the decor of your home.  Sure you could get by with just blinds to meet your privacy needs, but curtains add so much more cozy.  Know what I'm saying?

But, curtains can get pretty expensive, especially if you have several large windows (like we do).  And if you are like me, you want to be able to take down your curtains frequently for cleaning.

Somebody missed the trash can and food splattered all over the kitchen curtains?  No problem!
Somebody (I'm talking to you here, Little Man) finished their dinner and headed to the dining room curtains to wipe his little face?  No problem!  Don't want to deal with the hassle and expense of dry cleaning (like me)?  No problem!

So what do you do?   Make your own curtains out of sheets!  Yep that's right, I made my curtains myself.  Out of sheets.

Now how did this even come about?

-I wanted a lot of fabric on the windows because it looks more luxurious.
-I wanted to be able to throw my curtains in the washer frequently.
 -I didn't want to spend a lot of money (do I ever???)

I was trying to figure out how to accomplish all of this when I remembered a conversation with my Granny a long time ago:  

Granny was great at the sewing machine and used to take things like bedspreads and turn them into Halloween costumes (helloooo upcycle!).  We were talking about it one day and she pointed out that sheets were a great source of fabric at a great price (compared to buying fabric at the sewing/ craft store).  I remember we were sitting in her van on the way to a garage sale and she said, "You can do a lot with sheets Jennifer"  It's funny what sticks in your mind after someone has passed!

So anyway, I decided that sheets were the answer.  I went to Wal-Mart and purchased twin sized flat sheets for $5 each.  I used two per window and when you add in the pre-made sheers (also purchased at Wal-Mart) you end up with a cost of only $20 per window.  $20!!!!! That's insane!  And you can wash them so easily!  Love!

Side Note:  You don't have to limit yourself to the inexpensive cotton sheets like I did.  There are all kinds of fabrics and patterns out there, just waiting for that crafty someone to give them new life.  Go crazy!  

Sheets!

Top Left:  My kitchen window has just a sheer to keep things bright.

Top Right:  The master window has queen sized sheets.  I liked the way this size created more fabric volume and will be switching to larger sized sheets for all windows next time.  Also of note, these sheets are layered on top of black-out curtains.  Husby needs to be able to nap comfortably any time of day without being disturbed by all that bright light.  By hanging a set of blackout curtains (found treasure hunting) behind the sheet curtains, we were able to combine the look I wanted with the darkening ability he likes.

Bottom:  Patio door in the kitchen.

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So how do you turn a sheet into a curtain without sewing a thing?  Keep scrolling!

Making Curtains

All you have to do is this:  Flip over the flat sheet and find the hem.  The hem should be at one end of the sheet (would be the head of the bed) and will consist of a folded over section that is stitched in place.  Simply use a pair of sharp scissors to create a small opening in the backside of the hem at each end of the sheet.  Now you are left with a nice and tidy spot to slip your curtain rod through.

You could certainly get a bit more detailed and cut/ sew nice openings, ad trims, vary the lengths, the options are endless.  But for me I like simplicity, and left them as pictured.  And I can attest to the fact that they have remained quite nice with repeated washing and plenty of wear and tear ;)

So there it is;  an easy way to create inexpensive window coverings that stand up to a family of four, without ever having to touch a sewing machine.  Love it!

I hope you enjoyed this how-to post, thanks for stopping by!

-Jennifer

© Jennifer Adams Flowers 2016