Have you been longing to replace those old drab curtains, but the high cost has made it impossible. Then consider making your own curtains. Even if you can’t sew, you can still make these beautiful no sew ribbon curtains. Not only are these no sew curtains easy to make, they offer the look of high end curtains. The ribbon plays a major role in the making of these no sew curtains. It will help determine the over all effect, for example: Velvet ribbon would give them a touch of elegance, stripped ribbon could contribute to a contemporary look and polka dot ribbon would be very whimsical. Ribbon can be purchased in many different colors and patterns, making it easy to decorate your no sew curtains to match any room in the house.
Materials:
fabric (desired color)
chalk
fusible web tape
2 or 3 different colored cross grain ribbon (1″ wide)
washable fabric glue
scissors
tape measure
ironing board
iron
Note:
Before you purchase your fabric, ribbon and fusible tape, you must measure the window. Determine how long you want your no sew curtains to be and add 6″ to the measurement (for hems). Also you will need to measure the width to determine how many no sew curtain panels you will need to make. Buy the necessary amount of ribbon and fusible tape, to accommodate your no sew curtain panels.
Directions:
The first step is to measure the fabric to your desired length, don’t forget to add 6″ to this measurement. Using the chalk mark the measurement on the backside of the fabric. Cut the fabric according to your marked measurements. Starting at the top, fold the fabric over 1″ and iron it in place. Again fold the fabric over another 1″ and iron it flat. Now open the fold and line one side of the fold with fusible tape. Fold the fabric back over and run the iron over the fold to fuse the fabric together. Now you are going to hem the bottom of the curtain in the same manner, only you will be folding the fabric over 2″ each time. You want a wider hem along the bottom of your no sew curtains.
Now you are ready to add the ribbon to your no sew curtains. You are going to add 2 or 3 different colored ribbons (as desired) horizontally across the bottom of the curtain panel. There are no exacts here, you can start along the bottom edge or begin adding them a few inches up from the bottom (it’s totally up to you). Begin by laying out the curtain panel and determine your ribbon placement. Using the fabric glue, adhere the ribbons to the fabric.
Next, you are going to attach the same colored ribbons to the top, for hanging your no sew curtains. To do this, begin by laying the top of the curtain panel across a flat surface. Using your tape measure make 6 – 1″ evenly spaced marks with the chalk across the top hem (in the center of the hem). Now using your marks as a guide cut 6 – 1″ slits into the hem (through all of the layers). If you have an exacto knife, this will make cutting the slits much easier. If not, scissors will work. Now you need to cut 6 strips of ribbon for the slits. Using equal amounts of each colored ribbon. Example: 2 bands of ribbon on the bottom, in a different color. Cut 3 top ribbons one color and 3 top ribbons another color. Cut the ribbon strips at least 12″ long, maybe longer depending on the size curtain rod you are using. You want to make them long enough to tie them into bows.
Once you have finished cutting your strips of ribbon, insert them through the slits, alternating the colors as you go. Take your scissors and cut a decorative v shape, on the end of each ribbon. Now tie your no sew curtains to the rod. You have finished making your beautiful no sew ribbon curtains.
