Lined Back Tab Curtains
Making your own back tab curtains with the drapery fabric of your choice is a great option, and surprisingly easy. Back tab curtains hang from tabs hidden on the back of the curtain panel. They have a seamless look, top to bottom, that can fit in any style, from modern to traditional. When open, the tabs create pleats that have a nice drape, but aren’t too formal.
Find out how to make back tab curtains here.
No Sew Grommet Curtains
You don’t need a sewing machine to create custom grommet curtains that look polished and professional. These curtains are a no-sew project using iron-on bonding tape. Or you could just as easily sew the seams if you prefer. This curtain uses grommet tape and snap-on grommets, making the project even easier.
Find out how to make easy grommet curtains here.
Rod Pocket Curtains
Rod pocket curtains are probably the easiest style of curtain to make. It’s simply a panel of fabric with a tube at the top for the curtain rod to slide through.
This tutorial shows how to make an unlined rod pocket curtain, but a lining can be easily added.
Tab Top Curtains
Tab top curtains are similar to rod pocket curtains, but the rod slides through occasional tabs instead of a panel wide pocket. They slide open and closed easily, drape nicely, and tend to have a relaxed, casual feel.
Find out how to make tab top curtains here.
Pinch Pleat Curtains
If you’re going for a traditional look, pinch pleat curtains, also known as French pleat curtains, are a great option. They may look intimidating, but using pleater tape and hooks makes this project simple for sewers of any level.
Find out how to make pinch pleat curtains with pleater tape here.
Goblet Pleat & Cartridge Pleat Curtains
Goblet pleat curtains have a traditional look while cartridge pleat curtains have a more modern style, but they are made the same way. Find out how to make professional looking drapery headers for both types of pleats here.
No Sew Valance
Learn how to make a no sew valance that has pleats at the corners and an accent band at the bottom. This simple design will go with many décor styles.
You can also make variations with box pleats or add decorative trim to make it your own. Add this valance to existing curtains, sheers, or blinds, or make matching custom curtains.
Find out how to make this no sew valance here.
Roman Shade
Feeling a little more ambitious? Try making a Roman shade. Roman shades give windows a clean look that goes well with many styles from traditional to modern. There are many ways to make Roman shades. With the method shown here, there’s minimal stitching visible on the front for a professional look.
Find out how to make this Roman shade here.
Pencil Pleat Curtains
Pencil pleats are thin, even pleats used in drapery headings, valances, and bed skirts. Using shirring tape makes creating these pleats simple. You can control how tight or loose you want the pleats.
Learn how to make pencil pleat curtains here.
Inverted Box Pleat Curtains
Many of our curtain tutorials are at more of a beginner level, but for these inverted box pleat curtains, we kicked it up a notch. The difference is that with professional looking curtains, you won’t see any visible top stitching on the front and more of the work will be done by hand. This takes more time, but still, any patient DIY-er can do it!
Learn how to make these inverted box pleat curtains here.