In this post, I’m going to share how I made a simple set of no-sew tie up curtains to cover a window. It is a simple project that requires no sewing and is an easy way to cover those large windows!
I have a confession to make. Are you ready? It’s kind of a big deal….
I have no idea how to sew. At all. No idea where to start.
Whew! Glad I got that off my chest. That’s right…a diy-er that can’t sew. A conundrum if I’ve ever heard one. My mom is amazing at it and I would love to learn, I’ve just never taken the time. It’s pretty hindering especially when your guest bedroom looks like this…
…in dire need of curtains…valance…shades..anything! I knew the look I wanted and I had the material to do it. Since this diy-er-non-sewer couldn’t just whip out the sewing machine and make curtains, I had to make them another way. They’re super simple. The way I like it.
You will need:
- Enough fabric to cover the width of your windows, plus about 6″
- Iron-on hem adhesive
- Iron
- ribbon
I had this fabric left over from the DIY headboard I made, and I figured it would work out perfectly. Start by cutting your fabric the width of your windows, plus about 6 inches just to be safe.
To get rid of the frayed ends, use your iron-on adhesive. This is where sewing would come in handy, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.
On 3 sides, fold the ends over about 1″ and iron it down with the iron-on adhesive. Don’t do anything with the top just yet.
The top part will have to be wide enough to let the curtain rod go through it. I folded mine over about 4″ and it worked out pretty well.
Next, measure the height of your curtains. Double that and cut your ribbon accordingly. The ribbon will drape over both sides. Once that is cut, use the iron-on adhesive to attach the middle of the cut ribbon to the top of the curtains. It only needs about 4″ of adhesive.
I used ribbon to match the fabric on the DIY bench I made earlier.
You can hang it up now. The next part is easier if it’s hanging.
The ribbon should fall on either side of the curtains.
Then just tie it up!
For another room darkening project, check out this cheap and easy way to DIY blackout a window.
Now we have curtains that are made from the same fabric as the headboard and ribbon that matches the bench for about $15. Pretty simple stuff! If you make these easy tie-up shades, be sure to show me your finished product!
Find the web story for how to make DIY No sew Tie up curtains here!
Two Layered Drybrush
Anneke
OH! That turned out SO beautiful Suzie!!! Great job! 😉
Tanya Anurag
WOW I absolutely love that idea! My curtains need to be replaced. I would love to try this out. Thanks for sharing.
Pinning it.
Peggy
You are a very talented young lady!! I am totally impressed!!
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I love the curtain and I could handle looking beyond it at the view any day! I’ve been having fun looking at all of your projects.
Erin Spain
Hello! These are great. Just wanted to let you know I featured these on my blog today, in an article about the many different types and techniques of “no-sew” window treatments.
-Erin
diyonthecheap.blogspot.com
Annie
I love these with the ribbon! I can barely sew and when I do sew, it is not a pretty sight so I love your tutorial!
Leah
So great! Thank you!
Lisa D.
Thanks for the tutorial! I want to make these for my breakfast nook in the kitchen.
The Accent Piece
Let me know if you try it out!
Rachel
Hi that is exactly what I was looking for, so simple and easy to do, with endless varaities. Curtains usualy are expensive, and this solution is perfect and even better- you can choose the fabric you want!
What is the name of the glue tape you used on the fabric? Does it last after washing the curtain (once in a year)?
Thank you so much for sharing, you made me happy. Keep creating! (:
Tabetha
I know this post is a little old, but if you’re wanting to wash your curtain (I don’t have information about the glue that was used…I assume fabric glues are washable), you could easily throw some simple stitches in by hand or with a sewing machine. Just make sure that you don’t sew down the opening for the curtain rod. That is what I was thinking of doing because I don’t want to purchase the glue when I already have thread and a sewing machine.
Donna
Love the tie up curtain and have two windows together like yours. Mine is exactly 80 inches wide–very wide. Not sure if I should make two curtain treatments or one large one with probably an additional ribbon in the middle. And not sure whether to use a pole rod or continental rod? Rods need to project 4 inches from wall as there is a room darkening shade–80 inches wide and projects 3 inches out from window. I am thinking of using Roc-Ion lining fabric and ribbon for my granddaughter’s Shabby Chic bedroom. Any advice you can give is appreciated.