How to Make Curtains from Bed Sheets

Learn how to make curtains from bed sheets. The frugal way to make expensive looking window treatments. Two very easy techniques to make bed sheet curtains with minimal sewing, and a no-sew curtain that is so easy all you need is a pair of scissors.

This is one of my most favorite frugal ideas because even the simplest store bought window treatments can be so expensive. But by using sheets you can create the look of luxury for just a few dollars, and what's even better, you can coordinate your draperies to your bedding. Just buy an extra set of sheets!

These easy curtains also look fantastic in a kids room. And the best thing about them --aside from the price and how easy they are to make? When they need to be washed they can go right in the wash with the rest of the linens! You HAVE to love that part.

Tricks for Making the Best Looking Easy Curtains

Making curtains is easy, the trick is to have them NOT look like sheets so there are a few things to keep in mind.

Use flat sheets.

Choose deeper, darker colors, or sheets with unusual bold patterns. Avoid white or pastels with tiny patterns or florals. Those are a dead give away that you've got sheets across your windows.
Make sure you use large enough sheets to get nice full gathers. Measure your windows and use sheets that measure at least 2x the width. Most windows will need 2 twin sheets. This will create two panels.

Choose sheets with a narrow hem. The top hem of your sheets is going to be the curtain rod pocket. Most are between 2" and 4" wide. If you plan on making no-sew curtains, or curtains without the top ruffle pick sheets with a narrow top hem if you can.

Avoid sheets with contrasting stitching.

Choose decorative curtain rods to add "richness" to your window treatments without addming much cost.

Iron out all the creases before you hang your new curtains.

How to Make Curtains with a Top Ruffle

Use a seam ripper, or a sharp pair of scissors to carefully open just the side seams of the hem at the top of each sheet.

photo by Nicolernorman

Measuring down about 3/4" from the top of sheet, begin stitching from one side of the top hem across to the other side.

Now measure the width of your curtain rod plus 1/4" down from that first line of stitching, and stitch again, going horizontally across the entire curtain creating a pocket for your rod.

The rod should slide in and out of the pocket fairly easily. This stitching will create a ruffled affect at the top of your curtain once it's put on the rod.

Slide the rod in the pocket then hang your new curtains.

Ruffles not your "thing"?

...Simply leave out the stitching across the top hemline.

Most sheets are long enough to fall just above the floor and won't need a hem. If they are longer than that you have two options.

You can leave them long, gathered at the bottom of the curtains. This is called "puddling" and some people like this look.

If you want to shorten your curtains, measure from the top to where you want them to fall, add an inch for the seam then cut straight across with very sharp scissors.

You can stitch the hem or use iron-on hem tape. Either way, make sure to iron a sharp crease in the hem so your curtains drape nicely.