I have used it more than a few times and I have been super pleased with it. Really.
I am in the middle of a Family Room re-do and I can’t wait to finish it so I can share it with all of you.
If you follow me on Instagram you’ve already seen little snippets here and there of all kinds of things I’m working on. (like the board & batten in the first picture…we just recently completed) If you are not following me there, do, I post dailies of what I’m up to long before it hits the blog here.
If you want to, of course. ;)
Anyway, lots going on in all of my downstairs rooms at the moment. (my family is thrilled let me tell ya!! But they are somewhat used to it by now) I’m changing and redoing just about everything. But for now, I’m going to share these curtains I made from THE MOST GORGEOUS FABRIC ever.
Seriously, I had been looking and looking and looking for months.
And when I spotted it I think I truly heard the Angels sing…which quickly faded to a very dull roar as I realized it was just a little ole remnant of THE MOST GORGEOUS FABRIC ever.
Would they possibly find enough for me to make my panels? Or was this all that was left?
As luck would have it there was more!! After calling around for about 30 minutes they finally located enough in one of their stores… in Ohio. OH happy day. ;)
Thank you Jo-Ann Fabrics!
Yes, happy happy day. But it sat for awhile as I pushed around the idea of getting my Aunt to sew them for me. With all of us so busy I finally decided I’d use my trusty Steam a Seam instead.
I was ready for them to go up already.
Out came the iron and I got to the task of measuring and cutting. (I completed these in one evening’s time, by the way)
I first figured out how long I wanted them to be from the rod (close to the ceiling) to the floor. Then I measured how much my hems would take up and cut accordingly.
Here is a picture of the bottom of the panel….luckily all my measurements were spot on…this time. ;)
To make these I first “hemmed” the sides of each panel. (I wrapped the frayed edges inside first for a clean look, as shown below)
And let me say now that no, I did not line these. I could have but I just chose not to.
Not much of the backside is visible from the outside the way I have them hung so I really felt like there was no need.
But you can if you like.
Here is the next step…folding over again, finishing the side hem.
Want to see some of these projects in “live” time? Hop on over and follow along with me on INSTAGRAM. I’m always sharing in my stories as I’m doing projects, finding new furniture, fun finds….just all the day to day behind the scenes.
Nice and neat.
It is a bit hard to see because of the pattern but hopefully you can make it out.
I made an opening in the top hem in case I ever wanted to put a rod through it (I don’t think I will as I have them attached with clips and rings (purchased at Lowes) now and I like that look, but you never know)
Here is the bottom and side hem, complete….
I could have used straight pins…but I don’t own any. So, I just used the pattern of the material as a guide (to keep a straight line) as I ironed the seam across the bottom and top.
Worked perfectly.
And complete….
EDITED TO ADD: Here are a few more recent “no sew” window treatment projects of mine: here, here and here.
So there you have it. Easy, no sew curtain panels.
Did I mention the fabric was about $40 in all (at 40% off)? And I also have enough left to make a few pillows.
Now that I love. Easy, INEXPENSIVE, no sew curtain panels.
PIN it so save it!
I will agree, sewing is best but don’t let not knowing how stop you from making pretty things for your home.
Plus, I saved a ton finding the material and doing these myself.
I`m SOOOO doing this. I was just telling my husband about how we NEED new drapes last night and I keep thinking that there must be time for a no sew option. You`ve just pushed me over the edge – so THANK YOU!!
By the way Nancy, I`m also going to share your great post with followers on my Facebook page! I`m just starting out, but love to share these fantastic tutorials with people that are also just joining the blogging world! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Organically-Opulent/155838211246867
Um, you had me at “no-sew”! This is my kind of project! And can I just say–that really is the most gorgeous fabric EVER! Love, love, love! Just followed you on Instagram, too! I look forward to seeing your updates! Have a wonderful weekend, Miss Nancy!
Hahah so funny! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t sew!! I knew there had to be others. ;) Thanks so much! I do really love this fabric too!
Hope you are having a fabulous weekend so far…they go by way too fast around here!
Nancy, that fabric is really gorgeous and I am so going to try this!!! I havnk’t used this product before and thanks for introducing us to it. Great job on thieves panels! Have a fabulous weekend!
I can sew BUT most of the time I just don’t… :( I haven’t used this product but I am about to try it! I bought the curtain panels from Ikea that you can cut to your own length and this will be perfect! By the way, I love that fabric :)
Oh cool, I am thinking about ordering the white Ikea panels and stenciling them. But yes, this would be a perfect (quick and easy!) solution to hemming them. :)
Love it! I recently did a similar thing to cover our washer and dryer in our laundry room. I made these no-sew side panels for our old house but my husband is fighting curtains in this house (he loves our trim too much to cover it up apparently). Maybe one day… yours look fab!
Krista
Thanks! :) OH fun..bet that looked great. I can understand not wanting to cover up great trim. Something about husbands and wood though. Mine’s the same way.;)
I love the fabric! You’re inspiring me to try no-sew since I usually lay off doing my curtains because of the sewing… They look wonderful by the way!
xo
Just the thought of sewing gives me hives! Thank you for the inspiration! I will look for Steam a Seam as the Stuff (technical name) I use doesn’t seem very “sticky”.
Um, I’m a No-sew only kid of gal. I l-o-v-e your fabric chose and can’t wait to try and get better at my measuring. Sadly I usually just eye-ball it which usually doesn’t work so well. You’ve inspired me to get out the trusty tape because your’s look absolutely perfect-o!
Thanks Therese :) I love this fabric too!! Isn’t is great?! I fell in love when I saw it! I am an “eye-ball it” kind of girl most of the time too so don’t feel bad!! lol
Have been reading your blog. Your curtains look great!! I really like the pattern too! Could you tell us what the pattern is and where you found the material? Thanks so much!
Sue
Hi Sue,
Thank you :) I don’t know what the pattern is called unfortunately but I got it from Joann Fabrics. The next time I go in I will look for it and see if I kind find out the name(I haven’t seen it again since I purchased it) and I will update the post.
Nancy
Great blog here! Also your site loads up fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol
hi! I just found this on pinterest and i’m sooo excited to try it! can I ask what kind of clips you got and where you got them (i’m a TOTAL rookie in this area, up until now I’ve only ever used blinds :) )
Hi Sue,
I’m so sorry I don’t have a name for the fabric but it came from JoAnn Fabrics. If I am in there and see it again (I haven’t so far) I will be sure to look for a name and update this post!
Nancy
I found your blog just in time. I want to change the drapes in my dining room, but I don’t like any of the drapes in the store. I knew I could buy material but I have 1 triple window and 1 double window. I have sewn before and it is so time consuming. This is great and it leaves more time for other fun projects. Thanks
Hi Bonnie,
Yep, this is a great (and pretty quick and easy) way to make things. I am actually in the middle of making some new curtain panels for my dining room (as well as recovering chairs). :) I am with you on not being able to find drapes …finding great fabric is so much easier! (and cheaper!)
Nancy
Oddly I am not the same Cortney from above (although I never see anyone who spells it the same so that made me very happy). These are lovely and I too dislike sewing and I am terrible at it. I was just curious, how many yards of fabric did you need to make the two panels? I love the idea of having some left over to make some throw pillows and tie the whole room together. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Cortney! :)
Gosh, I am so sorry, I don’t remember! I should make note of these things for the blog but I sometimes forget! I basically took the measurement of the length I needed them to be, added on extra for the hems (and then about 1/2 yard extra for oopsies..or whatever).
Nancy
Love these curtains – especially the no-sew part. Maybe you’d like to join us in our monthly no-sew showcase some month? Every month, Ann of On Sutton Place, Yvonne of StoneGable, Debbie of Confessions of a Plate Addict, Suzy of Worthing Court and Barb of The Everyday Home share a no-sew tutorial, sometimes around a particular theme. We often invite guest hosts to join us. If you’d be interested, let me know.
Thanks Bree!
You know, I actually never got around to making any. I still have the extra fabric so probably will at some point! ;)
But I would do them the same way. Actually, you can take a look at this post here https://www.artsychicksrule.com/2014/03/feather-pillow-fail-and-a-no-sew-fix.html ….it’s basically the same way as I’d make from scratch. :)
Hope that helps!
Nancy
There’s another product called “Stitch Witchery” that I’ve used that might be better than the Steam-a-Seam, which lists that it’s “temporary” on their packaging…
Hi Christy!
Thank you for the info on the Stitch Witchery but just in case someone reads your comment and thinks what I used is not a permanent solution…please note this from the website of Steam a Seam…
“Two types of Steam-A-Seam are available. The bond is the same but you may prefer one over the other depending on your project.
The original, Steam-A-Seam Sticky Back, has the pressure sensitive adhesive (the “stick”) on one side which allows for a temporary hold to the appliqué material. It shifts easily on the second material allowing you to quickly reposition your appliqué pieces until pressed with an iron for a permanent bond. Once fused the bond is the same as Steam-A-Seam 2.
Steam-A-Seam 2 Double Stick has the pressure sensitive on both sides which allows for a temporary hold to both the appliqué material and the background material. You can hold your project vertically and the appliqué pieces stay in place and are still repositionable until fused with an iron. Before fusing, tack your project to a wall or try on a garment to check appliqué placement. You’re able to reposition pieces while you’re wearing them. Once fused the bond is the same as the original Steam-A-Seam.”
I think maybe you saw the “temporary” bond in positioning but that is to hold it in place before ironing. But it does indeed say that it is permanent after heating. So far everything I have done has been with this product and it’s held up for several years now! :)
Anyway, just wanted to clarify for others who may be reading! :)
Nancy
Nancy,
I used some fusing strips to fix a piece of clothing and when it was washed, it became twisted and out of shape as the fusing material shifted and reattached oddly. This was not the same one as you used, however, I am a bit leary to use it on something costly like curtains. How have you done using this product when washing?
Hi Mary,
Yes, I have found that it needs to be washed on the delicate cycle in cold water. No dryer.
Then just lay flat to dry, iron and hang.
If any of the pieces come apart, a quick iron will reset/seal them again.
Nancy
Oh that’s great! It looks exact! I have not seen this particular fabric in the store any other time I’ve been in to get the name! Thanks for the info. :)
That really is the most beautiful fabric. I think using this technique makes a much smoother finish to the curtain panels than sewing hems. I’ve done both and think this is the way to go.
I love how easy these are. I am new to the home decorating world (other than cheap store bought stuff ) and was wondering what type of fabric to use. Is there a particular blend or weight to look for?
Hi Patty,
These are so easy! And as far as fabric, you can use a heavier type but I find that any typical medium heft is fine. You can also line them (which will give them extra weight and finished look on the other side) but I have not done that with any that I have made. :)
Hope that helps!
Nancy
Hi,
I made a hemmed loop at the top for a rod but ended up not hanging them that way. I ended up using the clips and rings you see in the photos instead. They just clip to the top of the curtain and you then hang the rings on a rod.
Hope that helps!
Nancy
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I`m SOOOO doing this. I was just telling my husband about how we NEED new drapes last night and I keep thinking that there must be time for a no sew option. You`ve just pushed me over the edge – so THANK YOU!!
PS – I LOVE the fabric too!
Thanks so much Cortney! :) I am so glad I inspired you to do it! You really should. Find some fabric you love and make those drapes! ;)
By the way Nancy, I`m also going to share your great post with followers on my Facebook page! I`m just starting out, but love to share these fantastic tutorials with people that are also just joining the blogging world! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Organically-Opulent/155838211246867
Cortney
Oh that would be great Cortney! I would love for you to share it. :) thanks so much! Hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Love the Pattern! Too cute!
Shelly
Thanks Shelly! :)
Um, you had me at “no-sew”! This is my kind of project! And can I just say–that really is the most gorgeous fabric EVER! Love, love, love! Just followed you on Instagram, too! I look forward to seeing your updates! Have a wonderful weekend, Miss Nancy!
~Abby =)
Hahah so funny! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t sew!! I knew there had to be others. ;) Thanks so much! I do really love this fabric too!
Hope you are having a fabulous weekend so far…they go by way too fast around here!
Nancy, that fabric is really gorgeous and I am so going to try this!!! I havnk’t used this product before and thanks for introducing us to it. Great job on thieves panels! Have a fabulous weekend!
Thanks Cindy! It really does work great….and has come in so handy for a do it yourself kinda girl like me. :)
I can sew BUT most of the time I just don’t… :( I haven’t used this product but I am about to try it! I bought the curtain panels from Ikea that you can cut to your own length and this will be perfect! By the way, I love that fabric :)
Oh cool, I am thinking about ordering the white Ikea panels and stenciling them. But yes, this would be a perfect (quick and easy!) solution to hemming them. :)
The fabric is to die for! I just love how they turned out. Great job and new sew is a definite plus!!!
Hey Christy! Thanks so much…I just fell in love when I saw it. :)
Oh I LOVE that stuff! I don’t sew either although I would like to get a sewing machine and try.But this is so much simpler! LOVE your fabric too!
Hi Anne! LOL me too!! ;) It’s great isn’t it?? and so fast and easy to have something done and up in no time!
Love it! I recently did a similar thing to cover our washer and dryer in our laundry room. I made these no-sew side panels for our old house but my husband is fighting curtains in this house (he loves our trim too much to cover it up apparently). Maybe one day… yours look fab!
Krista
Thanks! :) OH fun..bet that looked great. I can understand not wanting to cover up great trim. Something about husbands and wood though. Mine’s the same way.;)
Love that fabric! They came out just great! Good tutorial for the non-sewers out there!
I always love a project that keeps me away from the sewing machine – and this one is so pretty! Thanks for sharing at Monday Funday! Take care, Laura
Your curtains turned out great, Nancy! I love the pattern.
I love the fabric! You’re inspiring me to try no-sew since I usually lay off doing my curtains because of the sewing… They look wonderful by the way!
xo
Nancy, they turned out gorgeous, and you make it look so easy!!! I do know to sew a bit from my mom, but I’ll say Steam a Seam is the way to go!!! :)
Just the thought of sewing gives me hives! Thank you for the inspiration! I will look for Steam a Seam as the Stuff (technical name) I use doesn’t seem very “sticky”.
Um, I’m a No-sew only kid of gal. I l-o-v-e your fabric chose and can’t wait to try and get better at my measuring. Sadly I usually just eye-ball it which usually doesn’t work so well. You’ve inspired me to get out the trusty tape because your’s look absolutely perfect-o!
Thanks Therese :) I love this fabric too!! Isn’t is great?! I fell in love when I saw it! I am an “eye-ball it” kind of girl most of the time too so don’t feel bad!! lol
Have been reading your blog. Your curtains look great!! I really like the pattern too! Could you tell us what the pattern is and where you found the material? Thanks so much!
Sue
Hi Sue,
Thank you :) I don’t know what the pattern is called unfortunately but I got it from Joann Fabrics. The next time I go in I will look for it and see if I kind find out the name(I haven’t seen it again since I purchased it) and I will update the post.
Nancy
Great blog here! Also your site loads up fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol
hi! I just found this on pinterest and i’m sooo excited to try it! can I ask what kind of clips you got and where you got them (i’m a TOTAL rookie in this area, up until now I’ve only ever used blinds :) )
Hi Teresa,
I got the Bronze clips at Lowe’s. They are just the basic ones….they have fancier ones but I liked these. :)
Very Cool! What is the name of the fabric and where did you find it? I’m currently looking for fabric for my dining room.
Hi Sue,
I’m so sorry I don’t have a name for the fabric but it came from JoAnn Fabrics. If I am in there and see it again (I haven’t so far) I will be sure to look for a name and update this post!
Nancy
I found your blog just in time. I want to change the drapes in my dining room, but I don’t like any of the drapes in the store. I knew I could buy material but I have 1 triple window and 1 double window. I have sewn before and it is so time consuming. This is great and it leaves more time for other fun projects. Thanks
Hi Bonnie,
Yep, this is a great (and pretty quick and easy) way to make things. I am actually in the middle of making some new curtain panels for my dining room (as well as recovering chairs). :) I am with you on not being able to find drapes …finding great fabric is so much easier! (and cheaper!)
Nancy
What are those clips you used? Are they from Joanne’s also?
Hi Maria,
Those clips are the bronze colored ones and came from Lowe’s. :)
Nancy
Oddly I am not the same Cortney from above (although I never see anyone who spells it the same so that made me very happy). These are lovely and I too dislike sewing and I am terrible at it. I was just curious, how many yards of fabric did you need to make the two panels? I love the idea of having some left over to make some throw pillows and tie the whole room together. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Cortney! :)
Gosh, I am so sorry, I don’t remember! I should make note of these things for the blog but I sometimes forget! I basically took the measurement of the length I needed them to be, added on extra for the hems (and then about 1/2 yard extra for oopsies..or whatever).
Nancy
Love these curtains – especially the no-sew part. Maybe you’d like to join us in our monthly no-sew showcase some month? Every month, Ann of On Sutton Place, Yvonne of StoneGable, Debbie of Confessions of a Plate Addict, Suzy of Worthing Court and Barb of The Everyday Home share a no-sew tutorial, sometimes around a particular theme. We often invite guest hosts to join us. If you’d be interested, let me know.
Hi Amy!
Sure, I’d love to join in one month! Thanks so much for the invite. :) I actually have another window I’m planning a no sew for soon.
Nancy
Btw, LOVE this and doing ASAP!
Question: You said you used the extra fabric to make pillows. How’d you make those?
Trying to do both this curtain idea and use the same fabric for pillows as well.
Thanks!
Bree
Thanks Bree!
You know, I actually never got around to making any. I still have the extra fabric so probably will at some point! ;)
But I would do them the same way. Actually, you can take a look at this post here https://www.artsychicksrule.com/2014/03/feather-pillow-fail-and-a-no-sew-fix.html ….it’s basically the same way as I’d make from scratch. :)
Hope that helps!
Nancy
There’s another product called “Stitch Witchery” that I’ve used that might be better than the Steam-a-Seam, which lists that it’s “temporary” on their packaging…
http://www.joann.com/dritz-stitch-witchery-heavy-duty-tape-5-8inw-x-13yds/1922830.html
Hi Christy!
Thank you for the info on the Stitch Witchery but just in case someone reads your comment and thinks what I used is not a permanent solution…please note this from the website of Steam a Seam…
“Two types of Steam-A-Seam are available. The bond is the same but you may prefer one over the other depending on your project.
The original, Steam-A-Seam Sticky Back, has the pressure sensitive adhesive (the “stick”) on one side which allows for a temporary hold to the appliqué material. It shifts easily on the second material allowing you to quickly reposition your appliqué pieces until pressed with an iron for a permanent bond. Once fused the bond is the same as Steam-A-Seam 2.
Steam-A-Seam 2 Double Stick has the pressure sensitive on both sides which allows for a temporary hold to both the appliqué material and the background material. You can hold your project vertically and the appliqué pieces stay in place and are still repositionable until fused with an iron. Before fusing, tack your project to a wall or try on a garment to check appliqué placement. You’re able to reposition pieces while you’re wearing them. Once fused the bond is the same as the original Steam-A-Seam.”
I think maybe you saw the “temporary” bond in positioning but that is to hold it in place before ironing. But it does indeed say that it is permanent after heating. So far everything I have done has been with this product and it’s held up for several years now! :)
Anyway, just wanted to clarify for others who may be reading! :)
Nancy
Nancy,
I used some fusing strips to fix a piece of clothing and when it was washed, it became twisted and out of shape as the fusing material shifted and reattached oddly. This was not the same one as you used, however, I am a bit leary to use it on something costly like curtains. How have you done using this product when washing?
Hi Mary,
Yes, I have found that it needs to be washed on the delicate cycle in cold water. No dryer.
Then just lay flat to dry, iron and hang.
If any of the pieces come apart, a quick iron will reset/seal them again.
Nancy
Your fabric looks very similar to the Waverly Srilanka Ikat Indigo…
https://www.fabric.com/buy/0315092/waverly-srilanka-ikat-indigo
Oh that’s great! It looks exact! I have not seen this particular fabric in the store any other time I’ve been in to get the name! Thanks for the info. :)
Nancy
Loved this tutorial. I’m not sure if I just missed it somehow, or if you said, but how many yards of fabric did you use?
Hi Brittnie,
I am sorry but I didn’t say and I don’t remember now! I had just enough to make those curtains and probably a yard extra.
Nancy
That really is the most beautiful fabric. I think using this technique makes a much smoother finish to the curtain panels than sewing hems. I’ve done both and think this is the way to go.
Thank you Heidi! I do so love this fabric still to this day. :) You are right, the hems do come out very smooth!
Nancy
What are the measurements for the curtains and how many yards did you use?? Love them by the way :)
I love how easy these are. I am new to the home decorating world (other than cheap store bought stuff ) and was wondering what type of fabric to use. Is there a particular blend or weight to look for?
Hi Patty,
These are so easy! And as far as fabric, you can use a heavier type but I find that any typical medium heft is fine. You can also line them (which will give them extra weight and finished look on the other side) but I have not done that with any that I have made. :)
Hope that helps!
Nancy
How are you hanging these curtains? I looked through all of the comments and nobody has asked this — am I missing something?
Hi,
I made a hemmed loop at the top for a rod but ended up not hanging them that way. I ended up using the clips and rings you see in the photos instead. They just clip to the top of the curtain and you then hang the rings on a rod.
Hope that helps!
Nancy
I Love that material you used!!!!
Thanks Rose! It’s a favorite of mine too! :) xo