Nursery Curtains Tutorial

When we started decorating Ada's nursery, we knew we didn't want to paint the entire room because we just had a little over a year ago. But we did want her room to pop with some fun patterns and colors. The easiest thing we could think to do was make curtains.

And here's how we did it. Thankfully, there's no sewing machine involved!

I went to Fabric.com and searched for chevron prints. Many different colors popped up -- all printed on duck cloth (canvas). I highly recommend going with canvas or at least their home decor fabrics, which are thicker and more suitable to block out light.

By the way, if you search "Fabric.com coupons" or something like that, you can usually find deals/coupon codes beyond what's posted on their site. I buy almost all my fabric this way. I'm even slightly annoyed to find that the stuff we used is selling for a dollar less than when we bought it.


The width of this fabric is a generous 54" -- perfect for statement curtains (most home decor fabric you'll find is this width as well). As far as how many yards to purchase, it all depends on how long you want your curtains. I ordered a bit extra because I knew I'd want to make a few other matching accessories for the room. And I also want a bit extra in case I messed up, which is hard to do with this project, so no worries.

Other items you'll need . . .

• An iron
• Ironing board
• At least 2 packages of iron-on hem tape (I used Heat-n-Bond)
• Curtain clip rings (we chose black, but they come in other colors)

STEP 1: Iron your fabric so it's smooth. This step takes longer than it might seem with canvas -- I used the steam to get the wrinkles out. Then cut your fabric in the length you want. You can go about measuring how much you'll need in two different ways.

>>> If you want floor-to-ceiling curtains, measure the height of your room and add a couple inches to account for what you'll be hemming. Cut that length.

>>> If you'd rather go for a standard size, use a curtain you already have as a guide. Remember to leave a few inches to account for the hem tape edge.


STEP 2: Starting with a long edge of the fabric, fold it over to create a seam. Then iron it to crease. Next, cut (or tear) a length of the iron-on hem and place it in the folded crease. Then iron it on both sides until secured. Instructions can be found on the packaging that are more specific.

You repeat this step with all edges of the fabric. Then repeat with the other curtain(s). It doesn't need to be perfect. Mine isn't (see above). But you don't see that side. It's all good.


STEP 3: Clip the clip-on rings onto the top of each curtain, spacing them evenly. And you're done! It's that easy. I realize my instructions aren't terribly precise, but my process was more artistic than methodical.


Of course, if you're handy with sewing, you can just sew the hems. At the time, I didn't have a sewing machine, so this way of doing it was what made the most sense. You'll fall in love with hemming tape because it's inexpensive, easy to use, and allows you to make a gazillion things.

And if you're also checking (never home)maker, I posted about my experiences running with Ada in Jogging Stroller 101: 6 Weeks to a 5K.

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