Blackout Curtains: A Guide To Making Your Own

Though the main purpose of using blackout curtains is to completely block the incoming light, they still have lots of other useful applications. They can be used to acquire huge energy savings, act as an insulating material, retain heat, and minimize drafts. With all these uses, their popularity has increased immensely.

These curtains typically utilize an extra thick fabric lining to prevent light from entering the room. People who need to sleep during the day as well as those who are working on night schedules will greatly benefit from their use. In theory, such curtains are capable of blocking 100% of light...that’s if they are fitted perfectly on the window. However, in most cases, small amount of light can still seep through the curtain edges. That being said, you really have to know how to properly size and install these curtains so you’ll attain full window coverage. Today, light-blocking curtains are now widely available both online and offline. You can visit fabric stores or you may browse through online sites that are selling draperies and curtains.

It’s true that these curtains are also sold at affordable prices, especially those found in thrift stores and discount shops. However, you can get bigger savings if you opt to make them on your own. Aside from the fact that you will be indulging in a worthwhile DIY activity, you can also ensure that you will be able to satisfy your exact window requirements. If this is your first time in making a curtain, fret not. With these easy-to-follow steps, you can accomplish the task with ease.

For starters, it is important that you prepare all the needed materials. In this project, you will likely need to gather the following:

• Curtain fabric (any kind depending on your preference)
• Blackout backing (will serve as the additional lining to impede light penetration)
• Straight pins
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Matching thread (color should match with the curtain fabric)
• Iron and ironing board
• Curtain rod (must be durable and sturdy since these curtains are quite heavy)
• Sewing machine

Once all the needed materials have been gathered, place the curtain rod above the window to be able to get precise window measurements. It is highly recommended that you purchase a rod that is several inches wider than the actual size of your window, and it should be strong enough to support the overall weight of the blackout drapes.

Begin measuring the window from the top of the curtain rod down to your desired length (a few inches below the window frame or a couple of inches more for full-lengths). After which, measure the width of the windows, and make sure to give enough allowance depending on how long you want to extend the rod.

Next thing to do is to calculate how much curtain fabric you will need. To do that, you have to multiply the window width by 1.5 and then add 6 inches, meanwhile, add 7 inches to the actual height of the window. Buy the same amount of blackout backing as with the curtain fabric. Lastly, choose a thread that will match the design and color of the fabric. When everything is in place, you may now start making your very own blackout curtains!

Creating The Hem

To make a hem on the bottom of your curtain...using your iron...turn up a 1/4-inch double hem. Pin it in place and then machine stitch it as close to the edge as possible, back-stitching the beginning and the end of the seam.

Follow these steps for the side of each panel.

Creating The Casing

Using your iron, turn up a 1/4-inch single hem. Then take an additional two inches, fold and iron. Stitch it close to the pressed edge keeping it in place with the straight pins. For a double casing, fold over two inches, then make a seam halfway between the first seam and the fold.

If you don't desire a double casing you can make a narrow hem at the top of the curtain panel, then add a double-sided seam binding an inch below it. Pin the seam binding to the panel, turning the ends under a 1/4 inch, then stitch both folds lengthwise. To make it sturdier, back-stitch the ends to prevent the seam binding from coming loose when when attaching the curtain to the rod.