How To Make No Sew Drapes

In my last post I showed you how I made an inexpensive curtain rod and finals. This post is the tutorial for how I made the no sew drapes and or curtains that are hanging from that rod and finials.  I used fabric yardage, but you can use flat sheets. You can find them sold separately for a few dollars a piece at Walmart.

Read the entire post first since there are options on how to make no sew drapes and curtains. After reading you can decide which way is best for you to proceed.

Note:  The panels I made are not lined.  The fabric selvages were not marked with any manufacturer’s marks or pattern names so they already looked finished.  I left them alone and only made finished edges on the top and bottom of my panels. This made the whole process even easier. On patterned fabrics you will need to make a finished edge on all sides of your fabric.

For No Sew Drapes and Curtains panels there are a few options on how to hang them:

1. Use drapery hooks attached to the back of the curtain and place the ends into with drapery rings. (above photo)
2. Use clip-on drapery rings. This is the easiest way. (photo of rings below)
3. Make a simple rod pocket by folding the top of your panel over the diameter of the rod, plus 2-inches for no-sew seaming. Least expensive way since you do not have to buy rings or hooks.

I used decorative metal rings along with basic drapery hooks to hang my panels from the rod. To make sure the top heading of my fabric panel was stable or had something to push drapery hooks into – I made a finished edge with a 1-1/2” ribbon encased in the hem. This gives the hooks something to grab onto and keeps the top of the panel looking crisp – not floppy.

If you want to use decorative rings and drapery hooks:

Follow the first set of directions below to make the top (heading) hem. The rest of your fabric edges will just be a simple finished edge hem where you fold over the fabric and use fabric glue or iron-on adhesive to bond fabric together.

If using clip-on drapery rings:

Follow the second set of directions.

Directions for using Decorative Rings and Drapery Hooks

Measure your window and figure out how long your panels need to be. Add 6-inches to the length needed to allow for heading and hem.

1. Figure out how long your top hem/header should be by placing a hook and ring on the top of the fabric.

2.  Fold over the fabric the size needed and place a 1 1/2-inch ribbon along the top edge the total width of the panel of fabric.

3.  Fold fabric over so ribbon is under the fold. I rolled up sheets of Heat N’ Bond and cut wide strips the size of the fold over and ribbon. Press this onto the top of the folded over fabric and let cool.  Remove paper backing from adhesive.

4.  Fold fabric over again and press, creating a finished edge with stabilization (ribbon). To make sure you are creating a good bond, turn panel over to right side and press again.

5.  Tuck in or cut excess ribbon into folds.

6.  Attach drapery hooks evenly across the top of panel. My fabric was 58” wide and I placed a hook every 8”.

7.  Place hooks on rod and then hook the hooks into each ring.

Directions for Using Clip-On Drapery Hooks

Read the directions below to create the top finished edge and side edges for your panel and then hang your panel before creating the bottom hem. This allows you to find exactly where you need to hem the bottom of the fabric – no second guessing. No matter how well I measure, I always leave the hem for last to make sure I don’t make the panels too short.  :-)

1. Measure the length of fabric needed and add 4- 6 inches for top and bottom hem.

2.  Fold over the fabric 1-inch and then again another inch. Place fabric glue or Heat n Bond under the folds and press with a hot iron. Let cool. Remove paper from backing if using Heat n Bond.

3. Repeat this step on the sides if they need to be finished, but only fold over 1/2 inch and then another 1/2 inch.
4. Clip a ring to the top of the drape every 8 inches or so depending on the width of your panel.
5. Hang on rod.
6. Hem bottom edge.

How to Make a No-Sew Finished Edge or Hem:

1.  Hang your panels and pin bottom to length needed.

2.  Remove and then press fabric as you pinned it.

3. Add Heat N’ Bond or fabric and press. Let cool.

4. Remove paper strip.

5. Fold fabric over again and press to adhere.

If you would like more ideas on how to make drapes, curtains and more no – sew window treatments, click here to go to my Window Treatment Project Gallery

Look at these very clever rod and ring ideas:

Check out the curtain panels Michael over at Inspired by Charm made.  He broke apart the links from chain for his rings. Wait to you see how he hung them. Very clever. I love what he did.

And when you want an extra long curtain rod and need options check out what Mary at The Tall Chick made using electrical tubing.