How To Make No Sew Drapes
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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.
Options on How to Hang No Sew Drapes
- Use drapery hooks attached to the back of the curtain and place the ends into with drapery rings. (above photo)
- Use clip-on drapery rings. This is the easiest way. (photo of rings below)
- 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.
Use Decorative Rings an Drapery Hooks
Follow the 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.
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.
- Measure the length of fabric needed and add 4- 6 inches for top and bottom hem.
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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.
- 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.
- Clip a ring to the top of the drape every 8 inches or so depending on the width of your panel.
- Hang on rod.
- Hem bottom edge.
How to Make a No-Sew Finished Edge or Hem on Drapery Panels
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.
Love this idea!
Question I have beautiful lace draperies in our master bedroom. No side panels but we did have a custom valance made to match our comforter fabric. Wondering if I could use this technique and place rings on the back where my drapery hooks are. Would it look ok doing this with pinch pleats along the top? Our bedroom has a country French look including all my furniture pieces.
Hi June – Yes – placing the rings on the back where the drapery hooks are would look great. Having the pinch pleats is a plus – making the treatment look custom. When it comes to window treatments – the traditional way is only one way to install them. Many other possibilities can work just as well and look just as good or even better.
I am interested in trying to make a window treatment sorta like a small droop swag with a tailored look kind of round look, simple could I do it with 5 1/2 yds.
i love the post i am starting to do all my own things i have great ideas but dont no where to start and this help alot thank you so much for sharing
Hey! I got an email with your new post abt the planner… I don’t know were to respond tho… Plz put me in the draw!!! If u get this in time!!! Thx much!!!:)
I love it! This and the rod is fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing your creative how-tos, I’ll be linking.
Good ideas about no-sew curtain options. But I do want to advise that the “glue on” style tape applied with an iron does not always work on every fabric..sigh (:
Try it first on a small section. If it works, fantastic! If not, you might try ironing on double “lines” of it. If that doesn’t work, you may have to find a person to sew the curtain panels after all.
As a decorator I’m always excited to find a client willing and able to sew simple projects I have in mind for their room(s) design. It saves them money, they have a vested interest in their room and I don’t have to sew it for them…again, saving them money :)
Hi Connie-
Thanks for the tip about the double line of tape. I have found a few heavier fabrics sometimes don’t adhere well. I then like to use some fabric glue – Beacon and Aleene’s both work well, but they need to be brushed on so they don’t leave ridges. I once helped a big name designer at a decorator showhouse hot glue wood tassel trim to his drapery for his room. He was thrilled. I have even hot glued hems on, but only did this as a last resort.
Since I have a sewing machine – I can sew my treatments – but as you stated it is nice to have options available.
I just found your blog and am your newest follower! You are one talented woman who has left me completely inspired. Thanks for the great blog and no-sew tips!! The curtains are fab!
All of these are great options for people who do not sew. Thanks for the great tutorials.
Maybe even I could handle this?!
You come up with great ideas…I don’t know how you do it!
xo
Ashlyn
I love this idea! I have used the clippies before but never drapery hooks, love it.
:)
Christine
greatoakcircle.com
LOVE! I cannot sew at all, so this is a perfect project idea for me!
They turned out really good! I just found those clips for the curtain too and they work great! Thanks for the tutorial!
Lucyluvinyl.blogspot.com
This is genius! I was using sheets and cutting slits to slide the rod into. I like the clips though.
Nice job. These are drapes even I could make! Thanks.
How Creative you are….thank you for tutorial…because I am working on my oldest son’s house. I need some good ideas without breaking the budget. Wanda
Hi Diane,
As always, so creative! I have a curtains in my daughter’s room that still needs a hem, I think I will use your no-sew finished hem method. Thanks for sharing your great ideas!
Hey what a great idea!!!
Thanks!!!!