Eco-Friendly Curtain Panels
Easy Sew Instructions to Make Bamboo Fabric Window Dressings
A flat bamboo bedsheet ,sewing machine and minimal sewing skills are all that is needed to make these attractive, eco-friendly curtain panels.
If one has a cheap sewing machine and can sew a straight line, it's a snap to make these curtain panels from eco-friendly bamboo material in less than one hour.
Besides the good looks and easy sew aspect of the curtain panels, they're very inexpensive. The secret to this design style is the fact that they are fabricated from sheets. That's right - normal bedroom sheets!
The hour's running so let's get started! Here's your supply list:
The Main Ingredient - a Bamboo Sheet
Depending on the width of your window and the associated desired width of your curtain panels, purchase 1 twin, queen or king sized flat bamboo sheet. The sheet used for this project was purchased at Target in the USA.
Sometimes it's difficult to find the perfect color flat sheet that isn't sold as part of a set at stores such as Target. If that's the case, try a bedding and bath store. There's also an abundant supply of flat bamboo sheets sold separately available via the internet.
For curtain panels decorative in nature (not pulled closed for privacy), a good rule of thumb is to purchase the size sheet whose width is about 3/4 of the width of the window.For functional panels (be able to pull the panels together), buy a sheet that's about 1 and 1/2 times the width of your window. Sheets are uniform in size.
Measure the window, check the width of sheet on it's packaging at the store and get as close as possible. For really wide windows, consider buying 2 flat sheets - one for each side.
The Rest of the Curtain Panel Supplies
- Matching thread.
- Iron on fusible heavy weight interfacing.
- Basic sewing supplies such as pins, scissors and measuring tape.
- Non-aerosol spray starch.
- Drapery clip rings - also purchased from Target.
- Appropriate size curtain rod.
- Sewing machine.
NOTE: The stripped edge shown in the images on this page is optional. One can opt to just turn that edge under and sew - that's how the bottom hem will be finished. Alternatively, matching ribbon or fabric trim can be purchased to duplicate the project's look.
If one desires a decorative edge, measure from the top of the curtain rod to the floor. Add about five inches. Divide by 36 - that's how many yards of trim fabric is needed.
If purchasing ribbon, double that yardage figure. For ease of sewing it is recommended that decorative ribbon be at least 1 inch wide.
The next article gives the sewing instructions to turn the bamboo bedsheets into curtain panels.
