Making curtain liners is a simple, DIY project that can add extra privacy and insulation to your home. Here are the steps to make your own curtain liners:
1. Depending on the size and shape of your window, decide on the size of your curtain liner. Measure the width and length of the window and add an extra 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) to the sides and the bottom of the window.
2. Purchase fabric. Choose a light and airy material, such as cotton, cotton-polyester or linen, to maximize insulation and light-blocking abilities. Depending on the size of your window, 1-3 metres (3-10 feet) of fabric should be enough.
3. Cut out your fabric. Using the measurements you took, cut out the shape of your curtain liner. Make sure to leave an extra inch on each side, so you can use it to sew a seam along the edges.
4. Sew the sides, top and bottom. Using a sewing machine or thread and needle, needle and thread, sew along the sides, top and bottom of your curtain liner to secure the seams.
5. Add grommets or tabs. If your window is larger, you can add grommets or tabs at the top of the curtain liner. This will help make attaching it to the curtain rod easier.
6. Attach the curtain liner. Insert your curtain rod through the grommets or tabs and hang the liner on the rod. You can also use clips or Velcro to attach it to the rod.
7. Enjoy! With your newly-made curtain liners, you can enjoy increased privacy and insulation while still allowing light to come in.
What can I use for curtain lining?
Curtain linings are often necessary to add fullness and insulation to a window covering. Many homeowners are now opting for thermal linings for added energy efficiency and to prevent fading due to sunlight.
These thermal linings may be woven blackout fabrics or insulated materials such as foam-backing fabrics. Standard cotton and polyester linings are also available to add fullness and reduce sun damage.
Interlining is a step up from traditional curtain linings and provides an added layer of protection and insulation. Common interlining materials are wool flannel, cotton batting, and foam insulation.
Of course, blackout curtains with thick fabrics are becoming a popular choice as they not only block out light, they also provide excellent thermal insulation and noise reduction. Regardless of the type of curtain lining chosen, you may also want to consider drapery pin hooks, pinch pleat tape, and sheer liner tape for a complete look and maximum insulation.
Can you add lining to curtains?
Yes, you can add lining to curtains. Adding lining to curtains helps them hang better, provides extra insulation, and adds body to the fabric. It also prevents fading that can be caused by sunlight.
The type of lining used depends on the type of curtains, room, and look desired. Heavier fabrics often need more weight than traditional sheer and lightweight curtains, so a heavy interlining or two layers of lining may be used.
Cotton, flannel, silk, or sateen are all suitable materials for lining curtains, although a synthetic lining may be more practical for bathrooms and kitchens.
When lining curtains, it is important to be precise with measurements and have an even seam when you insert the lining. You may also want to use drapery pins to attach the lining to the curtain and ensure a snug fit.
Hook-and-loop tape provides another way to attach the lining but only works with certain fabrics. Ultimately, the best and most secure option is to sew the lining in. This ensures that your curtain lining avoids puckering and looks professional.
Do curtains need to be lined?
Yes, curtains need to be lined. In general, it’s best to line your curtains. Lined curtains improve privacy because it makes it harder for light to pass through them into your home. Lined curtains also help provide insulation, blocking drafts in the winter and providing a thermal layer from the summer heat.
Lined curtains provide a nicer look and drape than unlined curtains, and the lining fabric also helps protect your curtain fabric from fading due to sunlight. Lining also helps increase the weight and fullness of your curtains, giving them a more finished look.
How do you sew blackout lining into curtains?
Sewing blackout lining into curtains is relatively easy and can be done in steps.
Materials needed are: blackout lining fabric, curtain fabric, scissors, pins, iron, measuring tape, needle, thread and sewing machine (optional).
Instructions:
1. Measure the size of the window to determine the length and width of the curtains.
2. Cut the curtain fabric and the blackout lining fabric to the desired length. Make sure to cut an extra 2-3 inches extra in both length and width to allow for a seam allowance.
3. Lay the curtain fabric, right-side up, on a flat surface. Layer the blackout lining fabric on top, with the right-side facing downwards.
4. Pin the two fabrics together to hold them in place.
5. Iron the layered fabrics to make a neat crease across the edge of the fabric.
6. Sew the two fabrics together along the edge of the crease, either by hand or on a sewing machine.
7. Once both edges are sewn together, flip the fabrics inside out so that the right side of the fabric is facing out.
8. Iron the stitches to make them smooth and have a finished look.
9. Sew a hem along the edges of the curtains and the blackout lining to finish the curtains.
After completing these steps, the curtains with blackout lining should be complete and ready to hang in the desired space.
Can you use sheets to line curtains?
Yes, you can definitely use sheets to line curtains. Sheet lining adds extra insulation and opacity, reducing the amount of external light entering the window, providing extra warmth and a more comfortable environment in the room.
Lining your curtains with a sheet will also extend their lifespan and improve drape and stability. It’s important to use a breathable fabric like cotton to allow the fabric to breathe and reduce the risk of dampness and condensation in your home.
To begin, measure the length and width of the curtain panel and add 2 inches (5 cm) to each measurement. Cut the sheet to size, then fold it and sew along the sides and bottom. Then, pin the lining to the back of the curtain and hand-stitch it in place.
Finally, turn the lining’s hem to the back of the fabric and press the lining down with an iron. Now your curtains are lined and ready to hang.
Can you make curtains from a duvet cover?
Yes, you can make curtains from a duvet cover. Depending on the size of the duvet cover and the window you are making the curtains for, you can make curtains that are full length and/or full width, or you can make smaller curtains for a valance effect.
You can also cut the duvet cover into panels and combine them to create a layered privacy curtain effect. Before cutting the duvet cover you need to decide how you want your curtains to look and how much fabric you will need.
If the fabric is lightweight and you are making a full set of curtains, you may want to use two duvet covers and sew them together. Once you have the fabric, all you need to do is measure your window, cut the duvet cover to the desired length, and then sew a pocket along the top of the fabric.
Make sure to leave a small gap at the top, before sewing a hem along the side. Then, all you need to do is attach the curtain rings or grommets and hang it up on your curtain rod.
What is the easiest way to get lined curtains?
The easiest way to get lined curtains is to purchase pre-made curtains with a lining already sewn in. This can be easily done by visiting a home goods store or browsing online for a wide variety of styles, sizes, and patterns.
When looking for pre-made curtains with a lining, make sure to check the description, as there may be options that come with either blackout or thermal lining. This type of insulation generally helps to keep a room cooler or warmer as well as block out light or sound.
Additionally, some bolts can be unrolled right away without any additional sewing or alterations, but some bolts may require a simple hem sewn near the edges or rods.
How do you join interlining widths?
Interlining widths can be joined by hand or machine-sewn.
Hand joining is the most labor-intensive of the two methods but, typically, the preferred method if accuracy is a priority. To join the widths by hand, pin the fabric pieces together so that the sections of interlining are aligned.
You can then use a hand running stitch to sew the pieces together.
If machine joining is preferred, ensure that the pieces of fabric and interlining are properly aligned and then use a straight stitch on a sewing machine to secure them together. Make sure that the stitch line is kept helpful and neat.
For a stronger and more secure line, use a zigzag stitch and be sure to backstitch to reinforce the seam. Finally, press the seam with a hot iron to seal the joining line.