Difficulty

Beginner

DIY tab top curtains! Use this free easy step by step tutorial to make your own tab top curtains!

This project tutorial featured a giveaway that is now closed. Congrats to Sara and Misty, please send me your contact information so I can get your packages shipped right away! Thank you everyone for entering!

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Last week, when I posted plans for these simple wood magazine files that you can make on the cheap

(thank you for your nice comments and pinning!) many of you asked about the curtains in the photos.

It's nice to know I'm not the only one who cannot find the perfect set of curtains for their space. I've actually bought two other curtain sets (more on that in a moment) but they just were not perfect for my color thirsty office space.

These curtains that my mother-in-law and I made are just perfect. The fun bold over sized floral print brings a light playfulness to my office, but the well thought out pattern we used makes these curtains look professionally made.

The tops are tab tops so the curtains slide easily on the curtain rod, and form pleats when opened.

These tabs are actually pretty simple to do. I can't wait to show you how to make these curtains!

But first a little bit of business ...

Giveaway!

What to do with the old curtains that were quite lovely, but just didn't have the color splash I needed? I thought I would give them away to you! I have actually two sets of West Elm Tortoise Shell Curtains (one new in package, one freshly laundered by yours truly) that I would love to ship to you. If you would like these curtains, simply leave a comment subject line GIVEAWAY and we'll choose two random winners. Check back on Friday to this post - winners will be announced in the post. Best luck!

And for those of who still need curtains, read on ... of course I am going to show you how to make these!

Standard 84" long curtain panels - can be customized to fit any size.

Preparation

Shopping List

54" wide home decorator fabric cut to desired length of curtain panel + 12" per panel (so for my curtains, I bought two 3 yard panels to make two 84" long panels, with some scraps leftover)

Matching thread and notions
Sewing Machine
Iron
Cutting mat, rotary cutter and ruler

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Step 2

Now take the four inch strips and fold in half, right sides together, and stitch along raw edge with 1/4" inseams as shown in diagram. Inside outside the strips so you are left with a tube.

Step 3

Lay the tubes flat, seam up centered on the tube and press flat. Keep the seam centered on the tube as shown in the diagram.

Step 4

Cut the pressed tubes into 6" long strips and set aside. These will be your tabs. You will need a minimum of 7 tabs per panel.

Step 5

Step 6

For the bottom hems, fold up 1/2" and press. Then fold up another 2" and press and pin. Stitch along folded edge as shown in diagram.

Step 7

For the top edge, start by folding the top edge seam over 1/2" and pressing. Then fold over another 4" and press and pin. Then line your tabs up, evenly spaced, and tuck under the folded edge (at least 3/4" under) and pine tabs in place. Stitch as shown in diagram with 1/4" seams to both secure tabs in place and finish top edge of panel.

Step 8

Finally fold the tabs upward, folding the top edge of the tabs under. Press and pin so top folded edges of tabs are even with top of panels. Press. Stitch along top edge with 1/4" seams.

Step 9

Some tips in closing ... if you are making multiple panels, make sure the lengths match up exactly. Check to make sure you prints are cut in the same direction, or make sure you cut sew your panels so the pattern runs in the same direction. Best luck!

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Project Type

Home DIY