How to Make Sliding Curtain Panels

Measure the distance across the door or space that the panels will cover.

Divide that measurement by how many panels you want. A sliding glass door can support from three to five panels, while a big picture window could have up to seven or eight.

Measure the depth of the frame of the window or door the panels will cover. Divide that by how many tracks you want. Each panel will sit on a track; to have them each stack one in front of another when open, you will need a track for each panel. You can also have them alternate so when open they are twice as big as the individual panel.

Mark with a pencil the location of each track on the frame. Use a laser level to mark the same locations on the other side of the frame. The laser level will ensure that the tracks are at the same height.

Measure and cut the fabric into the size of the panels, adding 4 inches to the width and 5 inches to the height.

Fold the raw edges of the fabric toward the underside and pin all the way around. Sew a 2-inch seam all the way around each of the panels.

Fold the top edges of the panels over again 3 inches and pin in place. Sew the edge of the fabric to create an opening that the tracks will slide into.

Drill at each of the pencil marks on the frame with a 3/8-inch bit to make a hole about ¼ inch deep.

Insert one 3/8-inch dowel into a hole and slide on one to two curtain panels. Slightly bend the dowel to insert the other end into the corresponding hole on the other side of the frame. Begin with the hole closest to the window.

Repeat for each dowel. To alternate the panels, slide two on each dowel. Then, pull one panel all the way to the opposite side; pull the first panel from the other track beside it. Next, pull the second panel from the first track beside the last panel.