Things You'll Need
4.5 yards sheer fabric
4.5 yards lining fabric
Measuring tape
Chalk
Scissors
Multi-purpose thread matching sheer
Sewing Machine
Curtain rod and mounting hardware
Billowy sheer curtains are a beautiful complement to a double door or window. Sheer curtains, however, offer no privacy. If you want the billowy look and privacy, add lining to your sheers. Here's what you need to know, along with some special tricks to working with sheer fabrics.
Step 1
This project is a simple sheer curtain for a window measuring 36 inches wide by 60 inches long. Because you are using sheer fabric, multiply your width by 3 to create fullness. The curtain's width, then, will be 108 inches and the length 64 inches. Adjust to your own measurements.
Video of the Day
Any lining will add weight to a sheer fabric and may affect how it billows. Light fabrics like muslin and cotton are good options. Put the sheer next to any possible lining fabrics before you make a purchase.
Step 2
Lay your sheer fabric flat. If your fabrics measure 42 inches wide, you will have to sew 2-1/2 panels together, each measuring 60 inches long. Sheers can move around a bit when you try to cut or measure. Use a stable workspace and some books for weights.
Step 3
Measure and mark two sheer pieces, 42 inches wide and 60 inches long. Mark an additional piece 21 inches wide and 60 inches long. Repeat this process with the lining. Cut the fabrics to size.
Step 4
Lay the cut sheer pieces on a flat surface. Place the smaller sheer piece on top of one large sheer piece and align the longest edges on the right. Pin and sew along the edge, keeping 1/2 inch between the seam and fabric edge. Repeat this step and sew the last sheer piece to the left side of the smallest piece. When complete, you will have a panel with two large sheer pieces and a smaller one in the center.
Step 5
Repeat Step 5 and sew the last sheer piece to the left side of the smallest piece. When complete, you will have a panel with two large sheer pieces and a smaller one in the center. Now, repeat Step 4 through Step 6 with the lining fabric.
Step 6
Hem the bottom edge of the sheer fabric panel by folding 1/2 inch of fabric. Iron along the fold. Fold the fabric 1/2 inch again, in the same direction. Iron the fold. Sew one straight stitch seam along the top of this fold. Sew another seam, just below the first.
Hem both long sides of the sheer fabric using this same 1/2 inch double hem process. Hem the lining's two sides and bottom in the same manner.
Step 7
Sewing the lining and curtain fabrics together at the curtain's top, which will allow the sheer fabric some movement. Lay the sheer fabric panel flat with the lining fabric on top, front facing down. Sew along the top edge, 1/4 inch from the edge. Fold this edge 1/4 inch onto the wrong side of the lining fabric. Next, fold the same edge over 3-1/2 inches towards the wrong side. Sew in place and iron.
Insert the curtain rod and hang your lined curtain.
Tip
Sheer fabric can shift while you cut or sew. Use a stable workspace and anything heavy, like a book, to keep the fabric in place. Careful pinning will also help.
Video of the Day