This post may contain affiliate links.

I had lots of projects lined up for my mom’s visit.  We are both doers and thrive on productivity, so it suits us to have an ambitious to-do list.  As her 10 day visit was winding down, we had checked almost everything off my list.  My mom looked at the sad curtains in my master bedroom, a hold-over from the previous owners.

“Let’s just take care of these curtains.”

She knows that sewing is something I do, because I like the end result.  But, I don’t really like sewing.  I could completely do without it in my life.  I do, however, like expanding my options beyond curtains and pillows that are ready-made.  I believe that sewing is one of the best DIY skills you can have in your arsenal.  For that reason, I just suck it up, put on some good music, do it, and enjoy it when the project is done.

So, my mom, in all of her wisdom, suggested we knock out this project, since I will drag my feet on doing it.  (In fact, I have been dragging my feet on doing it!)  Having a helper will make it easier and quicker and then that roll of beautiful toile fabric can finally be put to use.

I honestly didn’t feel like crawling around on the floor, pinning large curtain panels.  I didn’t want to fight with bobbins and sewing machine snags.  But, I knew she was right (as mom’s often are), so I unrolled the fabric and suggested we at least get the fabric cut and pinned and then we can see if we want to keep going.

Well, we worked hard and pushed and got both double-width panels done.  And, it was glorious to have gorgeous custom-made curtains with black-out lining in my room and to no longer have that project looming on the horizon.

I’ve made a lot of curtains over the years and I’ve done a lot of research on different ways to make curtains.  I finally found the best way (for me), when I wrote THIS TUTORIAL a few years ago for HGTV.com.  So, that is the same method I used for these curtains.

(I’m still looking for furniture pieces for this room, so it’s a little random right now, but just ignore that and look at the curtains.)

For the fabric, I used Aviary Toile by French General purchased HERE and THIS BLACKOUT LINING.

I did make a few changes since I wrote that tutorial and I will share some additional/updated tips to make curtains that look great, but aren’t overly complicated.

One of the best changes I made is that I hung the curtains before I sewed the top and pinned the top seam as they were hung.  This way, I could make adjustments for a floor that isn’t completely level and the curtains will hang much better.  (It is a strange thing…  I can measure the length from the curtain ring clips to the floor and the fabric 15 times each and, when I sew them and hang them up, they still end up being too long or too short.  I’ve had this happen so many times that I think there is some crazy phenomenon that throws measurements askew only when sewing curtain headers.)

I also didn’t add weights to these curtains, because the black-out fabric was heavy enough to weigh the lighter, linen-blend fabric down.

Additional Tips: 

  • Iron every seam before you sew it.  This was my mom’s job and it helped a lot with making sure hems and folds were nice and straight.
  • Work in “assembly line” fashion instead of finishing one panel at a time.  This really helped us get into a rhythm and I think we worked faster because of it.
  • When putting together double-width curtains, make sure you have a large floor space cleared, so you can spread the panels out straight.
  • Check and double-check that you’re lining up your pattern, not just with the double-widths that are sewn together, but with the other panel as well.  Some patterns are forgiving, but some will look very off if the patterns aren’t aligned.

We were so pleased with these and how quickly we were able to complete them, that we finished the curtains in the living room and kitchen eating area, too!  Those hours crawling around on the floor cutting and pinning were well spent.

I’ll share how those turned out in another post.

This room still has a ways to go, but it’s coming together nicely!

Receive a Daily Dose of Encouragement and Inspiration!

Stay Inspired with Marian's Daily Blog Posts

Sign up to receive uplifting blog posts directly in your inbox! Join our community of like-minded individuals and start your day with a burst of creativity, motivation, and positivity. Whether you’re seeking decorating tips, DIY projects, or simply a dose of inspiration, Marian’s daily posts are sure to brighten your day and ignite your creativity. Don’t miss out on your daily dose of encouragement – subscribe now!

    88 Comments

    1. Rebecca Neustel

      Gorgeous curtains! It’s amazing the difference double-width curtains make on an oversized window. So often I see regular width (single panel) curtains on big windows, and it really looks cheap and skimpy. May I ask where you got that beautiful curtain rod?

      • Vicki

        Looks like it came with the house as it is in the first picture with the old curtains.

        • Miss Mustard Seed

          Actually, we swapped it out when we painted and clipped up the old curtains, so we had some privacy! The curtain rod is from Ballard Designs. It was the only one I could find that looked like a real brass (not spray painted), but wasn’t a small fortune!

          • Christie

            The link for the fabric is missing. Where can I find that beautiful fabric?

    2. Chrissy

      Chin drop, gasp. Beautiful.

    3. Sofia

      WOW!! It looks so dramatically different I had to double check and see if you changed the actual window too. 😉 Beautiful!! AND your mom is a treasure-lucky you!
      Could you please show us a picture with the curtains completely closed?
      Thanks for sharing!!

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        I can show that on my Instagram Stories, if you watch there. They are black out curtains, so they make the room almost pitch black! I have to turn on artificial light to get a picture of that.

    4. Linda

      Such beautiful curtain! You picked the perfect fabric and I love your curtain rod.

    5. downraspberrylane

      So pretty. Not just the curtains, but the room itself. That would be a wonderful spot for a dressing table with all that good light coming in.

    6. Mary in VA

      Beautiful! You and your mom are a great working team, so glad you got so many curtains completed while she was there.

    7. Tanya

      I’ve been putting off making the curtains for my bedroom for SO long! Mostly because I just don’t have floor space large enough to lay them out. But seeing what a difference yours made is inspiring. Maybe I need to just move some furniture around to get the room I need and just do it. Stunning curtains, Marian!

    8. Barbara S Snyder

      I used your tutorial to make curtains a while back and I will continue to use it for all my curtains, Looking forward to seeing the updated instructions! AND the other curtains! Hooray for you and mom!

    9. Peggy

      So pretty! An easy way to make your curtains look more like custom made is to hide the clips on the back side of the panel. I do this by making a pinch of the heading on the back and clipping into that pinch of fabric. I used to have a drapery workroom and although the clip-on curtain rings are convenient, they’re considered by the pros to be a no-no. Nonetheless, I use them sometimes for my own things.

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        Yep, I’ve made many panels that way as well. I just wanted to keep these simple, though and hung them from the clips instead of hooks (or rings sewn on.)

    10. Terri

      Very pretty and they look perfect with your paint color choice! I haven’t conquered sewing curtains yet, but do wonder how many yards your project required. So happy for you that you get mom/daughter time to create!

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        I bought 12 yards of fabric for these double-wide curtains.

        • Terri

          Thank you for the info. I definitely think double looks more professional. Never knew that and it explains why mine are skimpy-looking!

    11. Teresa

      What a difference the new curtains make… It really makes the room! Great time to do inside projects in your neck of the woods. I thought this winter was bad enough on the East Coast but I wont complain after seeing the temps in MN this morning. It takes a special person to live in the frozen tundra! ha

    12. LRae

      Such beautiful curtains! How fun to work on projects with your Mom. Could you clarify the step of adjusting and pinning the top header as you hung your curtains? Did you start off with a pressed header without any pleats before hanging to make adjustments? Did you take the curtains down after pinning and adjusting length to sew every 4″ on for the pleats the sewing machine?

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        Sewing is always so hard to explain in words! Basically, we folded the top hem over to about the right height and clipped it onto the rings. We then adjusted the fold (where the fabric was clipped) to make them longer or shorter. Once they hung properly, I inserted pins to hold the fabric in place, and we took them down. My mom pressed the fold and we pinned the header tape in place (right in line with the top edge of the fold. We pinned the header tape to the fabric. At this point, there is extra fabric with a raw edge still hanging from where the header tape was just pinned, so we trimmed the edge to be even with the bottom of the header tape. It’s still a raw edge, but it’s at the backside of the top of a curtain, where it really won’t be seen or messed with. I then sewed the header in place along the top and bottom edge. (When you pin and sew header tape, make sure you don’t sew over the pockets for the drapery hooks and make sure the openings are facing the right way!) I hope that makes some sense!

    13. Susan

      Lovely drapes. Marian, your talent seems boundless and so does your energy. I guess you got it from your mother! You two make a great team; I know you enjoyed having her there for a visit.
      Quick question: what is the span you used between clips? Just curious if there is a set span width that should be used or if you base it on the weight of the drapes and how they look when hung.

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        We spaced them about 8 inches. You can really space them however much you want. The bigger the space, the more the fabric will gap, though, so it can also depend on the structure and weight of your fabric.

    14. B. Folk

      Wow, three rooms’ worth of curtains in one day??!! You two are machines:-) The curtains look lovely, looking forward to seeing the others.
      The MN weather forecast this week reminds me of my former neck of the woods..cold, cold, cold, but sunny! Enjoy the sun from your cozy and beautiful home:-)

    15. Sharon Kennedy

      Instantly made your room GORGEOUS. Well worth the extra effort … YEAH MOM!!!!

    16. Rita C at Panoply

      Those really look good, Marian. I know that rhythm of working well with another. My sister and I do that when we style our booth spaces. Divide and conquer.

    17. Janet in Kansas City

      They are beautiful. Are your lamps painted in Trophy from your paint line?

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        They actually came that color, but it id very similar to Trophy!

    18. JC at the uncommon pearl

      Gorgeous! Thanks for the tutorial and tips! I’ve been dragging my feet on making some curtains for our cabin. I think I’ll start today with some under the sink curtains. Thank you.☺

    19. Cindy Jones

      As much as you don’t care for crawling around on the floor, pinning and sewing, you and your mom nailed those curtains! I love the soft muted pattern in the room. They compliment your beautiful new bed, They don’t scream at you and try to become the center of attention. Well done.

    20. Marlene Stephenson

      They are lovely, and look wonderful in your bedroom. My mom and i use to do things like that together, she’s gone now but i cherish those times.

    21. Elizabeth

      That bedroom is absolutely dreamy! I love absolutely everything about it!
      The curtains are so beautiful and make the room! Along with that gorgeous bed. Oh how I wish it hadn’t been discontinued. Sigh.

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        I know! I’m glad it was discontinued, so I could buy it at a deep discount, but I’m sad that it’s not still available for others. It really is a beautiful bed.

    22. Diane RUEBEL

      Miss Mustard Seed,

      Thank you for sharing the spectacular results of the loving teamwork between you and your mother. The memories of your choices and projects with her surely hallow your new home.
      Diney on Camano

    23. Karen K from Buffalo

      I love your stories about your Mom. I, unfortunately, lost my Mom in 2016, but have so many memories of us working & giggling together. Well, now that you have your windows decorated, what is on the horizon next??

      • Terri

        Karen K, so very sorry for your loss.

    24. Nicola

      Do you think your Mum would come and stay with me? ?

    25. Nan, Odessa, DE

      Just lovely! Will you use this fabric someplace on the bed? Pillow shams, etc?
      It is beautiful fabric. You are blessed to have your Mom on your team!
      Waiting to see the other curtains. And don’t forget we need a “how to” on the shades in the studio!
      Thanks for sharing.

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes! I am going to make a bolster pillow cover and perhaps shams for the bed with the fabric. I’ll probably also use it somewhere else in the room, but I’m still working on the furniture for the space and then I’ll figure out where else I should add the fabric.

    26. Eileen

      What a blessing to be able to work/play with your mother!

    27. Susan Cecere

      My mom was such a help to me with things with my home, it was always great when she stayed with me. I miss her so much, but it makes me smile when I read about your relationship with your mom.

    28. Denise Cox

      Lovely curtains!! I love toile fabrics anyway. And that bed… what can I say except it’s absolutely gorgeous!!! You lucky gal..?

    29. Pamela Barnabo

      Oh my your bedroom is just beautiful with your new bed and those gorgeous curtains. It looks so soothing and restful. Thanks for sharing! I have always just had wood blinds in my windows and your pics and tutorial make me want to tackle curtains! I can’t wait too see the follow up post of the other curtains you completed! Also I am wondering if at some point you will start doing shows like you did at Lucketts? I live in Lakeville, MN and go to the Gold Rush days every year and enjoy the monthly occasional sales in small towns around MN in the summertime. It is wonderful to get out after being cooped up in winter.
      Pam B.

    30. Carol B.

      So wonderful having your Mom as a work buddy! I remember (and miss) those days! Gorgeous job!

    31. monique

      Oh WOW! So very beautiful. Well done and good fabric choice.

    32. Lisa Kornhaus

      Gorgeous curtains! You and your Mom make a great team! Where did you find clips strong enough to hold the curtain panels? I’ve always had problems with the curtains slipping out of the clups.

      • Marian Parsons

        I bought these from Ballard Designs.

    33. Lyzz

      MArian, these are so gorgeous. And your tip adjusting the top header is priceless. I no longer attempt to sew anything after my boondoggles wirh drapes that should have been so super simple. I never thought about uneven floors! Stay warm and safe!

    34. Jenn Anderson

      They are beautiful! Your room is looking more and more like “you” and it is fun to watch the transformation of your new house. Thanks for sharing so many tips and how-to’s. Love your style!

    35. Françoise Gauthier

      So beautiful Miriam. You and your mom are the best.

    36. sallyb

      Miriam, these are lovely and your room is complete, beautiful and serene. My Mom and I loved sewing for our homes, but sadly not always together. Perhaps I was proudest when sharing my home sewing with her…because I was (hopefully) following in her footsteps. Oh how I miss her…treasure these moments with your Mom. They mean everything…

    37. Ann Minir

      Where did you find the lamps for your bedside tables? I have been looking for new lamps and love that look.

    38. Jane

      Gorgeous!
      You have such a lovely way of writing so that even if I don’t have the time to read your post, I read the first lines & I just have to read the rest.

      • Marian Parsons

        Thank you!! 🙂

    39. Norma Rolader

      Beautiful fabric and they turned out gorgeous Great tips for measuring I know everyone has floors that are not level …. I know that was a blessing to have your mom here May she have safe travels going home

    40. Mary S

      Marian,
      You make a person who isn’t crazy about blue, crazy about blue. Your bedroom and those curtains are over the moon!! You picked such beautiful colors that compliment each other. My heart skipped a beat when I saw your curtains / room. Such a beautiful space you’ve created! Congrats on yet another job very well done. I’ll go back and read again, as I’d like to see if I can learn from a post on how you make your curtains. I’m overwhelmed with such a lovely room you’ve created. You (and your Mom) should be proud of a great job.

    41. Kim

      Very Inspiring ! Certainly.males a huge difference in the room. I always put off sewing curtains as I think it’s such a big project, but it goes fast once you get into it and really completes a space ! Now onto my drapes,lol

    42. Hab

      Very pretty! I love the wall color too. What is the paint color?

      • Marian Parsons

        Stonington Gray by Benjamin Moore

    43. Laurie

      Excellent result! Can I borrow your mother??

    44. Carol S

      Great job! I love the look of homemade curtains. Very unique and special to the space. I’ve pretty much given up on sewing curtains because I, too, have always had length issues. That measuring gremlin lives in my space too! I’ll remember to check out your tutorial the next time the sewing curtain bug strikes. Thanks!

    45. Candace Moore

      Marion, one more time, what’s the master bedroom paint color? Besides being beautiful it looks like the perfect color to induce sleep.

      • Marian Parsons

        It’s Stonington Gray by Benjamin Moore.

    46. Rosalyn

      Beautiful job, Marian! I so admire your talent, and you are so lucky to have inherited your mother’s sewing ability. Years ago, my mother sewed the curtains and matching duvet and pillow shams for the master bedroom in our first house. They were so beautiful. She also made some of my sisters and my clothing in high school, including my prom dress, and our friends were so envious. Unfortunately, I did not inherit her sewing talent. These memories are priceless for me, as I am sure they are and will be for you. Your mother sounds like a wonderful person, always there for you, just as my mother was for me. She has been gone now for 14 years, much too young, and I miss her every single day.
      Just a thought, but I am wondering if you are considering using a woven bamboo blind beneath the curtains? I think it would really enhance the windows, and add texture to the room and tie in nicely with your new pine, I believe, end table. What do you think?

    47. Brandy

      Love the curtains. Where did you get that’s beautiful chandelier?

    48. Jean

      You are a very talented young lady! The room is lovely and inviting and your Mom is a gem. I enjoy reading about how you two interact when she visits ?

    49. Cindy

      I know the joy of having a dreaded project done and out of the way. And making drapes is so one of those projects. I can only imagine how much you must be enjoying them not that they are finished. They look great.

    50. Cindy A Redman

      This room is so gorgeous! Beautiful colors, perfect chandelier, and extraordinary bed… then the curtains… oh my

      Cindy

    51. Debbie

      The new draperies are lovely. I wish I could afford a decorator to come to my home. Your skills with color and scale are tremendous. I love reading your blog and attaining new ideas. Bravo! Keep up the beauty!

    52. Vicky

      Have you ever sewn store-bought panels together to form a double panel? I can’t find fabric that I like, but have considered using TWO purchased panels to create one single. Any sewing tips are appreciated… Thank you!

    53. Di

      Marion’. I love them. I am ready to order my set from you!,

    54. Melody Kaufer

      Beautiful. ..looks like a magazine cover..your new curtains make your bedroom even more inviting and luxurious. Glad your mom was there to help..not all moms like to sew…what a blessing!
      Love reading comments. .have to look at paint color again..does not look gray..thought it was green!

    55. alisha

      Your curtain looks awesome! I use to make all my curtains, but fabric has gotten so expensive. I would be terrified to sew any fabric that cost $40 plus a yard! I am not that great at sewing and wouldn’t want to ruin it! I think that’s why I don’t sew as much anymore. It’s just not cost effective for me. However, your curtains are beautiful, and y’all are clearly above my skill level. Enjoy your new home!

    56. Karen from TN

      Love, love, love…it is a beautiful room. Where did you find that beautiful bed? I am in love with it!!

    57. Lisa John

      if you like to have something bold too, then bring one thing bright and big, which will work as the room highlight. So, you can go for a colourful cushion or red accent wall, which will be a colour pop in your room with the matching curtain.

    58. Linda J

      Where did you find that beautiful fabric? I used your tutorial for slip covers and made my own. They turned out great. Thanks for the info and inspiration.

    59. terra lavinium

      Buy 2 bhk flats in faridabad Terra Lavinium, Located at Sector 75, Faridabad,is new age housing project that is designed to give you the house of your dream Inspired by the best, the upcoming luxury housing project in Sector 75, faridabad,
      Contact Now —9599848481

    60. thiết kế nội thất

      Xin chào bạn, hãy dành chút thời gian mỗi ngày để trang trí cho ngôi nhà của mình đẹp hơn nhé, hoặc hãy truy cập vào nghề gỗ và chia sẻ ý tưởng, kinh nghiệm làm nội thất gỗ của bạn với tất cả mọi người.
      Hi there, let’s spend a little on decorating yr home everyday to make it a ideal living space. Thanks so much!

    61. lọ hoa đẹp

      Xin chào bạn. Đừng quên trang trí cho ngôi nhà của mình thêm sức sống bằng những lọ hoa giả, hoa trang trí đẹp mắt nhé. Ghé thăm nội thất Go Home và tìm kiếm cho nhà bạn bình hoa trang trí ưng ý nhất!
      Thankyou so much~

    62. Lisa

      I haven’t watched your tutorial yet but was wondering why you didn’t sew the header and then fold under the hem and pin before sewing?

    63. Deborah D Ash

      Love the curtains but that BED!!!!!! What a magnificent piece ?????

    64. Đồ gỗ la thành

      Gỗ la thành cung cấp sản phẩm đồ gỗ nội thất cho khách hàng tại khu vực Hà Nội, như bàn ghế phòng khách, kệ tivi, giường tủ các loại.
      Các sản phẩm nội thất tại Golathanh được làm từ gỗ tự nhiên hoặc MDF chống ẩm, chất lượng rất tốt!
      Bạn ghé thăm website của Golathanh để tìm mua đồ dùng nội thất cho gia đình mình nhé!

    65. Tạp chí247

      Tạp chí đồ hoạ 247 thường xuyên cập nhật và chia sẻ file thiết kế đồ hoạ vector mọi chủ đề. Bạn hãy xem và tham khảo chi tiết
      để tải về làm ý tưởng thiết kế đồ hoạ tại tapchi247 nhé! Ngoài ra tapchi247 chia sẻ tin tức về nhiếp ảnh nghệ thuật
      trên toàn thế giới thú vị nhất.

    66. xe ban hang luu dong

      Ghé thăm website của Xeluudong để tìm đặt mua một mẫu xe bán hàng lưu động và kinh doanh nhé. Các dòng xe luudong tại
      kho của chúng tôi gồm các loại xe bán bánh mì, xe bán hàng rong, xe bán trà sữa.
      Ngoài ra Xeluudong cũng nhận thanh lý mẫu xe bán hàng rong cũ với giá rẻ. Cảm ơn!

    67. Autoshop

      Máy làm đá là sản phẩm máy chuyên dụng cho các cửa hàng đồ uống, với công suất lớn nên máy làm đá có thể
      tạo khối lượng đá tới 200kg mỗi ngày và nhiều hơn thế.
      Autoshop là nhà phân phối chính hãng máy làm đá tại Việt Nam, sản phẩm được bảo hành chính hãng
      và có thể đổi trả hàng trong vòng 15 ngày nếu bị lỗi.

    68. Hoa Thinh Noi That

      Thanks for what you shared, I found them all the time without results. Thank you very much

    69. Thiết bị nâng Ssangyong

      Thanks for what you shared, I found them all the time without results. Thank you very muc

    70. Gotinviet

      Hello, my name is Le Thong. I really like that curtain.

    71. Promix

      Máy xay Promix có thể xay nhuyễn thực phẩm dành cho trẻ nhỏ như cháo dinh dưỡng mà
      không cần dùng bếp. Với tốc độ xay cao,
      Promix sẽ đảm bảo nhiệt độ cháo đạt khoảng 50 – 70 độ C.

    Hello!

    Marian Parsons - Miss Mustard Seed

    I’m Marian, aka Miss Mustard Seed, a wife, mother, paint enthusiast, lover of all things home and an entrepreneur, author, artist, designer, freelance writer & photographer.  READ MORE to learn more about me, my blog and my business…

    Let's Connect

    WATCH ON YOUTUBE

    decorating, projects, and recipes for spring

    Categories

    Articles by Date

     

    our sponsors

     

     

    Bliss and Tell Branding Company

     

    Pin It on Pinterest

    Share This