Privacy Curtains From a Sheet DIY

Do you need a specialty curtain for a kid's themed room? Try a bed sheet! Directions and photos are included for making your own curtains, along with an easy DIY for adding a privacy lining.

When my grandson Alex needed curtains for his Mario themed room, I suggested sewing them from a flat bed sheet. 

Why use a bed sheet for curtains? My reasons include:

• It's usually nice fabric that launders well.
• It's wide, resulting in fewer seams.
• It's usually cheaper than buying fabric.
• Sewing time is faster; using the existing hems of the flat sheet save time.
• Using the existing hems also gives the finished project a professional touch!
• Many themes and patterns are available in sheets.

Since this curtain would be used on a sunny window without a blind, a privacy panel (that would block sunlight and heat) would need to be attached to the curtain.

Materials:

1 Flat Sheet (Size is determined by the size of the window - I used a twin flat sheet for this window.)

Matching Thread

Privacy "Blackout" fabric (from a fabric store - I used 2 yards.)

Equipment:

Sewing Machine

Scissors

Yardstick and/or ruler

Sewing Pins

Directions: 

First, determine the size your curtain needs to be. 

For this curtain, the window is 63" high and 36" wide, so I wanted the curtain length to be 72". I wanted the curtain to extend 1" above the rod, a 2" pocket for the rod, and a 1/2" hem, so my total measurement for the length was 75-1/2". 

These curtains will "shirr on the rod", so the total width of the panels will need to be 1-1/2 to 2 times the width of the window. My width measurement for each curtain panel was 28-1/2"

Let's Get Started!

Curtain

Lay the folded sheet on a table or floor for cutting. I used a cardboard cutting board and yard stick to measure and keep the fabric straight. Cut the fabric into 2 curtain panels to the desired size, keeping the bottom hem and side hems intact. 

Save the leftover middle fabric and top fabric for a future project.

The 2 existing side hems will now become the inside hems of the curtains.

For the outside hems, turn under 1-1/2" and again 1/2" from the edge. Edge-stitch the hem in place. Repeat on the other curtain panel. 

Fold the top of the curtain down 3-1/2" and press. Fold the edge under 1/2" and press.

Lay aside.

Lining

Cut 2 pieces of the Blackout fabric 1/2" narrower than the width of the finished curtain panel and 4" shorter. 

To hem, turn under both side edges 3/8" and straight stitch. Turn the bottom up 5/8" and straight stitch. Repeat on the other piece of Blackout fabric. 

Leave the top of both pieces unstitched.

Attaching the Blackout Fabric to the Curtain

With right side facing down, lay one curtain panel out flat. With right side facing down, lay the Blackout fabric panel on top, making sure that the curtain extends at least 1/2 inch on each side beyond the Blackout fabric and about 1 inch on the bottom.

 

The top of the Blackout panel should be touching the pressed fold-line of the curtain panel that is 3-1/2" from the edge. 

                                                                                                             

If the Blackout fabric is too long, trim to fit. 

Fold the pressed top edge of the curtain fabric over the Blackout Fabric and pin. 

Measure 1" from the top fold-line and stitch through the curtain fabric and Blackout Fabric. 

Do not sew the ends!

Straight stitch the hem, creating a casing for a curtain rod.

Press the seam, insert a curtain rod between the 2 rows of stitching, and you are ready to hang your masterpiece!

Alex loves his new curtains! He can close them for privacy and when needed to block the sunlight and heat, and open them to enjoy the beautiful view!

Good morning, Sunshine!

Ms. Nancy's Notes:

• Read Care Directions on the sheets before pressing with an iron. Some fabrics can melt if the iron is too hot!
• Dimensions may vary according to the size of your window and the size of your sheet.
• And what did I do with the leftover fabric? Stay tuned for another Blog Post!