How to Make No Sew Drapes

One of my all time most popular posts is a tutorial on how to make lined pinch pleat drapes.  Since that post, I have received many emails from people who want to make their own drapes, but just don't sew. 

With that in mind... today I am going to show you how to make custom drapes, even if you don't sew.   

 When I came across this fabulous fabric from Calico Corners...

I knew it would be the perfect jumping off point to start to add some color to my basement.

I promise that these drapes are easy to make.  If you can iron, you can make these drapes.

I ordered 5 yards of fabric (on sale for 25% off) to make two panels.  

My drapes finished length ended up being 87".  Honestly I probably should have ordered 5 1/4 yards just to avoid the stress of matching up the pattern, but luckily it worked out.  

I cut the 5 yards exactly in the middle and lined it up from there.

The secret ingredient to any no-sew project is a product called stitch witchery.  

I already had the rod and rings from my previous drapes, so I knew I just had to make a narrow header to clip the rings onto.  I started by ironing a crease about 1 1/4" on the top of the drape.

Then I folded the fabric again, this time over the stitch witchery.  Working in small sections I ironed it into place.  You can follow the directions on the stitch witchery, however, you just press down for ten seconds or so, without ironing it back and forth.  Then I did the same thing on both of the sides.  I folded the sides on the salvage end and then folded it again and pressed the stitch witchery inside the two folds to "sew" it all together.

Once the drapes were hanging, I pinned the hem in place, and then removed it and

 ironed the hem  using the stitch witchery again.

It was that simple.  The drapes look absolutely beautiful in the basement.

Lighting is still an issue downstairs, so it was next to impossible to get a decent photo.

It took less than an hour and a half to make both panels.  It probably could be done in an hour, but I wasted too much time worrying that I may not have ordered enough material.  

Before I even began the project, I took the fabric and hung it on the clips to determine whether or not I would line the drapes.  I had bought the twin sheets from Walmart thinking I would be lining these drapes.  However, like I said, the lighting is at a premium downstairs and I didn't want anything to darken the room anymore than it already is.  Also, the fabric is a high quality fabric that has a beautiful linen texture to it.  Lining it was unnecessary (and time saving).  

I hope you will give these a try.

-Judy

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