Don’t buy curtains again until you read this, updated 2019! Curtain panels are expensive and I have an affordable alternative. How to make curtains using burlap is probably the easiest and most inexpensive way to decorate a room especially if you have a lot of windows. Our family room has 10 large oversized windows and needless to say, purchasing curtains, custom or not, would have cost a pretty penny. The curtains I wanted were a light brown and cost $55 a panel. Yikes! I decided to purchase burlap fabric in a natural color and if you know anything about burlap, it’s cheap!
How to make burlap curtains
I had a coupon for Michael’s for 50% off so I paid a $1.50 per yard. I used 3 1/2 yards per panel. Not only did the burlap add a great color to the room, the texture was the icing on the cake.
I love how you can see through the new burlap curtains.
Burlap Curtains
Burlap curtains add phenomenal texture to a space. Our family room is large and the burlap texture helps create warmth without leaving a heavy look around the windows. Each window has two burlap curtain panels.
I love how the light brown burlap curtain panels look against the blue/green wall color.
The wall color is call Wythe Blue by Benjamin Moore.
So fresh and clean.
How to make burlap curtains
So lets get started.
I found most of the items needed to make the burlap curtains at Michaels Crafts. You can buy these items though at just about any store.
Stitch Witchery
Curtain pins
Scissors
Iron filled with water (for steam)
You will need to make sure that your iron is nice and hot and has a steam feature. I would suggest that you have a large area (like the floor) to work on.
Step 1
Simply fold a hem (I folded about 10 inches for deep pocket) and pin.
Step 2
Next, place your stitch witchery (bought at Michael’s Crafts) where you would normally sew a hem.
You may want to consider having a towel or large blanket under your burlap panel to protect the carpet.
If you find that your burlap curtain has an odor, be sure to read my post on how to eliminate burlap odor.
The stitch witchery really works well and the burlap stuck great to it.
You can use the stitch witchery all around the sides if you want a hemmed look throughout your panel. I chose to have a deep pocket top hem, the edges frayed on the sides and a small hem on the bottom.
It’s a matter of preference so go with what you like!
Here is a picture of the family room during Christmas.
In about 45 minutes, I made 10 burlap curtains for this room.
If you are looking for a lighter colored burlap panel, be sure to check out our no sew “white” burlap curtain project embellished with twisted sisal polka dots.
We have burlap curtains hanging in two rooms now in our house. It’s such an easy and inexpensive way to add curtains that looks great.
I remember when the photographers showed up for the magazine, they couldn’t believe the burlap curtains were made from raw burlap.
Curtains are expensive and DIY Burlap Curtains are cheap and inexpensive. 
Burlap Curtains alternatives
If you are not a fan of burlap curtains, you can purchase any type of fabric and follow this same process. I prefer fabric with some polyester and not 100%. You want to make sure that the fabric has a bit of texture to it and curtains hangs nicely.
This tutorial of how to make curtains using burlap is I think the best money saving project I have done so far. Not only do the burlap curtains add great texture, character and color to the room, I think it gives the overall room the light and airy feeling I was going after. The only downfall is you cannot wash burlap curtains but for the cost, I am happy to just shake the curtain panels outside a couple times a year.
You can see many more pictures of these curtains in our family room + “Fall Home Tour” post as well as how we added wide pine planks to the walls to create a modern cottage feel. If you are feeling really ambitious, check out Kari Anne’s smocked burlap curtains over at Thistlewood Farms. She didn’t make them but boy if you felt like sewing, these would be perfect! Also, did you see our “how to reupholster a chair” tutorial (+video)? It’s a reupholstery “no sew” tutorial and it’s fairly easy, be sure to check it out!
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