Learn how to make easy DIY French Door Curtains with this simple tutorial.
This seemingly ordinary project (Did you really just yawn?) may be the perfect beginner sewing DIY for you to cut your teeth on.
It’s easy and relatively fast to make. It involves two skills, ironing and straight stitching.
Depending on the fabric you choose, you can have some fun and get creative too. I know that you can do this!
More Sewing Projects for your home
DIY Curtains
French door curtains can give your home decor a touch of color, hide a messy area in your home or provide privacy behind closed doors with blackout shade qualities.
The hardest part about this project is actually picking your fabric!
Choose a simple and subtle fabric style, as I did above, or amp it up with a bold pattern or color.
Materials Needed
Here are all the supplies you need to create this project.
Fabric
Thread
Sewing Scissors or
Rotary Cutter
Safe Cutting Surface
Sewing Machine
Iron
Window Hardware Set
Cordless Drill and Drill Bit sized to fit your hardware
Phillips-head Screwdriver
A Measuring Tape
Level
Design Considerations
There are a number of options to choose from, depending on the french door(s) you have.
Flat Curtain Panels
Just as the name implies, this is a flat piece of fabric suspended between two curtain rods.
It is smooth and without pleats or gathers.
Large patterns, vertical stripes, or graphics that you want to be clearly visible, such as words, work best with this type of curtain.
Gathered Curtain Panels
This is a piece of fabric with fullness hung between two rods and gathered at the header and footer.
Solid-colored fabrics and smaller patterns work well with this style of curtain.
Single Layer Curtain Panels
This type of panel has just one layer of fabric.
You’ll need to decide if you prefer sheer or opaque fabric.
If you want to sew a single-layer panel (which is definitely the easiest), look for a fabric that is attractive on the reverse side as well as the front if it will be visible on both sides of the door.
Choose your fabric accordingly.
Lined Curtain Panels
You may also consider lining your curtain panels if you can see the fabric on both sides of the door.
If your fabric only looks good on one side, or if you need blackout qualities, this may be a great choice.
Do you want two different fabric designs to complement the facing rooms, or is it a closet that doesn’t matter?
If you want the curtain panel lined, be sure to choose two fabrics that are fairly lightweight.
The combination of two medium-weight fabrics can get bulky, pucker, and may not gather well.
I know…so many decisions!
Next, let’s measure the french doors and find out how much fabric you need to buy.
NOTE For more information on lining curtain panels, scroll down below the sewing directions for help.
Determine the Amount of Fabric You Need
To find out how much fabric you need to purchase, choose the style of curtain panels you would like to make.
Measuring directions are below.
Flat Curtain Panel
First, measure the width and height of the window.
If you are making a flat panel curtain, you must allow additional fabric for the seam allowance and the rod pocket for the hardware.
Add 3 inches total to the width of the fabric (1.5 inches on both sides) and 3 inches total to the height (1.5 inches on top and bottom).
If you are super cautious, add more. I can relate.
See the drawing for additional help.
Gathered Curtain Panel
For a fuller and softer gathered-style curtain panel, first, measure the width and height of your window.
Like the flat panel above, you must include additional fabric for seam allowances and rod pockets on the top and bottom of your panel.
Add 3 inches total to the height (1.5 inches each for the top and bottom).
The gathers will require more fabric in the width of the panel but will give you beautiful fullness.
I would recommend you double the width of your window measurement, but this is your personal decision of how full you want it to be.
See the drawing above for more measurement assistance.
Preparing to Sew
After you have purchased your fabric, be sure to wash and dry (or hang dry) your fabric to allow for any shrinkage.
Next, press your fabric; this makes it so much crisper and easier to sew. You are ready to begin!
Curtain Directions
Sewing
1 On both the left and right sides of the fabric, on the wrong side of the fabric, fold the fabric twice towards the center, tucking raw edges under.
Press with an iron.
When finished with both sides, double check the panel is wide enough to still cover your window.
If necessary, adjust the folds and press again.
There is no need to check; if you are doing gathers, you will have plenty of width in your fabric.
Topstitch both the left and right vertical sides of the curtain panel.
NOTE If you want to line your curtain panels, scroll down below these directions for help.
2 You are now ready to create your rod pockets.
On both the top and bottom of your panel, turn raw edges over towards the back of the panel, first with one short fold into the center. Press.
Then, fold one more time, this time a little deeper fold that is big enough to form a pocket for your curtain rods to slide into. Press again.
Stitch the top and bottom rod pockets right along the edge of the pocket, as pictured above.
Press again if necessary, and finally, you are ready to hang your door curtain up.
Installation
3 Then, gather all of your tools, including the window hardware, screws, handheld drill, level, and your curtain.
Grab an assistant to help you while you are at it! 😃 This makes things infinitely easier.
4 Slide the drapery rods into the pockets to be sure all looks okay.
5 Gather the drapes on the rod to check fit.
Then remove the curtain, if desired, to install the hardware.
6 Follow the directions on the hardware package to install the curtain hardware on your door.
It’s usually best to drill the hole first so you do not split the wood.
Then, screw in the brackets for the top and bottom drapery rods.
Hang the panel, sliding the rods into the brackets. Congratulations, you did it!
How to Line a Curtain
Above is an example of a lined curtain panel. To line your own panels, see the directions below.
To sew a lined version, all the steps would be the same as a single fabric panel (above).
The only difference is, instead of pressing in the side seams, with the right sides together, you will sew the two fabrics together on both sides.
After sewing the left and right sides, turn the right sides of the fabric out and press flat. The top and bottom raw edges are open at this point.
Next, fold the top and bottom raw edges into the “tube.” Flatten and press.
This creates a straight top and bottom on your panel.
Check that the panel width and length still fit your door.
Now, create rod pockets for the top and bottom of your panel.
Stitch a horizontal line on the top or bottom edge of the pocket, as pictured above. Press.
Test to be certain that the rod fits in and goes across both ends on the top and the bottom of your panel.
To finish, topstitch both vertical sides, stopping at the rod pocket openings on both ends.
The rod pocket ends do not get sewn or finished.
I hope you enjoy creating this project.
Please let me know in the comment box below if you make DIY french door curtains for your home.
I love to see what you are making!
xo,
Cindy
Free Sewing Patterns
Discover how to make beginner sewing projects following the posts below.
Printable Free Hobo Bag Pattern
Easy DIY Dog Bandana (Free Printable Pattern)
Free and Easy DIY Crossbody Bag Pattern
Easy DIY Elastic Waist Skirt Pattern
DIY Easter Basket Liner Ideas (with Pattern)
DIY Drawstring Backpack Pattern or Lined Drawstring Bag
Tutorials
Learn how to make all kinds of fun projects with these sewing tutorials below.
How to Make an Easy DIY Basket Liner
How to Make Easy DIY Pillow Covers
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