How to Make Eyelet Curtains

If you are looking for a great way to dress up your windows, then you may want to consider some eyelet curtains.  An eyelet curtain is one of the most popular styles of window treatments used these days, and what sets them apart from other types of curtains is the way that they are hung.  These curtains contain eyelets, or holes with grommets, along the top of the curtain itself, through which a hook or ring is used to attach the curtains to the curtain rod or pole.

You can make your own eyelet curtains relatively easily, or of course you can find many eyelet curtains ready made in the store – but making them gives you the flexibility of using almost any type of fabric you want and also saves you money in the process.

These types of eyelet curtains are not to be confused with white eyelet curtains (although they can still be white, if you’d like!), which are a bit more traditional and frilly.  White eyelet is an open, almost lace-like material that gives a more feminine and traditional feel – more typically used in a baby’s nursery.  And while you can make a white eyelet curtain out of the eyelet material itself, what we are referring to here are curtains with eyelets that you can use to house a hook or ring to hang your curtains from a rod.

So, are you ready to get started on some easy DIY eyelet curtains?  Here’s what you need to know about making some for your home:

What you will need:

• Fabric (enough to cover windows to length and width desired with a few extra inches along edges for seams)
• Lining fabric, if using (same amount as decorative fabric)
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Pins
• Fabric or curtain tape
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Iron
• Curtain eyelets or grommets
• Curtain rod – for hanging finished eyelet curtains

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Measure the width of the windows you are using the curtains for, as well as the length from the place you are installing the curtain rod to just before the floor (or to any spot that you want them to hang – they look best stopping short of the floor).  Then add about an inch or two on each of the sides and bottom and at least 3 inches along the top side for seam allowances.
2. Once you are sure of your measurements, cut out your desired fabric according to the measurements.  This is best done by laying out the fabric out on an open hard surface.
3. If you are interested in lined eyelet curtains, follow steps 1 and 2 for the lining fabric as well and lay the lining fabric along the back of the decorative fabric before proceeding to step 3.  It is not necessary to line eyelet curtains however, unless you choose to.
4. Fold the edges around each side to create a hem and secure the hem with fabric or curtain tape.  Then iron the edges of the hems to secure them.  It is also a good idea to pin the hems in place so they remain in place when you begin sewing.
5. Sew the edges of each hem in a uniform method all the way around, removing the pins as you go.  If you prefer to make no-sew eyelet curtains, and are using a fabric that will remain secure with only the fabric tape, then you can skip this step for all sides, except the top.  The top edge, where the eyelets or grommets will go, will need to be more secure than the other sides, so if at all possible, it is worth sewing this hem.
6. The next step is to measure for the eyelets or grommets.  On the back side of the curtain, you should evenly mark the places where your eyelets will be located.  You can do this by placing a dot in the center of where each hole will go, making sure that you leave enough space all the way around for the size of the grommet (there should still be some fabric along the edge after the grommet is inserted) and making sure that all holes are perfectly lined up.  Then trace a ring around the inside of the grommet so you know how much material to cut (many eyelet sets come with a template to trace for this purpose).  As a general rule of thumb, you should place your eyelets about 4 – 6 inches apart, depending on the look you want and the weight of your fabric.
7. Once you have measured and marked your eyelet holes on the back of the fabric, make a small slit in the center of each hole and cut the fabric to the edge of the marked eyelet.
8. If you have self snapping eyelets or grommets, you should then place the ridged part of the eyelet along the back of the fabric by the hole and the pronged section along the front.  Once they are properly positioned, they can then be snapped into place.
9. That’s about it!  You can now hang your eyelet curtains and sit back and enjoy your handiwork!

The great thing about knowing how to make eyelet curtains is that once you know how to do it, you can make curtains in almost any fabric or size that you want.  You can even make an eyelet shower curtain!  Eyelet shower curtains are just as easy to make as eyelet window curtains, with the only difference being that you need to have a waterproof liner on the inside of the shower, protecting the fabric, and your eyelets or grommets should be made from a material that will not rust in the presence of water or moisture.

So, there you have it – an easy way to spruce up the décor of your home without having to spend a fortune on fancy window treatments.  All you need to do is to pick out some fabric you like, buy a few eyelets for curtains, and you can have windows that look like they jumped off the pages of a decorating magazine!

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