Having quality blackout curtains is essential for privacy and sleep. But buying ready-made blackout curtains can be expensive. Luckily, with some basic sewing skills and inexpensive materials, you can make custom blackout curtains for a fraction of store-bought ones.
Making your blackout curtains allows you to choose fun fabrics and make them exactly the right size for your windows. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to create blackout curtains that block light and add style to your home.
1. No-Sew Blackout Curtains
These simple no-sew curtains are an easy beginner project. Use iron-on adhesive to join two layers of blackout fabric for instant curtains.
Length: As long as you want
Width: 2 to 3 times your window width
Materials:
- 2 coordinating fabrics: blackout fabric + decor fabric
- Iron-on hem tape
- Curtain rings
Instructions:
- Decide on curtain length and width. Cut decor fabric and blackout fabric to size.
- Make a 2-inch double hem on the top and sides of each piece by folding the fabric over twice and applying iron-on hem tape.
- Align pieces with right sides facing. Iron to fuse layers.
- Hang using rings on a curtain rod.
2. Rod Pocket Blackout Curtains
These beginner blackout curtains have a rod pocket at the top for easy hanging. You just have to slide the rod through the pocket.
Length: Floor-to-ceiling
Width: 2 times the window width
Materials:
Blackout fabric
Decorative fabric (optional)
Sewing supplies
Instructions:
- Cut fabric to the length and width needed.
- Fold over 5 inches and press to form a rod pocket. Sew the top hem in place.
- Fold side edges 1/4 inch and press. Sew side hems.
- To add a decorative fabric, cut it the same size as blackout fabric. Overlap edges 1/2 inch and topstitch around all sides.
- Slide the rod through the pocket to hang.
3. Buckwheat Hull Blackout Curtains
For super heavyweight curtains, fill cloth tubes with buckwheat hulls to block all light.
Length: Floor to 6 inches above
Width: 2.5 x window width
Materials:
- Medium-weight fabric
- Buckwheat hulls
- Dowel rods
- Curtain clips
- Sewing supplies
Instructions:
- Cut fabric into panels the length you want. The width should be about 40% wider than the window.
- Make a tube 3-4 inches wide by folding a long edge over 1/4 inch, then 3 inches. Sew long edges.
- Fill tubes with hulls and sew ends closed. Repeat to make a total of 5-8 tubes for each curtain.
- Overlap panel edges 1/2 inch and topstitch together.
- Insert dowels at the top and bottom edges. Slide clips onto dowels to hang.
4. Tab Top Blackout Curtains
This pattern has tabs at the top to slide onto a sheer curtain rod for hanging. The tabs keep light from peeking through the edges.
Length: Floor to 6 inches above
Width: 2 times the window width
Materials:
- Blackout fabric
- Decorative fabric (optional)
- Sewing supplies
Instructions:
- Cut fabric to the length and width needed.
- Make tabs by cutting 4-inch wide strips of the width of the panel. Fold under 1/4 inch, then 1 inch. Topstitch.
- Align tabs evenly across the top. Mark positions lightly with a fabric marker.
- Fold the top edge over 1/2 inch, then fold over again to meet the tab edges. Pin and sew a top hem, securing tabs inside.
- Fold side edges 1/4 inch, then 1 inch. Sew side hems.
- Insert the rod through tabs to hang curtains.
5. Grommet Top Blackout Curtains
Grommets add a decorative touch and keep light out through the top edge. This easy pattern is made from 2 panels.
Length: Floor to 6 inches above
Width: Each panel = 1.5 x window width
Materials:
- Blackout fabric
- Decorative fabric (optional)
- Eyelet Curtain
- Grommet tool
- Sewing supplies
Instructions:
- Cut 2 panels to the length and width specified.
- Hem the sides and bottom by folding over 1/4 inch, then 1 inch. Topstitch hems.
- Mark spots for grommets evenly across the top edge. Make sure they align on both panels.
- Install grommets using a grommet tool.
- Overlap the 2 panels by 6 inches at the center. Topstitch overlap.
- Hang panels on a curtain rod using the grommets.
6. Band Top Blackout Curtains
This simple pattern uses a wide band at the top with a casing for the curtain rod. The band keeps the edges flush with the wall.
Length: Floor to 6 inches above
Width: 2 times the window width
Materials:
- Blackout fabric
- Decorative fabric (optional)
- Sewing supplies
Instructions:
- Firstly, cut bedroom curtain fabric according to specific measurements.
- Make a band by cutting a strip 8 inches wide, the full width of the panel. Sew short ends together to make a loop.
- Pin band to the top of the panel, overlapping edges by 1/2 inch. Sew in place.
- Fold the band in half lengthwise and then sew along the lower edge to form a casing.
- Fold side and bottom edges over 1/4 inch, then 1 inch. Topstitch hems.
- Thread the rod through the casing to hang.
7. Contoured Blackout Curtains
Get a perfect light-blocking fit with these contoured curtains. The curved hem falls exactly 1/2 inch above the floor.
Length: Measure from rod to 1/2 inch above floor
Width: 2 times the window width
Materials:
- Blackout fabric
- Decorative fabric (optional)
- Hem tape
- Curtain rings
- Sewing supplies
Instructions:
- For each panel, measure the window height and mark the top. Measure to 1/2 inch above the floor and mark the bottom. Mark each side edge.
- Using a yardstick, draw gentle curved lines to connect the marks. Cut along lines.
- Finish the top edge with iron-on hem tape.
- Fold under 1/4 inch, then 1 inch on the sides and bottom. Iron; topstitch hems.
- If using a decorative outer layer, make it the same contour. Baste layers together.
- Hang panels using rings on a curtain rod.
8. Ruffled Blackout Curtains
Ruffles add a playful, feminine touch and soften the edges of these blackout curtains. Make them floor length or cafe length.
Length: Floor to 1 inch above or sill to lower edge
Width: 2 times the window width
Materials:
- Blackout fabric
- Sheer/decorative fabric for ruffles
- Sewing supplies
Instructions:
- Cut blackout panels to the length/width desired. Hem sides and lower edge.
- Cut strips of sheer fabric 3-4 inches wide.
- Gather the strip by stitching basting stitches 1/4 inch from the edge. Pull thread to gather.
- Pin ruffle strip to blackout panel edges, adjusting gathers evenly. Sew ruffle to edge of panel.
- For two panels, overlap edges by 6 inches. Topstitch overlap.
- Make a rod pocket or tabs to hang panels.
9. Blackout Roman Shades
Roman shades neatly cover windows and keep out light. Make them customizable by adding tiered fabric layers. Window height + length of folds wanted
Width: 1.5 x window width
Materials:
- Blackout fabric
- Decorative fabric
- Wood dowel rods
- Curtain rings
- Sewing supplies
Instructions:
- Cut blackout fabric according to pattern instructions.
- Cut decorative fabric the same size. Baste together along the top edge.
- Make pleats and sew cords according to the pattern.
- Hem sides and bottom edges.
- Insert the dowel rod into the bottom hem.
- Attach rings to the top edge, one at each pleat.
- Hang shade by rings on the curtain rod. Pull cords to raise.
10. Blackout Curtain Lining
Upgrade existing curtains by adding a detachable blackout lining. Use curtain clips to remove the lining on sunny days quickly. Same length/width as existing curtains
Materials:
- Blackout fabric
- Curtain clips
- Sewing supplies
Instructions:
- Measure existing curtains. Cut lining panels to the same size.
- On sides, turn under 1/4 inch, then 2 inches. Sew hems.
- At the top, turn under 1/4 inch, then 1 inch, to form a casing. Sew.
- Insert curtain rod through the casing.
- Match edges of lining to curtain edges. Pin layers together.
- Sew on clips at intervals to join the layers.
- Hang curtains on the rod with lining attached. Remove clips to detach the lining as needed.
Conclusion
Create custom blackout curtains with basic sewing skills and inexpensive supplies. Use 10 free patterns and customize fabric colors to block outside light and improve sleep. Installing DIY curtains is satisfying and budget-friendly.
