DIY Blackout Curtains: How to Make Blackout Curtains

X-HT-300743

Are you looking for quality blackout curtains? Why buy when you can DIY!? Store-bought blackout curtains are expensive and don’t let you choose your own fabric. Our new Workbench video will teach you how to make simple rod pocket curtains featuring a blackout liner. Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never sewn before. This quick make is the perfect beginner sewing project. These DIY blackout curtains will add much-needed style and shade to your home. What are you waiting for? Nap time awaits!

Video Chapters:

Intro — 0:00 min.
Measurements — 0:28 min.
Fabric — 1:25 min.
Tools Overview — 1:54 min.
Measuring our Curtain Fabric — 2:00 min.
Cutting our Curtain Fabric — 3:01 min.
Repeat for the Liner — 3:50 min.
Combing our Liner and Fabric — 4:16 min.
Sewing our Curtain Sides — 5:15 min.
Clipping the top & bottom of the Curtain — 5:53 min.
Sewing the top & bottom of the Curtain — 6:42 min.
Hand Sewing VS Machine Sewing — 7:19 min.
Outro — 8:27 min.

Materials List:

Outdura® Constantine Navy #124620
Blackout White Drapery Lining Fabric #122515
Tex 70 UV Bonded Polyester Thread
Seamstick 1/2" Basting Tape for Canvas (36 yds.) #122066

Tools List:

Sailrite® Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" #102400
Stainless Steel Bent Handle 9" Scissors #125661
Chalk Pencil Cartridge Set #121669
Wonder Clips Red (100 pack) #121903
Multiuse Pins 1-1/2" (250 pack) #102985
Tape Measure 120" #102986
Basic Thread Snips #123222
Curved Upholstery Hand Sewing Needles #123147
Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V) #311602
Deluxe 5-1/2" Magnetic Sewing Guide #103597

The first step of making blackout curtains is to measure your window. In our video, we show you how to measure your window frame to determine how much fabric you need to order. Once you have your measurements, use the formula in the video to determine your yardage.

Next, head to our Decor & Upholstery Fabric page to choose your decorative fabric. We chose an Outdura® upholstery fabric for our curtains. Outdura is an indoor/outdoor performance fabric woven from 100% solution-dyed acrylic yarn. Outdura boasts incredible stain and abrasion resistance. It's easy to clean and the colors won't fade in the sun. With hundreds of colors and patterns, you're sure to find an Outdura fabric that fits your unique style.

X Ht 300743 3 — Which Outdura fabric will you pick for your blackout curtains?

What takes these curtains from homemade to home run is adding blackout lining fabric to the back side. This room-darkening material keeps rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, lowering your energy bill. Using a blackout liner also adds more body to your curtains, giving them a fuller look.

Are you excited to make your blackout curtains? Watch the video above to get started. You'll also find a complete materials and tools list of all the supplies you'll need to make your curtains. If you have any questions about products used or questions about the tutorial video, you can ask in the comments section below.

And if you're looking for more fun DIY projects, click here to view our Home Projects page full of free video and blog content. Happy sewing!