How to DIY Snap & Slide Curtains

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If you're concerned about privacy when camping in your RV, this DIY project has you covered — literally. The easiest way to ensure privacy is to install window coverings, such as snap and slide curtains, in your RV. Not only do these curtains keep your space secluded, but they also are a great way to add color and warmth to your home away from home. In our latest RV Renovation Series video, we'll teach you how to make wall-mounted snap and slide curtains.

Video Chapters:

Intro — 0:00 min.
Determining Size & Cutting Fabric Panel — 0:43 min.
Creating & Sewing Hems — 3:58 min.
Installing Curtain Track — 8:23 min.
Sewing Snap-On Tape — 12:03 min.
Installing Carriers & End Stops — 17:31 min.
Installing Curtain — 21:11 min.
Materials & Tools List — 23:52 min.

Materials List:

Decorative Fabric from Sailrite
Seamstick 1/4" Basting Tape for Canvas & Upholstery (36 yds.) — (#122065)
Coats Extra Strong^® Tex 70 Hemp Nylon Upholstery Thread (150 yds.) — (#104817)
Snap-On Tape for Curtains — (#100911)
End Stop for Curtain Track — (#310081)
Snap-On Carrier — (#102211)
Curtain Track Horizontal Mount Vinyl 48" — (#100758)

Tools List:

Chalk Pen White — (#123131)
Tempered Cutting Glass for Hotknife — (#121915)
Sailrite^® Edge Cordless Hotknife 18V Package — (#122177)
Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" — (#102400)
Easy Grip Ruler Handle — (#123101)
Sailrite^® Ultrafeed^® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine — (#311602)
Sailrite^® Ultrafeed^® Industrial Sewing Table — (#120934)
Deluxe 5-1/2" Magnetic Sewing Guide — (#103597)
Assorted Hand Sewing Needles (16 pack) — (#123124)
Drill, Pencil, Self-Drilling Screws, Screwdriver, Saw

DIY Snap and Slide Curtains 2 — The curtains attach to a wall-mounted track with the help of snap-on tape and slidable snap carriers.

Snap and slide curtains may sound complicated, but they're actually very easy to DIY. Our video shows you all of the steps. You’ll learn:

How to measure and sew curtains to fit your RV windows.
How easy it is to sew snap-on tape to your curtains.
What carrier pieces are and how to install them.
How to hang flexible curtain track on a wall.
And how to install your finished curtains on the track.

If that still sounds complicated, don’t worry — we’re here to help you every step of the way.

The simplicity of snap and slide curtains makes them ideal for use in an RV. They slide side to side on a wall-mounted track, so they don’t have pull cords or tilt wands that may be hard to use in a compact space. They’re also easy to install with a power drill. Best of all, they pleat nicely, which adds visual interest to your RV's interior.

DIY Snap and Slide Curtains 3 — Open or closed, our snap and slide curtains pleat beautifully and add texture to the room.

Although we made our snap and slide curtains for our 1987 Airstream Argosy, you can make them for your home, boat or other location that needs stylish and functional window coverings. The process for making and installing the curtains elsewhere will be very similar to our process for making RV curtains.

We’ll also share some quick tips for calculating curtain fullness, keeping basting tape from gumming up your needle, and pleating your finished curtains. When you're ready to make these fun curtains for your space, watch the video.

Did you make a snap and slide curtain? If so, what did you feel was the trickiest part? Tell us how your curtain turned out in the comments below.

If snap and slide curtains aren't quite what you're looking for in window coverings, then check out our other curtain DIYs. We have instructions for Roman Shades, roller shades and more. Just search for the curtain type you want on Sailrite.com and click the "DIY Projects" tab to find our how-to videos.

If you want to view more projects in our RV Renovation Series, click here!