To not make my own curtains

[CC4712]

We have finally finished a massive renovation of a derelict property. DH thinks we should make our own curtains. I'd normally have a go at most things, but my issues are:

• We still have multiple other things that need completing
• Our attempts might look amateur and let the rest of the finish down
• The cost of material, black out material, sewing machine etc let alone time, might end up costing more
• There are over 35 windows of various sizes/shapes and a massive bifold
• Neither of us have used a sewing machine in 30yrs (and that was in home economics)

It really depends on the quality of curtains you want. All the people saying 'you just need a sewing machine' are making me laugh as really nice quality lined or interlined curtains are made 80% by hand. It's laborious and backbreaking work and still not cheap if you go for nice materials.

I completely second all the people suggesting you buy second hand. I used to make all of our curtains but now get them second hand from ebay for the same price as making them myself. Search 'interlined', 'country house curtains' or 'double/triple/pinch pleat' for the best quality ones. If you have a lovely big house and have put your heart and soul into it then cheap curtains will just let you down (plus really good ones are great insulators!)

I make all my own curtains and even I'd hesitate at 35 windows.

And I have a decent sewing machine and years of experience.

Summer is coming so I'd buy voiles for spare bedrooms and living room, while you get to know the house and work out which rooms are coldest and will need proper curtains.

If you want to have a go, buy a decent instruction book, a sturdy sewing machine and start with some small simple unlined curtains for a bathroom or loo. If they go well, attempt a pair of lined curtains for a spare bedroom next.

Perhaps find a local evening class.

Curtain making isn't difficult, but it takes time and focus.

A good tip for shortening the length is to actually leave the hem alone and adjust the top.

Unpick the header tape, cut some of the length off, re-fold and stitch the header tape back on.

Or, something I did for our patio doors, when the curtains I wanted only came with eyelets, and were too long: chopped off the eyelets, folded the top edge under and stitched on header tape.

I've costed both and I sew.

It's more expensive to make your own unless you can source very inexpensive material.

But unless you have the skills they won't look professional. Not worth the bother. If you factor in your time too it's doubly expensive to make.

Inexpensive curtains look flimsy though and made to measure ones are £££, my windows drop is 3m so I am forced to make mine since IKEA stopped making their extra long velvet ones. I'm actually on the way to the shop to buy curtain tape!
I don't blame you for being over faced having 35 to do though. we have shutters and some IKEA curtains so I'm only replacing mine gradually