Any hot tips on curtain making? Is it relatively easy?!

[docket]

Have a couple of exceptionally drafty windows and have decided that I need some thick curtains for winter. Would like to make them to save money but my sewing skills are very limited, haven't made anything since HE classes over 20 years ago. Can anyone recommend any good sites/books? Will I need a sewing machine? I keep thinking it can't be that difficult but I'm sure it's much harder than it looks!

TIA

If your windows are large, I would say, yes you need a sewing machine! I've made a few curtains, and what you really need is space- to lay out your fabric on the floor and pin the lining/ header tape in place. I hemmed the lining, and had stitched the actual fabric, but you could hem both to speed things up.

Sorry can't recommend any sites/ books- I made it up as I went along, but the curtains weren't too bad!

I think if you are going to make thick lined curtains you will need a sewing machine yes! I make all my own curtains and really they are one of the simplest things to make, there are probably some good sites with information or what I did was get some sewing books out of the library, there are usually plenty to choose from!
All you need is the material (more than the length of the window, about double in fact), lining (there are different ones to choose from) and curtain tape (which will depend on the curtain poles or rails you use, shop assistants are very helpful in advising in this matter!).
Hope that's all not too confusing. I just wanted to reassure you that it isn't difficult, in fact it is very satisfying once they are done, and cheap too. I have just made some curtains for ds out of duvet covers!

docket - I had never used a sewing machine before nor sewn anything apart from the odd button and made all but the living room curtains in this house - you could see by looking, which I did first!

I had a book (which I've lent to someone, so can't give you details)and it was really very simple.

oooh< this is encouraging thanks> am going to go to the library to see if i can find a book> now i just need to source a sewing machine!

yes it's quite straightforward, especially if you make separate detachable linings - this also makes life much easier when you come to wash them. You definitely need a sewing machine! Just a simple one will do though, you don't need anything fancy.

For lining fabric, tape, etc, I recommend John Lewis - I have always found the assistants there really helpful and happy to answer any questions.

Have to agree - John Lewis is great as the assistants are always helpful and full of advice!
Let us know how curtain making goes!

i have the good housekeeping book for sewing and it illustrates the endless ways of making them.
go for a plain fabric for oyur first sets otherwise you'll have to match the pattern for each curtain.
ensure you measure your windows correctly and dont skinp (sp?) on fabric widths, ie if your window needs 2 widths either side dont say oh 1 1/2 will do , it makes for very weak looking curtinas when closed.
the j lewis assistant will explain this further.

oh measure the rail youre using too.

thanks again and hermykne good tip about doing plain first as i had had patterned in mind!