Any sewing experts here?

[lola]

I'm considering sewing blackout curtains for our nursery, but would love for an expert to weigh in. I've made a few Halloween costumes and pairs of pajama pants, so I think I could follow a Pinterest tutorial to make some simple lined curtains. I'm just trying to figure out if it makes more sense to buy pre-made curtains based on cost.

From what I've seen, a single panel of 120 inches long/50 inches wide ranges from $50-$100 each, and we'd need two. Would purchasing fabric and blackout liner come close to that cost? I know there are vast differences in fabric costs, but just trying to get a ballpark idea. Would I be saving $50-100 or only saving $15? My sanity has to be worth something.

[Deleted]

I looked into making my own too. I think it was going to end up being pretty equal between getting the fabric I wanted and the blackoutliner. I can't remember what they cost at Target, but I know they did not have any sort of cute ones. Since i just wanted Navy blue I bought them there, but I think if I had wanted some sort of nice fabric or pattern I would have made my own. Most patterns I have seen are mostly just straight lines. I've made a pair of basic curtains before and they are fairly simple, I would imagine adding the backing wouldn't be too much extra work. I would just say if you have an idea of what you want to go now before the lines for Halloween fabric make the fabric store a nightmare.

[Becca]

It all depends on what quality fabric you want to use. If you have a discount fabric store near you, that would be your best bet for saving money. Otherwise if you want panels that are 110 inches long, you would probably need to buy 120 inches per panel (3 1/3 yards) of both the fabric and black out material (to account for hemming and sleeve for rod). That can get pricey quick. If you decide to go that route also keep in mind most fabric comes in either 45" or 60" widths, with the 60" widths usually being more expensive. Depending on how heavy the material is you buy, you may not need the blackout material. I would not suggest buying fabric online unless you are able to buy a swatch first to check out the quality. I personally do a lot of sewing, but typically just buy curtains from the store as I hate making them and I find I usually don't save that much money once I factor in time.

[Becca]

Also, I forgot to add, don't forget to check out table cloths that you could cut in half to make curtains, or bed sheets you could turn into curtains.  That could be another way to get fabric for less than at the store. 

[lola]

Thanks Becca and @cahistoryteacher! Super helpful.

[lbonga1]

I recently got block-out blinds from Ikea for our girls' room. The window is wide so I got the widest one that they had (62"), and it was like $35. They work well, so I've been happy with them. I'm pretty sure they have block-out curtains too that are similar in price, say $40-50.

[lola]

Sept 5, 2016 22:06:56 GMT -5 lbonga1 said:

I recently got block-out blinds from Ikea for our girls' room. The window is wide so I got the widest one that they had (62"), and it was like $35. They work well, so I've been happy with them. I'm pretty sure they have block-out curtains too that are similar in price, say $40-50.

Thanks! The ones in our bedroom are from Ikea and we love them! Unfortunately, I didn't see any that were long enough on the website, but I'll look when we're there. The window isn't unusually tall, but we're hoping to also cover the archway above with curtains so we can block light as needed.

[fikafairy67]

I honestly just use a blackout shade and then get whatever curtains I want. I never found any blackout curtains I liked with DS, and I'm just going to do the same for DD's room.

[littlelion]

+1 to not liking any black out curtains. And after a while I didn't care to make an effort.  Regular curtains or blinds will do just fine too. The way I saw it, the baby can't get used to sleeping in an all dark place with no noise whatsoever if he was going to go to DC. 

[ImAPepper]

Blinds work the best for us but if you want blackout curtains Ross or TJ Maxx/Homegoods might have some nice ones for less price

[Deleted]

littlelion, the only reason I wanted blackout curtains is because our house is right next to a street light and it's this obnoxious yellow light(unlike a normal street light that is bright white). It gave the room a weird glow and kept it too bright at night. It actually felt brighter in there at night then during the day. I found the curtains cut that down a lot.

[lola]

littlelion, That's a good point. Maybe I shouldn't worry about covering the arch so she gets some natural light and learns how to nap either way.