Determine the curtain panel length. Then cut and sew the bamboo sheet fabric into fantastic designer look curtain panels at a fraction of the cost.

The prior article gives the supply list for this project. Here are the easy DIY instructions on how to turn eco-friendly bamboo sheets into stylish curtain panels in less than 1 hour.

These panels were originally made to quickly and cheaply stage a rental property placed for sale. The owner liked them so much they duplicated the design for their home.

Let's get started. Whether or not the sheet is washed first is up to personal preference.

Decide on length

1. Hang the drapery clip on the curtain rod. Measure from the clip portion of the drapery clip to the floor, add 1.5 inches. To have the panel 'puddle' at floor level add another 3 inches.
2. Fold the sheet in half length wise and iron to create a crease at the fold. Cut the sheet along the crease, equally dividing the sheet into two pieces.
3. The top of the panel is the top of the sheet - that part of the sheet that is at the head of the bed by the pillows. Measure down from the top and trim the sheet to the above Instruction #1 desired length.

Neaten the Length Wise Edge

If not attaching decorative trim, turn the length wise rough edge under 1/2 inch and iron in place. Further turn this edge in another 1/2 inch - all rough edges are now hidden. Iron in place, then sew a straight line from top to bottom 1/8th of an inch in from the turned under edge. Repeat for the second side.

Attach the Decorative Trim - Optional

The decorative fabric trim for the project curtain panel is 5 inches wide. To duplicate this look, cut two sections of decorative fabric 11 inches wide by the length decided upon above plus 1/2 inch. Turn the top of the trim under 1/2 inch.

Turn both sides of the length wise section of the trim under 1/2 inch. Iron in place. See Image 1 below.

Fold trim fabric in half length wise so that both sides are the same width. Catch 1/2 inch of the bamboo fabric between the trim fabric aligning the turned under trim top with the top of the bamboo panel. See Image 2 below for guidance on the sandwiching of the bamboo fabric between the layers of trim fabric.

Note: The top in this image hasn't been turned in by 1/2 inch and the fabric layers are not aligned so one can clearly see the sandwich positioning.

Pin in place. Sew the trim fabric to the bamboo panel catching the front and back sides of the trim as one sews. Stop sewing 12 inches from the bottom - some wiggle room is needed for the hem. This row of stitching will be finished at the end.

If using decorative ribbon, neaten the rough edge of the length wise bamboo section as in the instruction above. Turn the top of the decorative ribbon under 1/2 inch and sew it on top of the now finished bamboo edge. Attach the ribbon to the bamboo fabric by sewing two straight lines, from top to bottom, each one about 1/8 inch in from the edge of the ribbon.

Hem the Bottom of the Curtain Panel

Turn the bottom of the curtain panel under 3/4 inch and iron in place. Further turn this edge in another 3/4 inch. Iron in place, then sew a straight line from side to side an 1/8th of an inch in from the turned under fold.

If the decorative trim fabric was used, finish sewing the remaining 11 length wise inches. Also sew the top and bottom of the decorative trim together with a straight stitch.

Create Body in the Fabric

Cut a 4 inch wide strip of the fusible iron on interfacing. Place it 1/2 inch from the top of the curtain panel. Following the interfacing instructions, iron to attach it across the top of the panel. See Image 3 below.

Finish Line

Finally, iron both panels using the spray starch, repeat for additonal body. Attach the panels good side out to the drapery clips and arrange in attractive folds. Use the image of the finished curtain panel in the supplies article as a guide.