Ruffled Curtains  

If you've found the perfect curtains for your room at home, but they could use some minor alterations, ruffled curtains might be the direction you want to go in.  Ruffled curtains will not only add length to your curtains, but it will also give them a softer style.  If you don't have the money for new curtains, you can create ruffled curtains from the ones you already have.  Adding ruffles to an already made curtain is actually much easier than you would think, and it does not take much knowledge of sewing or a sewing machine.  It is actually pretty easy to make curtains with enough style to compete with popular brands like Ann Gish.  You can make any style ruffled curtains at home, including Stephanie, Jenny, and Wendy curtains. 

To start off with this process, you will need to know the length of the curtains you wish to alter.  Take that measurement and add a few inches to it.  This is the measure of the length of the trim before ruffling, plus space for finishing the ends.  Once the measurement is written down, you can begin the cut the trim.  Fold just under one inch at a cut end of the pre-ruffled trim.  Put the folded edge on the curtain's hem.  Lastly, pin the ruffle to the hem of the curtain.  Continue this process all the way down the trim of the curtain until you get to the other side.  Remember to alter the ruffles depending on what style you want to go with.  You can go with a Stephanie, Jenny, Wendy, or any other style since it is your own creation.

Now the sewing can begin.  Take one last overview look at the ruffles to make sure it looks like and then you can get started.  While sewing, try to keep the sewing line a little less than an inch above the ruffles.  It is more convenient to do this with a sewing machine, but it can be done by hand if one is not available.  Take one last look at the curtain to make sure everything is in order and its up to your appearance standards.  If you like what you see, your job is done. 

You can also make ruffles with extra curtain material.  To do this, start by hemming the bottom edge of the curtain.  Measure the curtain's hem, and once again, add about an inch to the length.  Now on the top of the edge of the ruffle, go about an inch down and start sewing a line across the curtain.  Do this until you reach the other side of the curtain and leave a little thread off on the end.  Use this extra thread to bring the middle of the curtain together from each end.  You will need to alter the width of the middle of the curtain by pulling the two ends closer or together or letting them hang more loosely.  Try out a few different widths and pick the one that best fits your room.  Once you have done this, you are completely done with your little project.

Ruffled curtains can bring a new style and attraction to any room in your house.  You can change the curtains in your living room, dining room, bathroom, or any other room with a window.  Some people like to go through and change all their curtains to have ruffled edges, even though this task can be very time consuming.  If you don't want to make your own curtains, you can always go up to the store and pick out a nice style.  Some of the best brands are Country Curtains and Ann Gish.