How to Make String Curtains at Home? An Easy DIY Guide

If you have a creative personality and you like original interior design solutions, then you probably enjoy creating unique home accessories all by yourself. String curtains (even the ones available on the market) are modern and unusual, allowing you to add a touch of exquisiteness to your decor. However, if you cannot find online or in local stores the exact color or pattern that you’re looking for, you can try to make your own string curtains!

There are several ways of making string curtains: from extremely simple techniques (for example, tying each string directly to the curtain rod) to more complex methods which require advanced sewing skills (creating the strings from scratch by using an intact piece of material).

Here I will describe a relatively easy DIY technique that will allow you to make a set of beautiful, professional-looking string curtains.

First, you have to decide where you want to install your string curtains. Depending on the exact purpose, you should choose the color and texture of the strings. Making strings at home is extremely complicated, that’s why it’s advisable to buy them in a specialized store. You’ll also have to buy a piece of latch rug canvas (see the dimensions below).

Measure the width of the destination spot – the window, doorway or wall where you want to place the curtains. You’ll need to cut a strip of the latch rug canvas according to your measurements. The strip has to be 2 inches wide. If you need a ‘gathered’ effect, the latch rug canvas strip will have to be longer (for example, twice the length). You’ll also have to measure the vertical dimensions – from the curtain rod to the floor (or the place where you want your string curtain to end).

Fold the canvas strip in two (along its length). This will add to its sturdiness. There are different types of latch rug canvas – choose the one that corresponds to the number of strings per inch you want to attach (usually, the more square openings per inch the canvas has, the more strings you’ll be able to attach and the better your curtain will look).

Take your strings. Cut each string – it has to be twice longer than your vertical measurement. Make a loop in the center of each string. Read the instructions provided with the canvas and learn how to correctly hook the strings (for this, you’ll also need a latch rug hook).

You’ll need to hook your strings through every opening along your latch rug canvas. When you’re done with this part, your string curtains are almost ready! However, they don’t look so good now, especially the spot where the strings are attached to the latch rug. It’s time to conceal these unappealing details.

For this, you will need a strip of fabric of the same color, texture or pattern as your strings. You can choose a different color as well – it all depends on the design that you have in mind. After all, you’re making your own curtains!

So, you’ll need to cut the fabric strip: it has to be three inches wide and one inch longer than the canvas.

After folding it in two, you’ll have to place it over the top of the canvas (so it will cover the unappealing area mentioned above from both sides – front and back). Sew a seam to hold the fabric in place and make sure that it hides the canvas properly. You’ll also need to hem the fabric at the sides.

Now it’s time to hang the curtain! You can attach it to the curtain rod by using special loops and clips that can be acquired in specialized sewing stores as well. If you’re satisfied with the curtains length, you can make a small knot at the end of each string (this will also add some weight to the string and make it hang straight).

You can also add beads at the bottom of the strings – this will add some extra charm. Or, if you want to play some more with your new curtains, you can attach beads at certain intervals along the length of each string, and transform your creation into beaded string curtains!

Even if it takes time, the process of creating homemade string curtains is extremely rewarding (not to mention all the fun you’ll have if you are a talented DIY type of person).