Window Treatment Patterns

If you've decided against purchasing custom or ready-made window treatments in favor of making your own there are a number of things you have to consider.  You can go to any "brick and mortar" fabric store and find a variety of window treatment patterns and you can find even more on the Internet.  Just enter "Window Treatment Patterns" into your favorite Search Engine and you'll see what we mean.  Many novices think that their only options when it comes to window treatment patterns are curtains and draperies but as you'll see there are patterns for making fabric window shades as well. But you first have to consider your own skills.  The second consideration is cost.

Window Treatment Patterns:  Skill Level

If you've never sewn a button and don't own a sewing machine you'll have to upgrade your skills a bit before proceeding.  The Internet is a wonderful source here as you will find a huge variety of tutorials available online.  Some are focused on general sewing skills but most are geared towards creating a specific style of window treatment.  Some are well designed and easy to follow while others are confusing and complex.  You have to be able to invest the time and effort required to sort through them and start learning what you need to know to create your desired window treatment pattern.  It is not essential that you know exactly what you want before jumping into the learning process.  As you dig through the tutorials you will get additional ideas for available window treatments and be able to determine whether or not you are capable of making them.

There are a few "old-fashioned" alternatives available if you don't find what you need on the Internet.  First, there's the library or the crafts section of a good bookstore.  Second, you might want to see if there are sewing clubs in your community.  Third you could find an experienced seamstress locally who would be willing to provide advice and support along the way.  As you are considering your window treatment pattern don't forget about cost.

Window Treatment Patterns:  Cost

Many choose the option of making their own window treatments to save money.  Custom made window treatments are very expensive and even ready-made window treatments may cost more than you want to spend.  It is easy to limit your thinking about how much your window treatment will cost to the price of the pattern you purchase and the fabric needed to produce the treatment.  Don't forget to include hardware.  Certain treatments should have more attractive hardware as it can be seen.   Cheaper plastic hardware is often available but is not as durable nor as attractive as wood or metal.  So as you calculate how  much you will be saving, make sure you include the cost of the hardware needed.  And as a final thought, making your own window treatments can be very time consuming.  You might want to factor in the cost of your own time as well.  Good luck with your Window Treatment Patterns!