Creating custom blackout curtains... without hemming?

[TMG51]

One of the items I've been putting off for my van is the creation of new curtains. Mostly because I haven't decided how to proceed. One of my sticking points is hemming.

It may seem silly to some, but I know I'll be neurotic about fitting these curtains exactly how I want to the shape of my windows. That means attention to detail and some trial and error. So, my options to proceed are:

1) Hire a seamstress to make the curtains. Likely hire her twice, as I'll probably make revisions.
2) Figure out how to run a sewing machine in the van. Also, learn how to use a sewing machine. Also, buy a sewing machine.
3) Find some material that doesn't require hemming.

If I stitch by hand it won't turn out well. It just won't.

#3 seems like the best option to me, if such a material exists. I considered using some sort of rigid material but decided against it (once again, I cite my neuroses). It has to be a fabric. Are there any fabrics that can be cut without hemming?

If not, I guess I'll figure out how to proceed under options 1 or 2.

 

[compassrose]

If you can run a table saw, you can run a sewing machine.

If you don't want to mess with a sewing machine (you can buy older, basic, used machines pretty cheap on ebay, craigslist or in thrift stores), you can either use an iron on fabric tape or a fabric glue. Use care in choosing. I've bought both (years ago) and they dd not hold up to the dryer heat. I think they have addressed that problem. I use my sewing machine to hem things.

 

[SoulRaven]

You can get little hand held battery operated sewing machines at most craft stores for $10-$15...

I have one by Singer and love it. Small but full featured with a bobbin and everything.

 

[MrNoodly]

Google "hemming tape."

 

[BradKW]

If you can run a table saw, you can run a sewing machine.

I am living proof this is a lie

I once had to install fabric into screen frames with normal screen spline. You'd have to do some wood mods to eliminate round corners, but it might be a way to address your edges. I couldn't really guess how thick a fabric could be used like this, but perhaps the principle could be expanded, as old style screens were basically wooden sandwiches with a dado inbetween...

 

[Suanne]

I use black polyester fleece for my black-out curtains. It doesn't ravel and, thus, doesn't need to be hemmed. I got my fleece from Joann's Fabrics.

 

[Cammalu]

Are you going to just let them hang or are you thinking about a rod on the top and one on the bottom? Will you want to open and close them in the middle or roll them up? There are many, many you tube videos on line for you to see but to have exactly what you'd like it's easier to go looking by what style you'd like. In an RV I like a rod on the top and bottom that way they don't move around with the movement of the vehicle or even blow when the windows are open. It also helps when there is some curvature to the walls as they won't fall sticking out from the wall on the bottom.

If you won't be opening and shutting the curtains you can just cut some good cardboard or? exactly to your window size and just cover the cardboard with whatever fabric you choose. You can even add insulation before you cover the fabric.

There is also a liquid "no ravel" product you can buy at the fabric store that will keep any fabric from unraveling but you really still need to hem if you want it to look nice. There are plenty of options you can use instead of needle and thread and when you visit the fabric store the employees are always more than willing to advise you.

When I take off my sewing machine goes with me. I'm no pro but enjoy playing with it.

Good luck.

 

[compassrose]

I am living proof this is a lie  

I once had to install fabric into screen frames with normal screen spline. You'd have to do some wood mods to eliminate round corners, but it might be a way to address your edges. I couldn't really guess how thick a fabric could be used like this, but perhaps the principle could be expanded, as old style screens were basically wooden sandwiches with a dado inbetween...

I used painter's canvas (8 oz) in wooden screen doors for the bus. Had to use a smaller spline (0.125 diameter).

 

[GrantRobertson]

Having used both, I can say that a sewing machine is both a more complicated machine and more complicated to use than a table saw. However, the spirit of compasrose's statement is true: If you can understand and do all the kinds of things a "handyman" would do, it is entirely possible to do basic sewing, especially for "industrial" purposes. I have designed and made bicycle panniers with multiple pockets, as well as basic covers and rent repair. (Clothes are a whole 'nother matter. More akin to fine cabinetmaking or sculptural woodturning. But still doable.)

Now, if you just can't bring yourself to sit in front of a sewing machine:

With any fabric that is primarily synthetic, you can simply melt the edge. Either with a flame or a soldering iron.

You could also get some fabric seam tape and then glue it on the cut edge such that it wraps around the edge, keeping it from unraveling.

 

[sephson]

Duvetyne.

As long as you're okay with them being black, duvetyne is a good choice for blackout curtains. It's commonly used as a light blocking fabric in theatres. As long as you have the factory edge down, hemming wont be an issue. Add to this that it comes pre-treated with a fire retardent.

 

[Cheli]

I use hemming tape on a lot of projects, I've even made skirts using it. All you need is an iron.

 

[idn88]

I have used a product called Loctite Go2 Gel to glue shoes back together where the fabric on the shoe detaches from the sole with good success. I think it might work to glue a hem if the material is heavy enough. Its usually available at Walmart - in the paint section near the commercial type glues.

Maybe buy some curtains at goodwill to experiment on with all the ideas listed here?

 

[highdesertranger]

any of your synthetic martials can be cut with a hot knife so it will not fray. you can buy hot knifes for soldering irons or just heat up an old knife on a heat source. if you do this you can use contact cement to make hems. I believe there are some going to RTR with sewing machines for another option. still even if you sew the hems, if it's a synthetic fabric make your cuts with a hot knife. highdesertranger

 

[WriterMs]

There are glues made specifically to "fuse" fabrics -- check out the sewing section of major stores (found some I've used at Target). Once this is set, you can wash the fabrics without harming the bond.

 

[EchoDweller]

Hi there. Just bought some iron-on
hem web today. You place it under a creased fold and use an iron to glue it. Works well. Can get it from a fabric shop pretty cheap..

 

[StarEcho]

I use the Eclipse blackout curtains from Walmart for $10 for a large panel. I cut it to fit each window. I had enough to do 3 windows plus the door window with one large panel.

No hems although if you want to you could. If you cut carefully you may not need any hemming. Eventually I plan to fold a ribbon over the top of each side and secure it in place then roll it inwards and tie it with the ribbon when I want it up. Sort of like a roman shade.

I did use Velcro at the top to secure it to the top of the blinds. And on one window I added Velcro at the bottom of the window as well.

 

[dhawktx]

Joann's Crafts has the white 'blackout curtain lining' which is a loosely woven scrim with an applied coating - this fabric does not ravel. You could staple the top to fit a tension curtain rod or just use heavier staple to attach it to your inner walls.

http://www.joann.com/roc-lon-budget-blackout-flame-resistant-ivory-white/1144567.html

$7.99/yard and 54" wide

Roc-Lon® Budget Blackout® is the un-vinyl! This means it will not crack or bubble like vinyl and is completely dry-cleanable. It has a better appearance than vinyl and drapes in soft, beautiful folds. It has a built in sound barrier to ward off out of room noises at the window. Perfect for hotels, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals.

54'' Wide
Flame Resistant
Made in USA
70% Polyester 30% Cotton
Professionally Dry Clean or Machine Wash. See full care instructions >
Sold by the yard
Conforms to NFPA-701

 

[Satellite5812]

Another vote for table saws being easier to use than sewing machines  

Also, I second the suggestion for using Duvetyne. A van dwelling friend of mine suggested this, as he does gigs in theatre and video production. He also suggested using velcro around the edges of the fabric & window, to easily seal in the light, but again that would require sewing. Unless a fabric glue product would work stronger than velcro... which they do make. I was also going to suggest something like Fray Check for the edges.