How to Make Easy Blackout Curtains with a Rod Pocket

Do you have a curtain rod that you’re looking to conceal with a beautiful blackout curtain? Blackout curtains are great for blocking out unwanted sunlight but also for adding rich color to a room. I’ll teach you how to easily make blackout curtains with a rod pocket to conceal the rod and give your room a pleasant aesthetic.

Benefits of Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains aren’t just here for aesthetics; they also provide plenty of other benefits.

Can Filter Out Noise

Blackout curtains, while commonly used to block light, can also muffle unwanted noise. The back is usually lined, and the fabric is more substantial.

When working odd hours and when noise from the outside is more of a concern, this can be a big assistance. Indeed, blackouts won’t be able to eliminate all of the background noise, but they should assist.

Can Filter Out Light

The ability to create the ideal environment for sleeping is also crucial for persons who work rotating shifts or like to take naps during the day.

Blackout curtains are effective at maintaining room darkness. Blackouts reduce the amount of light that enters a space. It is possible to have a restful night’s sleep free from the glare of streetlights and oncoming vehicle headlights.

Can Save Money with Heating

Few people know this, but windows are a common cause of energy loss and higher heating expenses. Since blackouts prevent heat and cold from escaping, they can be used to great financial advantage.

In the winter and summer, they aid in insulation and block the sun’s rays, keeping your rooms cooler.

Will Increase Privacy

Blackout curtains are highly opaque, blocking any outside light and keeping prying eyes out of your home. Your private chats will be safe from prying ears thanks to the same soundproofing technology that keeps out unwanted noises. The added sense of safety afforded by blackout drapes is calming.

They Just Look Good

In addition to their numerous useful features, blackout curtains have a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic. Available in various fashionable patterns and hues, they can easily be mistaken for store-bought drapes. You may make your home seem exactly how you want it to while improving its convenience, privacy, and safety.

What Is a Rod Pocket?

A rod pocket is a traditional system that’s commonly used as a method for hanging curtains and drapes. It is a sew-in pocket or casing at the top of the curtain. Its other role is to act as a sleeve for the curtain rod, completely covering it and concealing it. 

When deciding whether to install a curtain with a rod pocket, you first have to consider how often you’ll open and close the curtains.  

Since this sleeve goes straight over the rod, rod pockets might be difficult to adjust when the curtains are opened and closed frequently. It’s also possible that you won’t be able to operate your curtains if they’re too long and your reach is limited.

You can use rod pockets to attach multiple layers of drapery to your windows. When valances are hung over a curtain’s rod, it is hidden even when the curtain is drawn back. Put sheers on the bottom of the major panels.

How to Make Easy Blackout Curtains with a Rod Pocket

What You Need

  • Blackout material
  • Iron
  • Fabric marker
  • Measuring tape
  • Thread
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine

Step One: Measure and Cut the Fabric

Cut your fabric four inches wider and twelve inches taller than the final proportions of your blackout curtain panels. Multiply the window’s width by 2 (if you don’t want full curtains, multiply by 1.5). 

Step Two: Sew the Panel Sides

Start by hemming the two-panel sides. Fold the edge of your blackout curtain panel over one inch and use an iron to press it down. Fold it again another inch and press it down with the iron.

With a thread matching your curtain’s color, sew the panel’s length ¾ inches from the fabric’s edge using your sewing machine. Create a back stitch at the edges for a more secure stitch. Do this again for the other side of the blackout panel.

Step Three: Sew the Top 

The top hem will form the sleeve for your curtain rod, so it’s time to sew it properly. This rod pocket should be twice the size of the curtain’s rod diameter. 

For example, if you want to make a 3-inch pocket, fold 3 inches off the top edge, press it with an iron, then fold another three inches and press it again. Use pins to secure the fabric in place.

Using your sewing machine, stitch along the hem’s bottom crease, leaving a ¼-inch distance from the edge. 

Step Three: Sew the Bottom

Make a 3-inch double-fold hem just like you did for the top and press it using an iron. Stitch using your sewing machine ¼-inch away from the crease.

FAQs

How do you attach blackout lining to rod pocket curtains?

To attach the blackout lining to rod pocket curtains, you must sew them on the back. 

Is a pocket rod curtain good?

A pocket rod curtain is just as good as a normal curtain, and some believe it’s even more aesthetic. That’s because the pocket rod will hide the curtain rod. 

How can you hang curtains with rod pockets?

Rod pockets are designed to cover the rod in its entirety. Since they work like a sleeve, you just have to put the rod through the sleeve opening and all the way to the other end. 

What fabric is best for blackout curtains?

Polyester is probably one of the more common materials used in the production of blackout curtains. A triple-weave method is best for producing a blackout effect with heavy microfiber, which is a good fabric for blackout curtains. It is capable of blocking up to 90 percent of light.

Bottom Line

If you want to improve your house’s aesthetic value by installing new curtains, you should consider the many benefits that blackout curtains can provide. Now that you know how to easily make blackout curtains with a rod pocket, it’s time to get down to business. Check out our huge selection of amazing drapery fabrics!

Leave a Comment