How to Knit Curtains

Knit curtains are ideal for smaller windows because they keep out the glare of the sun while still providing some light for the room. Since knit curtains do not require any increases or decreases, the curtains can be easily stitched by a beginner.

Knit curtains offer a wide variety of styles. Lacy curtains, for instance, can be stitched using a lace-weight yarn and a smaller needle. These curtains will have open stitches that let in large amounts of light. A worsted-weight yarn stitched using the needle size recommended on the yarn label will not filter quite as much light.

If you would like plenty of privacy, then closer stitches are best. If you are more interested in a visually pleasing curtain but you are not concerned about privacy, then a light-weight yarn will work for you.

A long circular needle that measures at least 24 inches long is best for knitting curtains. Knit curtains are sometimes bulky and heavy depending on the size of the window, so using circular needles instead of straight needles makes it easier on your wrists.

Decide where the curtain rod will hang, as well as where you would like the curtain's bottom edge to fall. Use a measuring tape to measure from the curtain rod to the bottom edge. Add 2 inches to that number to account for the curtain rod pocket. Write down this number.

Measure the width of the window from one side to the other. Write down this number.

Cast on at least 50 stitches to create a gauge swatch. Work until the swatch measures about 5 inches, then bind off. You will use this swatch to determine how many stitches you need to cast on for the curtain.

If you are happy with the look of the stitches in the gauge swatch, continue to the next step.

If you are not happy with the style, cast on another swatch with a different size needle. Repeat this until you are satisfied with the style of the stitches.

Lay the swatch flat and spread out the stitches evenly. Lay the measuring tape horizontally over the swatch and count the number of stitches in any 1-inch area. Write down this number.

Multiply the width of the window from Step 2 by the number of stitches per inch from Step 5. Write down this number.

For instance, if your window is 9 inches wide and you have four stitches per inch, then you would need to cast on 36 stitches to cover the width of the window.

If you would like your curtains to be wavy and have additional width, it is possible to add more stitches. Use the numbers you wrote down in Step 6 to determine how much extra to add. In the example from Step 6, you would need to add four extra stitches for each inch you would like to add to the width of the curtain.

Cast on the desired number of stitches. Knit every row to create a garter stitch pattern until you reach the length of the curtain from Step 1.

While garter stitch is the easiest pattern, you could alternately knit a more complicated lace pattern or other favorite stitch. Keep in mind, though, that stockinette stitch rolls in on the edges, so if you use stockinette you will need to add a garter stitch border around the edges to prevent rolling.

Bind off all stitches. Use the yarn needle to weave in any loose yarn ends.

Fold over the top 2 inches of the curtain's width. Use the yarn needle to sew a running stitch on the edge of the width, creating a small pocket.

Insert the curtain rod into the pocket of the curtain. Hang the curtain, following the manufacturer's instructions.