Yes you can use flat sheets for curtains...you can thread them onto curtain rods through the top hem. People have also used painters drop cloths.

I've made curtains from bedsheets and have recommended it to others.

One co-worker used patterned sheets and was complimented by an envious friend, who asked: "Where did you find such beautiful curtains?"

My co-worker wouldn't tell.

I remember some people here using painter's drop cloths for a heavier curtain.

Remember when beauty parlors, hotels, motels and restaurants, etc., had to meet health standards that required them to have sterile linen. This was BBB, before the bed bug invasion in this country (lots of linen was delivered by National Linen Service). I bought sheets from them at a very good price as we were moving around a lot and curtains were always needed and in a hurry on a very slim budget.

Back when we got beautiful cotton sheets, I did this in a formal LR. I had a very good seamstress do them and she put a very beautiful panel of fabric at the bottom to give the white cotton sheets color and texture,

If you start comparing prices, you may find that inexpensive ready-made drapes from places like Walmart are cheaper than anything you can buy and make yourself.

Do you have an Ikea nearby? I think they are hands-down the cheapest place to buy drapes.

Also, check the local re-sale shops - Goodwill, Sal Army, and especially second hand stores run by churches. It's not easy looking through the piles of fabrics, but the deals can be amazing.

Actually you can find curtains themselves at 2nd hand stores...but I agree that big box stores can get you curtains for very little.

I'm in love with Ikea Ritva cotton panels. I've covered my 72" slider for $25. I don't know where I'd find decent looking sheets (that didn't look like cheap sheets) for that price. I'd still have to measure, cut, sew.

Edited to add: I ordered these sight-unseen online. They were 96". I washed them first so they'd shrink, and ended up having to hem a few inches along the bottom. I like them way better than my Pottery Barn panels in another room that cost 3 times as much and weren't as long.

This post was edited by linelle on Fri, May 30, 14 at 11:38

Agree with linelle: I prefer my IKEA curtains to my way more expensive PB curtains. Mine are the Lenda for 19.99/pair (98" long)
Also check out H&M online.

This post was edited by nosoccermom on Fri, May 30, 14 at 17:15

in the late 90's I bought cream antique satin pinch pleated drapes at GW for 10.00 a pr. I got 3 pr of 'em. not a thing wrong with them.