Beaded curtains for doors used to be all the rage, but they’re now only available in a few out-of-the-way stores. To find something a little more upscale or unique, you’ll have to either sift through catalogs or follow some beaded curtain patterns to make your own.
You can choose colors and bead designs that better suit your taste in decor when you make your own beaded curtain than if you buy one from a catalog. You can use high-end beads to give your interior design a bit of personality to rooms around your home. Likewise, you can create an upscale piece with fine wooden and ceramic beads of different shapes and sizes rather than plastic on store-bought versions.
Aside from that, you can use them as intended and complete this easy project to create something that keeps flies and insects out of open doors. Although bead and craft stores are the finest places to buy huge quantities of high-quality beads, you may create your own unique beaded curtain patterns with a more upscale look by including a few vintage beads salvaged from old costume jewelry.
You’ll find all you need to know about how to make bead curtains in our guide. By the end, you’ll notice how simple and rewarding it is to make your own DIY bead curtain instead of doing other things to pass the time. (Read Curtain Size Chart)
How Many Beads Do You Need To Make Beaded Curtains?
Without the beads, beaded curtains are nothing. Unfortunately, most people underestimate how many beads they’ll need for making beaded curtains.
Remember, a beaded bracelet can use at least two dozen beads.
When purchasing beads, it’s always preferable to err on the side of caution and get more than you require. Buy at least several hundred beads of assorted sizes for your curtain set.
It’s better to have additional beads on hand to adorn the sides of the curtains than to be scrambling for more beads halfway through your project.
Beaded curtains are easy to make and give your room a unique look. They can get pretty expensive to buy, however.
You may personalize your curtains by selecting the color, size, and shape of the beads. You may even pick the type of material they’re composed of.
Once you’ve mastered the technique, you’ll be able to hang beaded curtains on almost any door or window in your home!
Here’s a quick guide on how to make DIY beaded curtains.
Attach Curtain Rod
- Measure the window or entryway where the curtains will be installed. Measure the width of the window/doorway with a measuring tape.
- To your measurement, add 6 to 12 inches. Your final rod will reach 3 to 6 inches beyond the window/doorway on both sides giving it room to move without falling.
- If you want the curtain to be inside the window or doorway, measure two points along the top border of the frame.
- Using your measurement, cut a 34-inch diameter hardwood rod. For this, use solid wood like oak.
- Because these curtains can be pretty heavy, you’ll need a sturdy pole to keep them in place. Use a tension rod instead; it won’t be strong enough.
- You can cut the wood yourself with a saw or have it cut for you at the hardware shop.
- You can also use a robust metal rod if you already have one.
Adding Hooks
- The hooks should be placed against the wall, and then the screws should be inserted. Ensure the holes are drilled into the wooden support beams rather than any sheetrock. The weight of the curtains will pull the rod right off the wall if the holes are drilled into sheetrock.
- You’ll need between two and three hooks, depending on the width of your window or doorway in your room.
- Drill the holes in the frame itself if you intend to hang the curtain within your window or doorway. If you want to hang curtains inside windows, you’ll need a particular mount type. (Read What is PEVA)
Fitting Curtain Pole
- Place the curtain rod over the hooks. Before you bead, hang the rod to decide the length of your curtains. It’ll also keep the strands from tangling as you work on them.
- Be prepared for a tight fit if you rest the curtain inside the window or doorway. In addition, the curtain rod’s end may need to be sanded down.
Part 2
Making Strands
- Fishing line should be measured and cut. Start at the top of the curtain rod and measure how long you want your curtains to be.
- Add 12 inches to your measurement. Make adjustments to your fishing line. Because you’ll fold your fishing line in half and insert two strands inside each bead, you’ll need to cut it twice as long. You’ll be able to finish the curtains with the extra 12 inches.
- Cut one strand at a time and work on it. The fishing line may become tangled if you cut too many strands.
- Strong thread, colored string, or even wire can be substituted if you don’t have any fishing line.
- Find the fishing line middle and thread it through the split ring.
- To keep the fishing line secure, tie 2 to 3 knots beneath the slip ring; you can also use a slipknot. Ensure the fishing line is in the middle and both strands are the same length.
- One ring at a time should be worked on. As soon as you’ve finished each ring, hang it on the pole.
- Split rings and keychain rings are the same things. They don’t have any gaps for your fishing line to slip through because of their design. They’re also incredibly strong.
- You’ll need a lot of beads, many more than you think. However, they don’t have to be expensive glass beads; they can be made of plastic, wood, or even your own hands. You could also use old costume jewelry and repurpose the beads.
- Because colored glass beads are translucent and catch the light nicely, they are ideal for this craft.
- Consider using transparent beads instead of colored beads if you’re using colored string.
- For the ends of your curtain strands, consider obtaining some 2-hole beads. Each strand will include one 2-hole bead.
- Begin by stringing the first bead onto the fishing line. Thread the bead through both strands of fishing line to complete the assembly.
- Add the next bead to the split ring after pulling the previous one to the split ring. Continue until you have about 12 inches of string remaining.
- All of your beads don’t have to have the same size. Experiment with unique patterns to see what you can come up with. For example, you could use little beads with a huge, chunky bead on your curtain every few inches.
- Put one strand of fishing line through each hole in your 2-hole bead after reaching the end. If you don’t have any 2-hole beads, use a larger bead.
- Turn the bead so that the holes point to the side instead of up and down. One strand of fishing line should be pulled through the hole on the left. Pull the second fishing line strand through the hole.
- After making three knots under the bead, bring the ends of the fishing line back through the holes. After winding the threads back through the first set of beads at around 2 inches, trim them.
- Use a drop of superglue to bind the knot. As a result, it will be stronger and less likely to slip.
Tip: A micro-filament line is a good choice because it’s both clear and sturdy. Crochet thread is too weak for little beads, and cotton rope is too thick. Craft stores can provide professional advice on which materials to use. (Find the Best Curved Shower Curtain Rod)
Part 3
Finishing Curtains
Start on the next strand after hanging the first one on the curtain. Constantly getting up and sliding the split ring onto your curtain rod may sound like a lot of labor, but it will keep your work from becoming tangled.
Continue cutting and beading your strands on your curtain rod until you have as many as you want.
They don’t have to be the same length but remember to add 12 inches to each strand to ensure a decent finish. Making your curtains in the shape of an upwards angle is a terrific idea.
Place the curtain rod in its proper location. Make any necessary modifications to ensure that the curtain hangs evenly. The light behind the curtain will catch colors from the glass beads and make them glow.
Consider attaching attractive ornaments to the ends of the curtain rod to prevent the split rings from falling off as you move the curtain.
Use basic wooden ornaments and wood glue to attach them to either end of your curtain rod.
Metal, glass, or ceramic curtain rod ornaments can also be purchased and screwed on; however, you will need to drill holes in the curtain rod first.
What String Do You Use For Beaded Curtains?
A strong beading wire like Accu-Flex beading wire is ideal for a beaded curtain. This stringing material can withstand a lot of wear and tear while still supporting the weight of the beads.
For added security, place multiple crimp beads at each end of each strand.
Here’s another way on how to make a beaded door curtain
Measure the Doorway
To make beaded curtains for doors, measure the width and length of the doorway from the inside to establish the size of your curtain design. Then, cut a four-inch dowel rod to this width.
Measure two inches in from each side and mark with a pencil. Then, with your pencil and ruler, mark locations for each eyelet hook between these two spots. Determine how many rows of beads you’ll need by counting the marks.
Create Scaled Drawing
Create a scaled picture based on your measurements on graph paper, with one row per strand of beads.
With pencils and a marker, draw the colors and bead arrangement on this. Then, to make it easier to find, number each row.
A diagram may not be essential if you’re trying for a more random feel or utilizing only a few colors. Likewise, your curtain pattern is influenced by the size of your beads.
You’ll need fewer beads if they’re larger than very small beads.
Prepare Your Dowel (Curtain Rod)
Each mark on the dowel rod should be filled with an eyelet hook. Although most eyelet screws are self-tapping, nick the mark on the dowel rod with a nail to create a starting point if you’re having trouble getting it in.
Prepare the String or Wire
Cut nylon string or fishing wire to a length that is about 12 inches longer than the finished curtain. According to experts, accu-Flex is a great idea for beading wire as it’s strong while being thin.
Prepare and String Beads
Work on your DIY string curtains with over one color or use varied sizes of beads; remember to sort them by color or size.
Placing the dowel rod on a large work area is a good idea. Place your scaled drawing in a visible location.
String the beads onto the nylon as shown in the diagram or any pattern you like. Some people like to work on one string simultaneously, while others prefer to work from left to right as they add artistry to the strands.
Stringing a few crimping beads immediately below the knot is one technique to provide more security to the string. (Learn How to Replace Rubber Seal Around Shower Glass)
A crimping bead, according to experts, is a soft metal bead that is pressed tight to hold other beads in place instead of a knot. To fasten, clamp using pliers.
Tie-Off Your String
Secure the ends of each thread, then pull the excess string back through the beads and cut away any excess.
Hang the dowel rod to the door frame by nailing or screwing it straight to the frame or putting small curtain rod hooks on either side.
How Do You Start a Beaded Curtain?
Beaded door curtains are great for keeping flies out in the summer, adding a new texture and design element to a space, or offering privacy when there isn’t a door available.
Use these instructions to make your own beaded curtains for any door in your home, whether they’re basic or complicated.
Decide on where you want your curtains to decide. These curtains would look great in a child’s room or as a patio screen to keep bugs out in the summer. Remembering where you’ll put them can help you figure out how long and wide, you’ll need to make them.
Also, decide whether you want a particular design or your curtain to be freehand. Consider using graphing paper to plan out your design.
Choose lightweight plastic, glass, or wooden beads when selecting beads for your curtain. Begin beading the nylon strand until you reach the last four beads.
Re-thread the nylon or rope through each bead to keep the beads firmly in place. Make a good knot on the last one. Pull the next strand aside once the first one is finished, then repeat the process until all strands have been beaded.
How Do You Make Wooden Bead Curtains?
Bamboo beads create a softly flowing curtain when strung in an outside door compared to vintage beads used to divide rooms.
Besides this, a bamboo curtain is suitable for a window that does not require seclusion.
- Measure the length and height inside the window with a tape measure.
- Determine how many bamboo beads you’ll need using the measurement. The bead strands on the curtain can be spaced up to 1 inch or set close together.
- With scissors, cut a cotton or nylon string the length of the curtain plus 6 inches. At one end of the string, tie a knot.
- String the opposite end of the string through the bamboo beads until the window length is strung. Tie the cotton thread’s free end to a tension curtain rod that suits your window.
- String more bamboo beads and tie the string securely on the finished rod.
With all the above ways to create works of art, there’s no reason not to start beading.
