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How To Make A Curtain For Your Garage Door Window

July 16, 2019

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Whip up a custom curtain for a garage door windows in no time.

Warm up the space, add privacy and a bit of charm.

Sew or no sew, this DIY is quick and easy to customize no matter what kind of garage door you have.

Torn white curtain on garage door window

A few weeks ago, I was outside on the patio, watering my flowers and feeding the fish in the pond, when I noticed a giant tear in the garage door curtain.

WHOA.

Hold on a minute. When and how did this happen??

I grabbed my husband.

Um...what happened here? 

It ripped. I think that's obvious.

Yes, but when?? And how??

I don't know, last winter and it just ripped. I guess from the sun. 

Ok. First of all...the sun??

I get it that direct exposure for several years could cause the fabric to weaken and fade, but spontaneously burst in two? Hmmm. I was skeptical.

And his reputation for reliability in these situations is sketchy at best.

But second, and even more astonishing, is how did I not notice this until now? Seriously, where have I been?

I guess between all that gray winter and spring weather and the non-stop rain we had earlier in the season, that giant rip just sort of blended in.

However, in the bright light of a sunny day, it was impossible not to see.

Great. Another project, just what I needed.

Well, rather than get cranky about it, I dug in. I grabbed my computer and started Googling to find a new curtain to fit the door.

I didn't want anything fancy, I was just looking for what I already had, what had been up there for years.

That was going to be the easiest fix. Of course, I ran into trouble immediately.

Morning Glories On Garage In Bloom next to garage door

I don't know why or how, since the door is a standard size, but I couldn't find a compatible curtain anywhere. Too big, too small or way too expensive, so I abandoned Plan A and went to Plan B...DIY.

Rather than get myself in a twist, I decided to look upon it as an opportunity to use up some of the fabric in my stash. I certainly have enough of it.

The only issue was what pattern to choose? I'd always just had a white semi-sheer curtain there, would a pattern look silly in the garden? I wasn't sure, but I decided to give it a shot.

I found a red (big surprise!) and white print that I thought would work and I started planning.

How To Make A Curtain For Your Garage Door Window


1. Measure The Window

Normally, I'd use my velcro trip, but since the rod was already up, I simply measured from top to bottom and added an inch to top and bottom to create a very simple rod pocket.

I didn't need a header since no one was looking at the inside of that room.

Then I measured the width and cut my fabric one and one half times as large so I'd have enough material to gather it a bit and hem the sides about a half inch each.

Modification for a roll up garage door with panels:

If you want to use this method to hang a curtain on the front of the garage, on a traditional door that rolls up and away, you would just hang a few small rods above and below the glass.

Then make several smaller panels that fit on each one. The process would be the same.

Red fabric folded to create a pocket for stitching

2. Iron

Once my measurements were set and my panel was cut out, I ironed the areas where I was going to stitch.

It's much easier to iron than it is to pin and when you have simple, straight seams, an ironed edge may be all you need.

Ironing A Seam Before Sewing

3. Stitch Or Glue The Seams

Now. If you don't sew, when you have that iron out, you can just lay down a bit of fusible webbing and iron it in place.

--> I like this Fusible Web.

The fabric will bond and voila. You'll have a custom curtain panel in a jiffy.

Fabric being pushed through a sewing machine

I do sew, and my machine was playing nice, so it took me no time to finish the curtain.

Simple Rod Pocket created at sewing machine

5. Hang It Up and Fluff The Pleats

Once it was complete, I took it back to the garage and hung it up on the rod that was already in place.

Garden Door Curtain rod bracket on door

I snipped a few loose threads and positioned the gathers so they looked pretty from the outside.

DIY Curtain For 9 Panel Glass Exterior Door from inside of garage

I have to say, I was truly astonished what a difference it made to have a patterned fabric out there. it really changed the feel of the entire patio.

Garage Door Curtain visible from flower filled garden

It warmed up the space immediately and made the garage look a little more like a cottage and less like a utility space.

It's improved my garden view dramatically.

Red and white Curtain For Detached Garage Door

It was such a quick fix, it got me thinking about swapping the curtain out more often.

Perhaps seasonally.

Perhaps for the holidays.

And definitely whenever the sun causes it to tear. 😉
Kim Signature


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  1. Yes, I was thinking myself that the new curtain makes the garage seem more like a cottage. It really makes for a cute vignette. And who can complain about using up fabric you already have? Great job, Kim! Hugs, Nancy

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    1. Thanks so much, Nancy! I can't believe it never dawned on me to use a patterned curtain out there before. Now I can't picture anything else. Thanks for the visit sweet friend. Hugs!

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    1. Thanks Penny! I’ve had it for years…Bargain table, bought on a whim!

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  3. It's 'sew' much better now; looks beautiful! It even fits with your blog colours so it was meant to be :) Isn't it great when a sewing machine decides to play nice?

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    1. 'Sew" much better now indeed, Sara! And yes, when my machines behaves, it's lovely!

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  4. Very cute curtain Kim. It does look a cottage. You are quite handy with these projects.

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    1. Thank you, Linda! I gripe about them sometimes, but I really do enjoy them once I'm involved. I like them even more when I'm done! 😉

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  5. It turned out great! I love the pattern. I also love your manicure!

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    1. Thanks Mari! My nails are Jamberry nail wraps. I'm an addict!

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  6. It looks very nice and I love the fabric. Wish I could sew. I'm so tired of my window coverings but can't DIY and anything that I find I like is much too expensive. Guess I'll have to live with what I have awhile longer:)

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    1. That’s how I started sewing more seriously, Cheri…I was trying to decorate our first home and having drapes or even valances made was way too expensive. And there are some ways to get great looking window coverings without sewing, like ring clips!

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  7. This is so pretty I love the fabric. I agree the fabric makes it look like a cottage.

    Cindy

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    1. I don't know why I didn't do this before, Cindy! And thanks!

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  8. That looks great! Bet you wish you had changed it out long ago! You did a good job and what a difference those little changes can makes. I am SURE the sun ripped it! I question you even doubting the man! lol xo Diana

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    1. I know...I mean how could I ever doubt him? 😉 Although, it worked out really well, so I guess I have the 'sun' to thank for that! xo

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  9. Kim, it looks so pretty at the window and it matches your fingernails too. I was amazed by the first photo of that morning glory vine, so I went back to your cottage garden post. I see that you planted it some time ago and it has returned. Mine is growing like a weed but it hasn't bloomed yet so I think we might have planted it too late in the season..Happy Wednesday..xxoJudy

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    1. Hi Judy! Thank you for the kind words! I wish I could take credit for those morning glories, but that vine is all due to my husband's green thumb. Every year, he plants a new packet of seeds and by the beginning of August they cover the wall. They're just making their way up the trellis right now, but they won't bloom until late August. Summer takes its time to start around here! Hope you have a lovely weekend planned! xo

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  10. Doesn't that look great, and of course the colour is perfect!

    All the best Jan

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  11. Ficou muito bem. Trabalho perfeito. Boa semana. Cumprimentos.

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    1. Thank you Sandra! I hope you have a lovely weekend!

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  12. I love that fabric! And WOW, it truly did make a difference. It amazes me that we get so used to "looking" at something that we no longer see it. And when we see it and decide to change it, we notice what a huge impact the change makes! I love the pattern/color! Great job! Love and hugs!

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    1. Benita, you are too kind! And you are so right...I never really even thought about that door before, but once I saw it, I couldn't unsee it. I hope you have a lovely weekend and stay cool! Hugs to you!

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  13. Looks very neat! It does gives a cottage look to the place. You're talented!!

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    1. Thanks so much, Angela! It looks much better now without that tear, that’s for sure. Enjoy the weekend!

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  14. That looks great and I like the idea of changing it for the seasons.

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    1. Thanks Betty!! I am already brainstorming ideas for fall.

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  15. I love it, Kim!!!! You're right - it makes it look like it's part of the cottage rather than just a garage door!!!!! :)

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  16. It looks fantastic! I love what you did Kim.

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    1. Thank you, Ronda! I really do enjoy looking at that colorful door now.

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  17. Thank you, Teri! That reminds me, I have to do my nails, they're naked now and not half as pretty that way. Enjoy the weekend!!

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  18. Great save! And I'm with you on the ironing before hemming. Actually, its the only time I iron. lol Happy Summer!

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    1. I have to be honest, I never used to iron. I thought it was a waste of time, but now I realize it's the key to a straight seam...at least for me it is. And yes, the only time I iron, too!! Ha!!

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  19. It's charming Kim. In fact, whenever you touch your sewing machine, the results ARE charming & go perfectly with your cottage.

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    1. Thank you so much, Florence. What a lovely comment!!

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  20. I love the fabric you used for the curtain.

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    1. Thanks Carol! I found it on the clearance table years ago. Too cute to pass up!!

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