• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • About

Craving Some Creativity logo

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Home Tour
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Free Email Series
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Home Decorating » DIY Home Decor

    Published: Feb 22, 2022 · Modified: Jan 15, 2023 by Rachel

    How To Make Eyelet Curtains

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
    1508 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Tutorial Print Tutorial

    Eyelet curtains are the most preferred style of curtain today. Whether pre-purchased or made from scratch, you can follow these simple steps for creating your own. Includes tutorial, tips, and exact measurements for a perfect fit with easy to find materials.

    Collage showing process of making eyelet curtains and the finished product with title.
    Contents show
    1 How To Measure Curtains
    2 Recommended Supplies
    3 How To Space Curtain Eyelets
    4 How to Put Eyelets in Curtains
    5 Tips
    6 More DIY Decorating Ideas
    7 FAQs
    8 How To Make Eyelet Curtains

    Finding just the right curtains can be a real pain. And even if you do find the perfect pattern and weight, they have to be the right length and top style. When we did the dining room makeover, I happened upon beautiful blackout curtains. Everything about them was perfect except the top edge. It bunched up and would not open easily.

    But never fear! You can easily change the style to suit your needs or even make your own curtains in an afternoon.

    Today, I am sharing a step-by-step guide to how to make eyelet curtains, sometimes called grommet top curtains. This classic design always adds some sophistication to a space. The eyelet heading creates a simple, modern edge that is easy to hang as it just slides on to the pole so easily.

    How To Measure Curtains

    My curtain panels are each 54″ wide, and one panel can cover my 34″ wide windows, but I like the extra bunching with more grommets, so I have a panel on each side.

    Measure Panel Width

    1. Measure the width of the area or window you’ll want the curtain(s) to cover.
    2. Multiply that number by 1.5. This is the minimum width of your curtain panel.
    3. If you have curtains on either side and want them to meet in the middle, divide that number by 2. I wouldn’t do this with a standard window size because you want more folds/grommets to look right.

    Measure Panel Height

    1. I like to hang the curtain rod first where I want it. It makes measuring easier and I won’t forget. This also helps check the hems on the bottom.
    2. Determine the height you’ll want the curtains to cover -this will be about 1 inch above the curtain rod down to the baseboards or just above the floor.
    3. If building from scratch, add 10 inches to the length, to account for the hems in the bottom and top.

    How To Make Curtains

    If you are making curtains from fabric, I won’t go into sewing them today, but there are a few excellent tutorials here: DIY No Sew Curtains, How to Sew Curtains, Easy DIY Two Story Curtains

    Recommended Supplies

    TIP: If you get pre-purchased curtains, make sure to get a length longer than you need, since adding grommets will make your curtains sit on the rail higher than before. You can always shorten them after adding the grommets.

    For Eyelet Top

    • Curtains
    • Grommets – they come in several colors and have an easy template!
    • Fabric marker or sharpie
    • Sharp Scissors – These scissors are my favorites by far.
    • Tape Measure
    • Ruler

    For hemming

    • Sewing Machine
    • Matching Thread
    • Sewing Pins

    Reader’s Note: In this context, the terms “eyelet”, “ring”, and “grommet” are used interchangeably to mean the rings through the curtain top that a curtain rod goes through. While eyelets and grommets are, in fact, similar but different terms, I write article for the DIYer or novice and use the terms they do.

    Flat lay of a blackout curtain with a package of eyelets on top.

    How To Space Curtain Eyelets

    The curtains should be sewn at the top and ready to hang. Being the perfectionist that I am, I would not put the bottom hem in until I could hang the curtains and check.

    You will need to mark a small dot at the center of each eyelet. To determine where that point is

    1. Measure the width of your curtain panel at the top.
    2. The width divided by the number of grommets gives is the distance between the center of each grommet. (Width/ Number of eyelets = spacing)
    3. Divide the spacing number by 2. This is the distance from the side edge to the center of the first ring.
    4. Use a grommet template and a grommet to determine how far down you want ring (measure for the center of the ring, not the edge). Write down this measurement and mark.

    Example from my curtains (yes, I have terrible handwriting.):

    Sheet of paper with math showing how to measure distance between grommets.

    An eyelet template to find center:

    Hand holding up a curtain grommet template.

    How to Put Eyelets in Curtains

    This is the fun part! Attaching the grommets only takes a few minutes per hole and it is ready to hang right after.

    A curtain grommet template placed over a curtain with a marker drawing on the template.
    1. Using the fabric marker or sharpie on the backside of the curtain, line up the center to your dot, and draw a circle using the template.
    An eyelet half placed inside a circle ready for the other half to be placed on top.

    2. Cut the circle out with scissors.

    3. Fit the grommet inside the circle. I found it easier to use the side with the ridge rather than the spikes. Tuck in or trim any loose fibers.

    4. Press the spiked grommet into the second grommet.

    Quick tip: This does take quite a bit of pressure. I found it easiest to place the grommet/curtain on a soft floor like a carpet or area rug and push the two sides together by kneeling and then leaning over top of it with my weight on my hands. You could use a towel, but I wouldn’t recommend doing this on hardwood floors or a coffee table.

    Two windows with blinds closed and grey curtains on either side.

    Tips

    • I hung and marked where I wanted my curtains to fall on the floor line before hemming the bottom.
    • To get perfect hanging pleats, fold the curtain evenly between the eyelets longwise and iron lightly.

    More DIY Decorating Ideas

    • Home Tour – See our Renovation Before and Afters!
    • How to Apply Window Film
    • How To Waterproof Fabric
    • How to Transfer Images onto Fabric
    • 20 Beautiful Wall Art Ideas with Scrap Wood

    FAQs

    Is it easy to make eyelet curtains?

    If using pre-made curtains, it takes less than an hour to add eyelets and it is quite simple. However, due to the change in height, you may want to use longer curtains and hem them after.

    How long should curtains be?

    Standard lengths for curtains are 84, 96, and 108 inches. I like to hang my curtains so that the rod is either the entire height of the wall or halfway between the window and the ceiling. The bottoms of the curtains should be a couple of inches off the floor at most.

    How do you install eyelet curtains?

    To hang curtains on a rod, fold the curtains lengthwise so that the eyelets line up front to back. Thread the rod through the rings and hang on the rod supports.

    How many widths do I need for eyelet curtains?

    For curtains to lay correctly with the rod through the grommets or eyelets, multiply the area you are covering or the outside width of your window by 1.5. You can add more width, but this will cover the area when pulled flatter.

    Weekend DIY project. A pegboard organizer in the craft room above the desk workspace.

    Grab our free series "Weekend Home Projects that will Transform Your Life"

    Sign up below to receive updates including free printables, organization tips, home improvement projects, recipes and more!

    More How-To You might Enjoy

    Gallery Wall above a dresser with frames and photos.
    DIY Rustic Arrow
    Are you tired of trying solutions for various spills? Did you know that you can make fabric waterproof by spraying it with a waterproof spray for fabric?! If you’ve ever wondered how to waterproof fabric, today’s tutorial will show you how in one simple step!
    How To Waterproof Fabric
    Monogrammed diy polymer clay coasters made out of clay and set on a white background.
    Marbled Coasters
    Before and after of replacing window trim.
    Replacing Window Trim

    PS I love seeing your creations! Be sure to take a photo and tag #cravingcreative on Instagram! You can also stay in touch with me through following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribing to the newsletter!

    Eyelet curtain top close up.

    How To Make Eyelet Curtains

    Create your own eyelet curtains or grommet top style with these simple steps. This works with both pre-purchased and made from scratch curtains.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Project Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Author: Rachel
    Cost: $30

    Tools

    • Scissors *See Notes at the bottom about length.
    • Tape Measure
    • Ruler
    • Fabric Marker

    Supplies

    • 6-8 Grommets
    • 1 Curtain Panel

    Instructions

    • Measure the spacing. Measure the width of your curtain panel at the top. The width divided by the number of grommets gives is the distance between the center of each grommet. (Width/ Number of eyelets = spacing)
      Math to find the correct spacing for eyelets in curtains.
    • Mark the spacing. Divide the spacing number by 2. This is the distance from the side edge to the center of the first ring. Mark the rest of the eyelets adding the full spacing measurement to the previous mark.
      A ruler on top of a curtain to show edge to first grommet measurement.
    • Decide how far down to put the eyelets. Use a template and an eyelet to determine how far down you want ring (measure for the center of the ring, not the edge). Write down this measurement and mark the center of where each ring will go.
      A ruler in front of a curtain to measure the distance between holes.
    • Draw a circle. Using the fabric marker or sharpie on the backside of the curtain, line up the center to your dot, and draw a circle using the template.
      A curtain grommet template placed over a curtain with a marker drawing on the template.
    • Cut the circle out with scissors. Fit the ridged side of the eyelet inside the circle. Tuck in or trim any loose fibers.
      An eyelet half placed inside a circle ready for the other half to be placed on top.
    • With a lot of pressure, press the spiked grommet into the second grommet. You may want to do this on a softer surface like a padded carpet or folded towel.
      Eyelet curtain top close up.

    Notes

    Proper Length of Curtain
    If you get pre-purchased curtains, make sure to get a length longer than you need, since adding grommets will make your curtains sit on the rail higher than before. You can always shorten them after adding the grommets.
    If sewing from scratch, add 10 inches of fabric length to account for the top and bottom hem. The curtains should sit approximately 1 inch above the curtain rod.
    Tried this Project? Tag me Today!Mention @CravingCreative or tag #CravingSomeCreativity!
    « Kitchen Cleaning Schedule + Printable Checklist
    Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Fancy says

      May 30, 2022 at 7:46 am

      5 stars
      Easy to follow and understand. Really appreciated your cheat sheet calculation sheet for spacing holes!! Thank you.

      Reply
    2. Monica Soni says

      October 16, 2019 at 6:58 am

      5 stars
      This is the nicest way to make handloom curtains. Thanks for sharing this DIY!

      Reply
    3. Meredith @ The Palette Muse says

      July 31, 2017 at 4:47 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve always wondered how to do this! It seems intimidating but you make it look totally do-able. And your curtains look amazing!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Headshot of Rachel Beach, the author of Craving Some Creativity.

    Hi, I'm Rachel!

    Creativity makes me energized and fearless. My husband and I have been renovating homes for over a decade and love to share our passion for all things home. Follow along for remodeling tutorials, recipes, and entertaining ideas sure to inspire!

    More about me →


    Popular Projects

    • Midnight blue vanity with brass handles in a grey and white bathroom.
      How to Paint a Bathroom Cabinet the Easy Way
    • Man holding up baseboards for a corner.
      How To Caulk Baseboards like a Pro
    • Behr Midnight blue painted cabinets in a classic old world kitchen with modern white accents and backsplash. Wicker chairs, copper light fixtures, and wood floors add warmth.
      The Best Blue and Navy Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors
    • Organized linen closet with white towels and grey bins on wire shelves.
      How To Beautifully Organize Your Linen Closet
    • White painted kitchen cabinets with stainless drawer pulls.
      How To Paint Cabinets with a Sprayer
    • Completed oak painted stair railing with black handrail and white balusters.
      How to Paint Stair Railings that Last

    Featured On

    Collection of Expert Features including Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, Apartment Therapy, Angie's List, This Old House Magazine, The Huffington Post, Delish, Wayfair, and Real Simple Magazine.

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Restaurant style Mexican white Cheese Dip with pico de gallo topping in wooden bowl on dish cloth with chips.
      Mexican White Cheese Dip {Queso Blanco}
    • Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Sausage makes an easy italian meal for the whole family!
      The BEST Sausage Stuffed Shells
    • Strawberry Poppyseed salad on a platter with blueberries, mandarin oranges, pecans, red onions, and grilled chicken.
      Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (Panera Copycat)
    • Closeup of blueberry muffins on a table.
      Ultimate Lemon Blueberry Muffins
    • Shrimp etouffee in a bowl on a table.
      Shrimp Etouffee {My Louisiana Family Recipe}
    • Two glasses of blackberry sangria with straws on a wood background.
      Blackberry Sangria – Amazing Summer Cocktail Recipe

    Sweet Spring Recipes

    • Stack of lemon bars on parchment paper with top lemon shortbread having a bite removed.
      Lemon Bars
    • Slice of homemade carrot cake on a plate with walnuts sprinkled on top
      Carrot Cake with Pineapple
    • Top down view of Southern Punch Bowl Cake in a trifle bowl.
      Southern Punch Bowl Cake (Potluck Dessert)
    • Key lime pie on blue plate with a slice cut out to show texture.
      Key Lime Pie
    • Strawberries on top of cheesecake layer and rice krispies crust.
      Cheesecake Rice Krispies Bars
    • Banana Chocolate chip muffins in a muffin tin with one muffin broken open to show texture.
      Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Favorites

    • Blog
    • Shop
    • Our Home

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 Craving Some Creativity