A Step-by-Step Guide to Attaching Curtain Rings with Needle and Thread

Hand sew curtain rings to the top edge of the curtain.

Curtain rings come in two main types: clip-on and continuous-loop sew-on. Clip-on rings are convenient for quick, decorative curtains, while sew-on rings offer added durability for lined or heavier fabrics. These rings are sold in a range of finishes and materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. Attaching sew-on rings doesn't require any special equipment—just a hand-sewing needle and button thread that matches the curtain's primary color.

Step 1

Start at the upper left corner of the curtain, at the left hem. Insert a straight pin 1/4 inch below the top edge on that side hem.

Step 2

From the first pin, measure 8 inches to the right and place another pin. Keep measuring 8 inches from the previous pin and marking each spot with a pin. When you get to the right-side hem, place a pin there regardless of whether the last interval is shorter or longer than 8 inches.

Step 3

Thread the hand-sewing needle with button thread in the dominant curtain color. Bring the thread ends together to form a loop with the needle sliding along the thread. Tie the ends together. This gives you a double layer of thread for stronger sewing. Dust and ultraviolet exposure can deteriorate thread over time; using double thread increases the thread's holding power.

Step 4

Take one curtain ring. Align the "bottom" center of the ring with the straight pin along the top edge of the curtain on the left side seam. The rest of the curtain ring should protrude over the top of the curtain.

Step 5

Insert the needle into the top curtain edge from the back and pull the needle and thread until the knot meets the fabric. Holding the curtain ring against the fabric, insert the needle through the ring and back into the curtain fabric. Pull the needle and thread until you've formed a stitch around the center bottom of the curtain ring. This is an overcast stitch. (The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 470 Union Stagehands says that an overcast stitch is essentially a whip stitch that is used over and under an object or edge of fabric to secure an object or the fabric edge.) Complete about 6 stitches around the curtain ring, securing the ring to the top edge of the curtain.

Step 6

Move to the next straight pin and align the bottom of the curtain ring with the top edge of the curtain. Sew the ring to the curtain. Continue until you've sewn a curtain ring at each straight pin. Remove the straight pins.