Is It Cheaper to Make Your Own Curtains?

If you’ve recently requested quotes for bespoke curtains in Edinburgh, you may have been shocked.

Custom-made curtains commonly cost £800 to £2,500 per window, particularly in period properties around the New Town, Morningside, or Portobello where tall windows require generous fabric.

So is it cheaper to make your own? In most cases — yes, significantly.

Why Are Bespoke Curtains So Expensive?

When you buy made-to-measure curtains, you’re paying for:

• In-home consultation

• Measuring service

• Fabric markup

• Skilled labour

• Overheads and fitting

The fabric markup alone can add hundreds of pounds.

What Does DIY Actually Cost?

When you learn to make your own curtains, your costs include:

• Curtain fabric

• Lining

• Thread & heading tape

Students at Joppa Sewing School also gain access to upholstery and curtain fabrics at discounted trade rates, helping reduce overall spend while maintaining quality.

For an average Edinburgh window:

• Fabric & materials: £150–£400

• Course investment: far less than full bespoke

• Long-term savings: substantial across multiple rooms

Once you know how, you can make curtains for years — for your own home, family, or even as gifts.

The Quality Difference

Many ready-made curtains:

• Use thinner lining

• Have less fullness

• Don’t hang properly

• Rarely fit perfectly

When you make your own, you control:

• Fabric quality

• Lining weight

• Pleat style

• Exact fit

The result is a professional finish tailored to your home.

Thinking About Learning?

If you're based in Edinburgh or East Lothian and want to:

• Save money long term

• Create truly bespoke interiors

• Gain a practical lifelong skill

Explore our Curtain Making and Soft Furnishings Courses in Edinburgh.