21 DIY Curtain Tie Backs Ideas

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Curtains can quickly look messy when they are pushed to the sides, but finding tie backs that actually match your room can be frustrating. 

Store-bought options often feel too plain, too expensive, or simply wrong for the style you already have.

You can use rope, fabric, beads, leather, tassels, or even something you already have at home to create a functional detail that feels intentional.

In this article, you’ll discover DIY curtain tie backs that are affordable, practical, and easy to recreate for different curtain styles and rooms.

Crochet Lavender

Crochet lavender gives plain curtains a softer handmade detail, making it a lovely choice when your room needs subtle color.

Use sturdy yarn for the stems and tie, then crochet small flowers and leaves that can comfortably wrap around gathered fabric.

Try it with cream or neutral curtains, where the floral colors can stand out without making the window treatment feel overly busy.

Sunflower Tie

Bring a cheerful accent to simple curtains by turning a crocheted sunflower into the decorative centerpiece instead of adding extra hardware.

Attach long braided stems behind the flower so you can cross and secure them around the curtain without complicated fastening.

Small beads at the ends add a polished finish, while the bright yellow flower works nicely in sunny kitchens or craft rooms.

Woven Cord

For curtains needing firmer support, a wide woven cord band distributes pressure better than a thin string while adding noticeable texture.

Combine two or three coordinating cord colors, weaving them tightly enough to hold their shape without becoming stiff around the fabric.

Choose shades already present in your curtains or room décor, so the finished tie back feels connected rather than randomly added.

Macrame Leaves

Give lightweight curtains an earthy finish by adding macrame leaves to a simple knotted tie instead of using bulky decorative pieces.

Cotton cord works well for forming the leaves, while a few wooden beads between knots introduce another natural texture without much effort.

Let the leaves hang below the gathered curtain, creating movement that suits relaxed bedrooms, reading corners, or nature-inspired spaces.

Burlap Bow

Turn a wide strip of burlap into an oversized bow when you want your tie back to become part of the room’s décor.

Stiff burlap holds generous loops nicely, while wrapping the center several times gives the bow enough structure around gathered curtain panels.

Slip a wooden dowel through the back fastening for extra support, a clever option when thicker curtains need more than ribbon alone.

Tropical Bloom

Bold patterned curtains can handle an equally playful tie back, so try making a large flower instead of adding another competing pattern.

Shape individual petals from fuzzy craft stems, join them around a contrasting center, then add green leaves for a finished botanical detail.

Pick one accent color already found nearby, allowing the handmade flower to connect with your décor while still becoming a fun focal point.

Hanging Blossoms

Use dangling crochet flowers when a simple tie feels unfinished but you still want something soft enough for lightweight curtain fabric.

Crochet a narrow green cord first, then extend separate stems for small white blossoms and leaves at slightly different hanging lengths.

Leaving the flowers loose below the knot creates gentle movement, making this detail charming for cottage bedrooms or relaxed reading corners.

Bellflower Vines

Instead of one large decoration, let several crocheted bellflowers trail downward for a tie back with more delicate handmade character.

Build the fastening from a leafy green crochet band, then stagger white flowers along hanging stems so each bloom remains clearly visible.

Pair the vine with textured white curtains for a soft tonal combination where the crochet work adds interest without relying on bright color.

Leather Tassels

Give patterned curtains some breathing room with a slim leather tie, then let colorful tassels supply the decorative detail below.

Thread wooden beads and tassels onto each end before knotting the leather, choosing colors pulled directly from your curtain pattern.

Because the fastening stays narrow, it gathers fabric without hiding much print, making it useful when your curtains already have personality.

Simple Rope

Sometimes basic rope does the job better than elaborate hardware, particularly when you want an inexpensive tie back made within minutes.

Cut a generous length of twisted cotton or jute rope, wrap it once around the curtain, then secure a relaxed knot.

Finish both ends with small knots to prevent fraying, leaving enough length below for an intentionally casual farmhouse or coastal feel.

Sunflower Wrap

Make a sunny window feel even brighter by using one oversized crochet sunflower as the anchor for a handmade curtain wrap.

Crochet layered yellow petals around a firm center, add two green leaves, then attach cords long enough to surround the gathered curtain.

Smaller flowers hanging from the cords extend the design vertically, giving plain sheer panels more character without covering their soft texture.

Monkey Hug

Turn the tie back into something playful by crocheting an animal with long arms that can actually hug the curtain closed.

Stuff the body lightly so it stays flexible, then make the arms long enough to overlap securely around the gathered curtain panel.

Try this idea in a child’s bedroom or playroom, where the functional detail can double as part of the room’s personality.

Wooden Ring

Give neutral curtains more dimension by combining a smooth wooden ring with cotton cord instead of relying on decorative metal hardware.

Loop the cord through the ring, cross it around the curtain, then add wooden beads to the hanging ends for balance.

Natural wood and cream cord suit calm, minimal rooms where you want texture without introducing another strong color or busy pattern.

Double Sunflowers

Matching windows feel more connected when each curtain gets a bold crochet sunflower rather than using small decorations that disappear visually.

Make the flower wide enough to cover the fastening point, then crochet leafy green cords that wrap comfortably around each panel.

Using the same design on contrasting curtain colors can also create continuity, helping mismatched or layered window treatments feel intentionally coordinated.

Flowering Vine

Let your tie back travel beyond the curtain by crocheting a long flowering vine that becomes decorative even after securing it.

Alternate green leaves with small blossoms along a flexible stem, spacing them irregularly so the finished vine feels loose and garden-inspired.

Wrap one section around the curtain and allow the remaining length to trail naturally, adding softness beside heavier or darker fabric.

Pom Pom Pearls

Soft pom poms can make a delicate tie back feel cozy, while pearl beads add enough polish to prevent it looking overly playful.

Thread alternating pom poms and faux pearls onto a strong cord, checking the finished length against your gathered curtain before securing both ends.

Use this lightweight combination with sheer or thin panels, since the soft materials gather delicate fabric without adding a visually heavy accent.

Teacup Holder

Repurpose a pretty teacup when you want a curtain tie back that feels collected and personal rather than traditionally crafted.

Choose a cup with enough opening for lightweight fabric, then mount its handle securely so the curtain can pass through gently.

Floral china pairs naturally with cottage or vintage rooms, turning an unused thrifted piece into something both decorative and surprisingly functional.

Wrapped Flowers

For a softer floral accent, build flowers from wrapped cord or fabric strips instead of reaching for bright yarn or plastic blooms.

Form several textured petals around simple centers, attach them along a flexible wrapped band, and vary their placement for natural movement.

Staying within cream and blush tones gives neutral curtains dimension while preserving the calm palette that made them appealing originally.

Nautical Knot

Heavy curtains need more grip, and thick jute rope gives you both strength and a bold textural detail around gathered fabric.

Work a decorative knot at the front, then run doubled rope toward a sturdy wall hook so the curtain stays properly pulled aside.

Try this sturdier approach with velvet or lined panels, where delicate ribbons may struggle against the fabric’s weight and fuller folds.

Macrame Loop

Skip complicated knot patterns by making a braided macrame strap with one wooden ring acting as the simple closing point.

Braid thick cotton cord for the main band, thread it through the ring, then finish the hanging section with a long tassel.

Adjust the braid length before trimming anything, because a comfortable fit lets your curtains gather naturally instead of being squeezed too tightly.

Elephant Charm

Bring personality to a sheer curtain with a colorful elephant accent that feels more like handmade décor than ordinary window hardware.

Cut the elephant from lightweight wood or sturdy board, paint decorative details, then attach braided cords behind it for easy wrapping.

Bright pink and orange strands add playful contrast against pale curtains, making this idea fun for creative bedrooms or colorful reading spaces.

FAQs

What Can I Use Instead of Traditional Curtain Tie Backs?

You can repurpose rope, ribbon, fabric scraps, wooden beads, old necklaces, belts, or even decorative household pieces. 

Choose something strong enough for your curtain weight, then add knots, tassels, flowers, or other details that fit your room.

Can I Make Curtain Tie Backs Without Drilling Into the Wall?

Yes. Wraparound rope, macrame loops, magnetic closures, braided fabric, and crochet ties can gather curtains without wall hooks. 

Measure around the gathered panel first so your tie sits comfortably without squeezing the fabric or slipping down.

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