How to make Drop Cloth Curtains

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Inside: Canvas drop cloths are a quick, inexpensive and easy way to make curtains with or without a sewing machine.

Who knew that drop cloths, at one time used only for protection from paint spills, could be used for so much around the house? Canvas drop cloths can be used to make a variety of crafts and home decor. For this post, I will show you how simple it is to make curtains out of drop cloths.

Before adding the drop cloth curtains, pallet curtain rods and tie-up shades, our living room bay window was very sad sporting those cheap paper shades sold at home improvement stores.

Drop cloths make awesome curtains because they:

Are inexpensive and easy to find
Are machine washable
Are available in long lengths making them perfect for tall ceilings and windows
Are available in large sizes so you can create multiple panels from one sheet
Bring a natural, light and airy feeling to your home

HOW TO MAKE DROP CLOTH CURTAINS

No worries if you are new to sewing. This is a great beginner sewing project to learn and practice sewing skills. I had to dust off my sewing machine since this was my first sewing project since ahem…Home Ec class 7th grade. If you don’t own a sewing machine then use fabric tape in place of all the sewing.

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TOOLS FOR DROP CLOTH CURTAINS

Sewing machine if sewing – if not sewing then see below
Iron and ironing board
Scissors
Fabric measuring tape

SUPPLIES FOR DROP CLOTH CURTAINS

Canvas drop cloth – here is another option if you prefer delivery
Matching thread if sewing
Sewing pins
Fabric marker
Fabric tape if not sewing

STEPS FOR DROP CLOTH CURTAINS

Before getting started if you prefer a whiter brighter look to your canvas drop cloths, then check out this post on How to Bleach Canvas Drop Cloths. Also, make sure to wash your drop cloths before measuring and sewing, as they shrink significantly during washing and drying.

Step 1) If possible hang your curtains from the actual curtain rings to get your measurements or measure as best you can for curtain length. Make sure to measure for how you want your curtains to meet the floor; to hover, to kiss or to puddle. It may be helpful to use a clothespin to help hold the fabric while you measure.

Double-check your measurements and remove the curtains from the rings, rod, etc. I also recommend labeling each curtain panel, for easy reference by writing on a piece of tape.

Although you pinned for the total curtain length, it’s at the double folded hem where the sewing will take place or where you will apply your fabric tape. You will cut off all the excess fabric when you cut for the double folded hem in the next step.

What is a Double Folded Hem?

A double folded hem is folding the fabric twice then securing the fold in place. This creates a much cleaner hem than a single folded hem, as it hides unsightly crooked cuts.

Step 2) Measure and mark for your double folded hem then cut any excess fabric.

The amount of fabric you leave for a double folded hem is up to you; mine ended up being about 3 inches wide. Pin the double folded hem, iron and sew it in place.

Then sew both bottom side edges.

If you aren’t sewing, then apply fabric tape instead for the double folded hem and edges. Apply fabric tape with an iron in place of where the thread would normally go when sewing. If you find that the fabric tape can’t hold the double folded hem then use a single folded hem.

Once all the sewing is complete, iron the drop cloth curtains. It seems impossible to remove every wrinkle but you should be able to get most of them out. Finally, hang the curtains up. I hung my curtains up from my DIY Pallet Curtain Rod.