No Sew Drop Cloth Curtains
Happy New Year everyone!
I ushered in the new year at a local fun spot (roller skating, laser tag, etc.) where my daughter wa working, and m teenage son was attending the New Year’s party. It was chaotic and noisy with over 400 kids there, but I really didn’t mind at all.
I’m not sure whether to call today’s project the last one of 2015, or the first one of 2016, but I haven’t decided what window treatment I want for the windows in my entryway.
There’s nothing on them right now, so I whipped up some drop cloth curtains to give us some privacy until I make up my mind.
With 2 windows, plus the window with panes on the front door, the entryway is one of the few spaces in my house that receives lots of direct sunlight. So much light comes through, it was hard to even get a photo.
I love the natural light, but it fades colored fabric, so drop cloth was a good choice that won’t noticeably fade. Since the curtains may be temporary, and I don’t love sewing, no-sew drop cloth curtains were the easiest and least expensive option.
I selected the medium weight canvas, because it’s softer and less stiff than the heavier weight.
4 x 5 ft. was the size needed for my windows and door. Each cloth was enough for one window, and cost about $6.
There were several curtain styles I considered. I could have used just 1 drop cloth to make cafe curtains for both windows (image on far left below), but I didn’t want to leave the top of the window open. A valance alone (image on far right) would have also left too much of the window open to cars passing down our gravel road.
I decided to go with sash length curtains with a tie back. That way I can close them for privacy, or pull them back when I want to let in more sunlight.
(source)
To make them, I started by folding pinning the hemmed edge of the cloth together on the wrong sides.
I ironed the fold at the bottom to make a line to cut the fabric on.
It worked well, and allowed me to skip the step of measuring and marking the cut line.
To create the rod pocket at the top, I just folded the fabric under and ironed it closed with ultra hold hem tape (affiliate link).
For the tie backs, I used natural twill tape, since the color was a good match against the drop cloth.
One edge of the fabric is a raw edge, but it doesn’t show since it’s tucked into the tie back.
Should I decide to swap these drop cloth curtains out later for something else, I’ll find other projects to reuse the fabric on, but I’m happy with them right now as a way to give the windows a finished look with privacy, at very little expense.
Blessings,
I made curtains from these same drop cloths over 10 years ago. I found a queen tapestry/brocade bed skirt with beige highlights on the cheap and sewed as a top ruffle. They don’t wrinkle, they look expensive, and you can pop them in the dryer to refresh them. Very durable with kids. Found some high end curtain pull back mounts on the cheap to finish. No one knows they are drop cloths!
They look fabulous and no sew is even better. I’ve been know to use carpet tape to hem curtains, lol.
Happy new year! They came out great. I need to get moving on curtains for both of my boys’ rooms. This gives me food for thought. =)
Jeanine
Looks great! Thanks for sharing!
These look great, Angie! I’ve been using dropcloths to cover furniture for the dogs…they tuck in so well and are comfortable…
Angie, your drop cloth curtains gave me an idea for something I’ve been pondering about lately. I have a large bay window in my living room which until I had it fixed recently leaked water onto the “seat” which is made of oak. The leakage has discolored the wood in several places plus there are some rings from plant pots that I have set there and not known they needed a saucer when I watered them. At Christmas I put the little artificial tree that I decorate in the window on three little rag rugs with holiday decor. The rugs cover the damage to the wood nicely. I was wondering what I would put there when I take the tree down. I wanted something kind of vintage–something that looks homespun. Well–as soon as I saw your curtains, I knew what I would use! I think I will make one long piece using two layers of drop cloth with some batting between and tie it with embroidery floss every couple inches or so to keep the batting in place. I’m so excited to get started on it! Thanks for reminding me how handy drop-cloths can be!
The curtains look great, Angie. I’ve been using drop cloths for a ton of things for the past few years. Right now I’m using them as slip covers on furniture. I’m sure some day I’ll get around to using them for curtains, too! Happy New Year! xoKathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {At Home}