DIY Kitchen Curtains Made From A Pretty Fabric Shower Curtain
have you ever tried to make curtains? The DIY kitchen curtains I'm working on are giving me major problems. Maybe you guys can give me a few tips. I found a pretty fabric shower curtain to use to make the new kitchen curtains. That's part of the problem.
Colorful Fabric For DIY Kitchen Curtains
This is the shower curtain I bought for $2 at the thrift store. I don’t know about you but I love the colors and the design in this fabric. It was calling my name, especially for two dollars.
diy kitchen curtains
This is the window over our kitchen sink and the curtains are some I made about 15 years ago. Yep, I know, time for a change. When I say I made them I meant I cut up a tablecloth and used adhesive hem tape instead of a needle and thread. That’s how I roll. I'm a lazy DIY'er.
I used to sew. Many years ago when I was in school I took Home Ec. They don’t have classes like that in school these days. The class was all about cooking, sewing, budgeting.....everything a good wife should know.
I learned how to sew pretty well. When I was pregnant with my son I made things for the nursery, sundresses for me, and even a maternity swimsuit! But these days I’m lazy, so no sew works for me.
I thought the shower curtain would make a pretty kitchen curtain so I went to work measuring and cutting. That’s where the problems came in. I did all the measurements and was ready to cut it up but the fabric was all whomperjawed. The curtain had been washed or maybe it just got wet from the shower. I guess that's why it wasn't square.
I folded the shower curtain panel in half and tried to line up the edges and this is the bottom of the panel. See what I mean? I went ahead and cut the panel in half vertically and cut it to the measured length for the window. I figured I would just hang the weird side to the outside edge of the window.
The curtain on the window now is on a tension rod. The swag I made has a rod pocket. I thought I would use clips for the new (recycled) curtain. I put the clips on the two curtain panels and hung them on the tension rod.
new diy kitchen curtains ?
I didn’t hem the panels yet because I wanted to check the measurements. Am I glad I did. Do you see this?? I measured everything the same. I promise I did. I’m blaming the problem on the tape measure.
I don’t know how this panel ended up like this. The tension rod is a little bowed from being tense for so long (funny) but it didn’t cause this problem.
The other panel is uneven too but not as bad. I took the panels down. Now we have a bare window. I refuse to put up the old curtain.
And I have this mess on the bar and kitchen table. I ordered another tension rod from Amazon. The rod is a little thicker…not sure that is the word I’m looking for.
I’m still trying to decide what to do with the two panels. I may cut up the remaining fabric from the shower curtain and add a valance or hankie type things between the two panels at the top. First of all I have to get the bottom even. Wish me luck. The curtain saga will be continued…..one way or the other…
The curtain story continues......Day 2 of the curtain panel saga and I finished them. Here's what happened...
It’s a good thing it was so darn hot here in Tennessee or I never would have finished these curtains. It didn’t bother me at all to see that junk on the countertop and dining room table. But since it was so hot and since I was sitting around yesterday not doing a darn thing…I finally got up off the sofa about two o’clock and went to work.
I still had the uneven curtains and no plan. You guys went all out with suggestions and helpful tips. I tried several things and finally ended up with just a valance. But it’s a cheery little valance.
I went through my fabric and trim stash in the workshop and came up with pom pom fringe in various colors I thought might work. It all matched except the coral pom pom. The yellow was a little lemony compared with the yellow in the fabric but that’s the one I chose.
I listened to you guys and started on a valance, with plans to work on panels with angled bottoms.
I measured the fabric a little better this time and pinned the pocket for the rod.
I used adhesive hem tape for the rod pocket and the pom pom fringe. I deleted one step from the process by pulling the backing from the adhesive hem tape and ironing the trim to the fabric in one step. I told you guys I’m lazy.
The valance turned out great. I used the new tension rod to hang it. The one I ordered is a little wider and heavier than the old one.
Next up I tried to work with the panels that were sooo crooked. I cut them at an angle and added the pom pom fringe to one panel. I hung the panels behind the valance low enough so the bottom of the panel hit just above the window seal using the old tension rod.
It didn’t look real great because the fabric is thin and I could see the shadow of the rod and the panels behind the valance. So, you know what? I took the panel down, cleaned up the mess on the counter and table, and that was it.
The panels would give us a little privacy but the valance lets in more light. Do you think I made the right decision with the cheery yellow pom pom fringe?
I used some of the left over shower curtain to re-cover a bar stool seat. The project turned out so much better and was loads easier than the curtain. You can see the cane back bar stool with new seat cover here. And you know.....let's not waste anything....I made a pretty fabric garland you can see here.
I want to thank all of you for your advice…and for always being here. I have such a cute project for tomorrow. Wait till you see it.
products used in this post:
Hope you stay cool wherever you are. Thanks for being here and have a great week. Kathy
Amy
Please don't feel badly because I measured a curtain two feet differently before (they were really long tapestry curtains). I just stuck a chair in front of it, cried for 30 seconds, and forgot about it until I moved 10 years later and laughed about it. I like how real you are in your posts. It makes me happy. We can be curtain soulmates, ok?
http://www.designsbyevergreen.com
Constance Dickinson
Two things : 1 . The fabric was probably uneven to start. My mom in law is an avid quilter and believe you me she can show you how to sraighten out fabric. (2). Have you considered just adding a cute trim to the bottom? That really is pretty fabric.
Susan
Nice fabric - lots of good ideas posted already. I love the window above the sink and would think about minimal coverage as some have suggested. Also, if the rod you ordered isn't what you are thinking about, try looking at IKEA, I got a nice rod and clips from them (lucky enough to have a store in Orlando about 45 minutes away).
Linda Kaplan
You are so talented and have such an eye
Donna Marie
Valance all the way!!!
Pam
Kathy, you didn't show us the top of the new curtains but I think you said you used the ring clips. If this is the case, I am assuming you put a hem in the top of the curtains using hem tape.
If so, lay the curtain panels on top of each other (right side to right side) with the top edges even...use pins across the top and down the sides if necessary to keep them from sliding or slipping. Then like others suggested, cut off as much as you need to make the diagonals match It may be less than you think and still leave the long side of the diagonal where you want to fall. Then use some trim, like your fringe balls down the diagonal on both panels. I think this is the easiest solution and will do the trick. I would hate for you to discard this material because I love it and it just pops with color!! Good luck.
kim
I stopped by to tell you I was at Butler's today and had a nice conversation with the Mr. What a nice man. I told him I found him thru you. He said you come in a lot and had nice things to say about you. My daughter found 2 chairs for her new house.
Joy
Why don't you cut it on an angle on purpose. I think then it will really good. The fabric is really pretty!
Elesha Ancheta
Just an idea. Swap sides and increase the diagonal angle. I adore you and your creativity from afar. Thank you for sharing. Elesha
Elesha Ancheta
Just an idea. Swap sides and make the angle steeper. I adore you from afar. Elesha
Rose L.
Not everything has to be perfect. The little imperfections are perfect to me. I know I am far from perfect!
Dena
I love the cafe curtain idea! You would have a lovely view of just the treetops!
Sonnie
How about a valance and cafe length panels from middle of window?
I like that fabric, too. Hope you can use it somehow!
Tami Toppen
Not too bad at all. It was the measuring tape. Here are some suggestions. Since the longer sides of the bottom of the curtains are on the inside you can just reverse the curtains to wear the long side is at the outside as it is was a long tail swag. Or you can cut it even more diagonal and make the swag a tail. Another thing you can do is just take a pretty red ribbon and tie the curtains back with the hook in the window g=frame up high and the middle of the ribbon down low on your curtain. It will be beautiful. Hugs, Tami
Susan P.
So much for double checking my typing. I meant SWAP the panels.....lol.
Susan P.
If you wrap the panels then it looks like your longer edges will be on the outside. Might have the look of diagonal hems. If not you might could cut them to look like "intentional" diagonal hems. Worth a try, I love the fabric and colors.
Miz Marsha in TN
A large cutting mat, a rotary cutter, and a quilting ruler. I couldn't do with out these items when it comes to home dec sewing. Most any other sewing for that matter.
Dawn Cain
OH no! Well if it doesn't work out you don't have much money invested but you do have your time. I like the fabric though so I hope it all works out 🙂
Bonniev
I can feel your pain. Every pair of curtains I make, I end up having problems getting the hem straight. It's such a nuisance. When I sew the hems, I usually do it with the basting, or longest stitch so it will pull right out if it isn't right. Saves a lot of hair pulling. Also, I'm a big believer in hem tape to get the most I can of the length. Also, have you tried hanging the curtains before they are hemmed and pinning them? Just a hint. Since you're a sewer, or taper, you probably know all this. Have fun! Don't you just hate little, easy, half hour, no time at all to do projects that take 3 days to do. I've got one going now and btw, I upholstered my chair with the fabric on backwards, now have to remove a zillion staples. Yuck!
LAURA STRACK
I agree and was thinking the same as many others, add some trim or fabric. There are lots of lovely beaded trims available and they great for hiding unexpected boo-boos and diverting the eye. Love that fabric!!
Barbara
We all KNOW it was the tape measure. A knowledgeable, experienced seamstress would never make an error like this! Oh, well, just hem both panels to the bottom of the window sill, or leave the window bare-naked for the summer. OR, better yet, go buy some more coordinating fabric and make another pair. The adventure of shopping again will lift your spirits!!! I am not worrying about this because I know you will figure out a good solution and SHOW US soon!
Enjoy your weekend and Happy Father's Day to the JTS!
EFFIE CARROLL
A valance would be nice. You could sew a border of red fabric or use red rickrack or pom poms.
Jan Howard
LOL! I think the problem IS the tape measure. You need a yardstick or one of the longer quilter rulers. Do you only have one window? What about your chair cushions? Could you make (or have made) some new cushions and use the remaining window fabric on one side and a coordinating fabric on the other? What about place mats and/or napkins for your breakfast table? is there a French Door in the breakfast area? What about that fabric? Will it match?
Love the fabric!
Jan
Jamie
I love the fabric! This happen to me too! I ended up doing a cafe style look, put the rod 3/4 the way up and hung on clips. I love it!
Kathy
Repurpose the pompom fringe from the last curtain and put it along the bottom of the new one? Since you don't show the top part of the new curtain, did you copy the last one, so a little bit goes across the window like a valance, or are there just 2 panels that hang on the sides? You say you love color, too, so you could add something red at the bottom with some cool trims. Have fun with it.
Shirley
I like the fabric, but don't feel too special, because I can NOT get a hem straight either!☺️ If the fabric gets too short for you window, my suggestion is to put a short panel of sheer fabric or coordinating fabric at the top or bottom of your curtains. Good luck!
Mimi
I enjoy every one of your posts! Sorry for you this thing happened...but it's nice to know I'm not te only one where a project doesn't turn out perfect. Hope you can salvage...the fabric IS really pretty. Keep up the good work❤️