Turn Drop Cloths Into Curtains

Did you know you can repurpose clean drop cloths into functional and stylish curtains? Transforming drop cloths into curtains is a quick and cost-effective way to update your home's interior. With just a few simple steps and a bit of effort, you can create stunning custom curtains you and your guests will adore. Here’s how to do it!

The first step is cutting the fabric to size. Measure your windows and decide on the desired curtain length and width. Allow extra for seam allowances and hems. When cutting the drop cloth, ensure straight lines and accurate measurements for a neat finish.

Once you've cut your drop cloth, it's time to hem the sides. Fold the fabric over by approximately 1-2 cm (depending on the thickness of the material) and press it with an iron. Fold the fabric over once more, press and then sew a straight stitch close to the inner folded edge to secure the hem. Repeat this process for all sides of your curtains.

To create professional-looking curtains, you'll need to attach heading tape. This tape, available in various styles and widths, will help you achieve your desired pleat or gather. Position the heading tape along the top edge of your fabric, ensuring it’s straight and centred. Fold the ends of the tape under to prevent fraying and then stitch the tape to the fabric along the top and bottom edges.

With the heading tape in place, it's time to insert the pleat hooks. The hooks you choose will depend on the type of tape you use and your desired curtain style. Carefully slide the hooks into the pockets or loops on the heading tape, spacing them evenly to create uniform pleats or gathers. Be sure to leave a hook-free section on each end of the curtain to allow for smoother movement along the curtain rod.

Before finalising your drop cloth curtains, hang them to measure the correct length for your bottom hem. Attach your curtain to the rod or track and let it hang naturally. Using a measuring tape, determine the desired length of your curtain. Making sure it’s level across the bottom edge and then mark this length with a fabric pen or pins.

With your bottom hem measured, finish your custom drop cloth curtains by folding and pressing the bottom hem, then stitching it in place as you did with the side hems. Once your bottom hem is secure, your curtains are ready to be hung and admired!

Contact The Sewing Project today! Based in Noosa, our talented team is experienced in crafting stunning, custom curtains out of a huge range of fabrics. We offer a range of curtain stitching techniques, including pinch pleat, inverted pleat, pencil pleat and S-wave. Get in touch with us today and we’ll help you create beautiful, custom curtains for your home.