DIY Burlap Curtains

Hey Y'all,
Guess what?  I have a tutorial for you - can you believe it?  I know, I know...I'm long overdue. 

Wouldn't you agree that every woman needs to know how to make a curtain, especially with the trend of Chevron fabric and cute burlap out there?!  If you're feeling domestic and in the mood for a change - here's an easy DIY tutorial for you.  Curtains were my first project as a seamstress, and it only gets easier with each one.  You might actually find yourself looking for places to hang a curtain because they're so easy to make and always gives a huge facelift to your windows. 

My window at work provides a great source of natural lighting - but it's really boring and drab.  So, I knew a cute cafe curtain would do the trick. 

BEFORE Pic. 

The Shopping:
- 1-2 yds of burlap fabric, for a "cafe" style curtain.  You will need more if you're doing a floor length.  - Cafe rod: these are inexpensive at places like Target, or Wal-Mart.
- Coordinating thread, I chose white.

- Iron and ironing board: always iron your fabric before you sew - makes life easier.  Even with burlap. 
- Pins: I recommend using the ones with little colored balls at the end of them - this helps locate those little gems if they fall on the ground.
- Wide burlap chevron ribbon (optional)
- Sewing machine:  I highly recommend a Singer "Simple" Model #2263 - it's a great starter machine.



The Process:

Step 1:
Take your burlap and measure to your specifications.  My window measured 38" wide, so I cut to 40" to allow for more "scruntch" at the top of your tab. I measured about 20-22" for the length, although - looking back, I would have cut it a bit shorter, closer to 18". 

Step 2:
Make your top tab (where the rod will go) - I measured 3" for the top fold, pic 1a.  Then, pin this down all the way across, as seen in pic 1b.

1a.

1b.

Step 3:
Sew your seam.  I made the stitch to line up with the left side of my foot, pic 2.  The good thing about burlap is that it's really hard to tell what the "wrong" side is vs. the "right" side.  So, if you mess up - it's easy to cover.  

2

 
Step 4:
Check to make sure your finished seam is what you want.  From experience, sometimes your thread gets caught and knoted.  So, make sure before you go any further that your seam is smooth and has no knots.  Your stitching should look something like this (pic 3) on the RIGHT side of your fabric (what will be facing you).

3

  


Step 5:
Sew your bottom tab - I did a 1" fold.  Typically your bottom tab is much thinner than your top tab.  Pin this down, but do NOT sew yet. 

4

Step 6:
Take your wide ribbon and place the ribbon on top of your fold (pic 5a.).  Then, pin this down (pic 5b.)

5a

5b

Step 7:
Then, take your curtain and flip over to the WRONG side, and sew your ribbon to the bottom tab.  Your ribbon should be touching the base of your machine.  In other words, if you're sewing and your ribbon is on top, you need to flip it over to the other side.  Reference pic 6 below.

6

Then, flip over back to the right side and you are finished - enjoy the new addition to your office space, or home...

AFTER

Now, it's your turn!  Any other projects you're working on that you want to share with me?!  I'm always up for a new idea. 

Southern Love,
Emily

My Go-To

When I'm feeling any kind of discomfort or discouragement about sewing, my go-to for sewing is to make a set of curtains.  It's the best project to stretch your sewing legs.  If you want to remind yourself that sewing isn't just about breaking a nail (or needle, for that matter) or sewing uneven lines - make curtains. 


You learned here that this is initially how my I got the "itch" for sewing.  Naturally, curtains has become my "go-to" when I need a quick pick-me-up in my sewing world.

A few tips/tricks:
1. Always iron your fabric before you sew.  Whether it's the whole piece of fabric or your edge.  It makes a world of a difference.
2. Always pin down the line before you sew.  It's time consuming but until you reach "Expert" status, PIN IT down, girl (or guy). 
3. Sew an extra-line at the top of your hem for an extra "fluff" at the top.  It gives your curtains a little pizazz. (I'll add a "how-to" on this later)
4. Remember: You have a seam-ripper for a reason.  Don't be afraid to use it.  I use mine all the time. :)
5.  Did you know there are actual sizes to your machine's needle?  If your sewing thick fabric and want some extra muscle for your machine, trade out your needle for a stronger one.  I was sewing a thick piece of interfacing with two other pieces of fabric and using a 9 needle.  I found a 14 needle made quite the difference.  I got this information regarding Singer Sewing machine needles (below) from Wikipedia here

Shank color	Point type
red	regular, for woven
yellow	ball, for knits
blue	heavy-duty, for denim
brown	chisel, for leather

Shoulder color	Shaft size
green	9 (thinnest)
orange	11
blue	14
purple	16 (thickest)

Whether you're sewing curtains or interfacing - remember that important piece of your machine - your needle!  Otherwise, you'll be breaking and bending needles more than you'll ever imagine.  I've already broken 1, bent 3 - all because I was using a 9 when I should have been using a 14 or 16.  

Finished product, however, ignore our unfinished back splash, please.

Anyone else out there have a "go-to" sewing project? 

A Real Rookie

The "itch" started with my first set of kitchen curtains.  Straight lines, no pattern, easy stitching.  It sounded so simple.  Without the help of my wonderful Sewing Coach, Ms. Prissy, I don't know that my first experience with a sewing machine would have given me such joy - even though my lines were definitely not straight, my cutting was way off, and once hung, the signs of a real rookie stared back at me.  I quickly learned (and hopefully you will, too) that isn't the point of sewing.  It's all about learning, growing, and to keep creating new things.  All from a piece of fabric.  I know, I know, it sounds really cheezy and corny - but if you are reading this and have wanted to pick up the dusty sewing machine, or take that first sewing class, or even call your Mom for a lesson - just do it!  It's really quite magical, don't you think? Give me a thread, a needle, (good) scissors, and some great fabric and you can make anything - really, anything.  Have you SEEN all the patterns, clothes, bags, etc.. out there? 

So many ideas waiting for you, particularly at stores like Hobby Lobby and Hancock Fabrics. As a rookie in sewing, I've asked many questions to the Hancock and Lobby Ladies.  They're so helpful to ones just starting out!  And, it's no secret these places have great values, coupons, and a world of fabrics to choose from, too! 

Here's the finished product: 

And, with my very patient instructor, Ms. Prissy, who spent a few hours (ok, let's be honest - more than a few) giving her wisdom to me while allowing me to use her sewing machine. 

 

What are you waiting for?