It is my favorite time of the month again. Yes it is the International Bloggers Club Challenge. We are a group of friends from all over the world who get together every month to share our projects and discuss how things are done in our countries. Last time we shared projects that were new for us, I painted an abstract art piece, and the month before it was Valentine's Day Projects.
This month we have decided to make projects using fabric. I needed new curtains for my room and so that is my chosen project for this month. But I didn't go to the stores to buy fabric instead I am going to share how to make pretty, pleated curtains with drop cloth. To see what my friends have made this month scroll down to the bottom of this post.
These were the curtains I found in my room. There were two panels but I also had two windows so this was certainly not going to work. Also if you look closely you can see that the panel has discolored on one side.
I had heard so many great things about drop cloth from Lisa of The Purple Hydrangea but I was really hesitant to buy it for anything other than painting. After all how do you know that what you're getting is the right weight or the right density? Well Lisa made it so easy for me because she included a link to Amazon for her personal choice. Well I took a leap of faith and ordered not one but two packages of the drop cloth from the same manufacturer. I figured better to have too much then end up with not enough. What I used:
The How to:
Once I got the package from Amazon, the first thing I did was to give them a good washing. The reason for this is because they are 100% cotton and will shrink in the wash.
The next step was to figure out the measurements for my curtains. KariAnne's book DIY Home Planner was great at helping me figure out all those measurements. I knew that I needed a width of about two and a half times the width of my windows. I also knew that I would need four panels. I was just going to cut the two panels the same way. And so I measured each drop cloth separately and guess what, they were not exactly the same. One had a seam in the middle so I chose to cut at the two ends and use the center piece (which had the seam) for another project. The second drop cloth had the sewed borders on the width instead of the length. This made me stop and realize that I could not cut up this piece as I had done with the first. My advice is to know your measurements first and then look at each piece individually before you start cutting. I began by folding the edges and pressing them with an iron. This really makes it so easy for you to get straight edges.
Disclosure: The items below are affiliate links. If you purchase any of these products through the links, I receive a small commission, that way I can continue to provide you with lovely content. There is no extra charge to you for purchasing through my affiliate links. At this point you can use an iron-on fabric binder or in my case I like to hand sew them because it gives me a crisper look without any pulling. And the thread does not show. I've also seen them glued together with a hot glue gun. The choice is yours.
I only had to hem the bottom of one of the sets since the other set had the binding already sewn. Remember when I mentioned that the two panels were not identical.
Once the bottoms were hemmed and the sides were sewn it was time to place them on the rods. I had purchased those clip on rings (Affiliate link on the bottom of this post if you would like to purchase them), but I was not just going to clip them onto the fabric. Instead I got an idea to fold them and then clip them. I folded the fabric as you see below.
Then pushed about an inch of the fabric inwards to get the shape you see below. It looks like a "W" shape.
I clipped this whole section of the fabric. Like I said this was the center.
The sides were just turned inward and clipped like a "V".
And finally I added two more clip rings to make it a total of five for each panel.
Here they are hung up in the room and matching the wall color perfectly. I couldn't have been happier had I gone to the store and picked the fabric out myself. Yes, I'm one of those that has to touch the fabric before I buy.
At this point I should mention that I had in fact gone to a fabric store and was flabbergast by the prices they were charging for this type of fabric weight. They were over $20 for a yard. At that price it would have cost me over $240 for these curtains, instead I paid $40. Can you see the big smile on my face?? I now have instant pleats without the hassle of sewing or gluing. And if I want to change them out I simply have to un-clip them. Easy Peasy!
A close up of the fabric and how densely it is woven. Not all drop cloths are made the same.
I chose to leave lots of fabric on the bottom because I believe that cotton shrinks even more. So I decided to go for the puddle effect this time and when I wash them again I can hem them to the length I want. (That's just an excuse for me because I was in a rush to put these babies up!)
I should also mention that when placing the rods you should always opt for high and wide or up and out. This creates the illusion that your windows are much larger than they are in reality. It's as if the curtain is framing your window when the curtain is opened. And when shut it looks like mine, because I used enough fabric width so the curtains don't look skimpy.
Below you can see that my window is small but because of the placement of the curtains it looks much bigger.
And since this is the International Blogger's Club I want to take a minute to discuss the curtains of Greece. The most common way to hang curtains there is either with a valence hiding the track or with a band of fabric which incorporates loops. This is sewn onto the back of the curtain. The little hooks on the curtain rings are then attached to the loops. Once you pull on the threads they bunch up and create a pretty pleated effect.
I actually did a little sleuthing and had a hard time finding plain curtain rings. I guess the versions with the clips are much more popular now and so much easier to use.
I am so glad my girls over at the Int'l Bloggers Club suggested fabric for this month's challenge. I didn't realize just how much I needed these curtains till I made them. The actual pleats themselves took me about a minute to make! I hope you can take away some good tips on how to make pleated curtains with drop cloth.
Be sure to head on over to Lisa's blog The Purple Hydrangea where she gives us five very good reasons why we need drop cloth in our lives. And now hop on below to see what my pals from the International Bloggers Club are up to. If you'd like to see more past challenges click here.
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Int'l Blogger's Club: Using Fabric
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68 Comments
3/26/2018 02:11:15 am
Great job! The pleats look really good almost look like a French pleat. 👍👍
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Mary
3/26/2018 07:40:04 pm
Thanks Lorin, I must say they came out much nicer than I expected!
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Mary
3/26/2018 07:47:02 pm
Katrin I have used drop cloth in the past but only to protect things when painting. This was my first time using it as fabric. I am very impressed.
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3/26/2018 05:14:11 am
Love, love, love how your curtains turned out Mary. What a neat idea and we have loads of drop cloth at home too. It's look so incredibly classy the way you've hung them and I really like how they drape on the floor. I hope the don't shrink too much the next time you wash them
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Mary
3/26/2018 07:49:28 pm
It came out really great Michelle much better than I expected and in essence it's a blank canvas so you can decorate the room any way you want. I don't think we're in danger of ending up with high waters with all that puddle on the bottom.
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Mary
3/26/2018 07:51:17 pm
Lisa thanks to you I am absolutely hooked. And you know I had a bit left over so I'll be making a few more projects with it. Thanks again!
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3/26/2018 07:46:16 am
Great job, Mary. Drop cloth is the best. As I look around me I find I have used it for a lot of projects in my home. You can't do better than drop cloth.
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Mary
3/26/2018 07:56:15 pm
I have just come to appreciate it as something other than just protecting the furniture from paint Debra. I am more than impressed with it's beauty and durability.
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3/26/2018 08:41:26 am
I can't believe that this is just drop-cloth. The curtain looks fabulous and with your trick you can change them quite easily! I need to re-think our curtain situation!
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Mary
3/26/2018 08:01:39 pm
Katerina I was really hesitant to order from online but after reading Lisa's post I made the leap. I think the best testimonial is other people's recommendations. In this case it was spot on. And they are so neutral they will fit in any style room.
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Mary
3/26/2018 08:16:20 pm
Thank you Jolene. It certainly was an eye opener for me.
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3/26/2018 08:51:59 am
Gotta love the versatility of a drop cloth. Your curtains look fabulous and can't beat that price!
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Mary
3/26/2018 10:29:02 pm
You certainly can't and they look much more high end because the fabric is fabulous!
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Mary
3/26/2018 10:38:55 pm
Thank you Lauren I was the same as you. Loved the look but was hesitant to try it till now. Thank goodness Lisa gave me the link to this great product.
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3/26/2018 10:42:42 am
Hi Mary,
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Mary
3/26/2018 11:02:28 pm
Patti I couldn't believe how great they looked after I washed and Ironed them. They are so durable and look great!
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3/26/2018 11:10:09 am
Your curtains are adorable. The drop cloth fabric is really pretty and durable. I recently bought some to re-cover a bench in my living room.
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Mary
3/26/2018 11:07:11 pm
I always new it was durable but never thought it would be good for curtains. But the ones I got are almost luxurious!
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3/26/2018 11:44:00 am
I really like your new curtains, Mary! Isn't it wonderful that dropcloths are out there just waiting to be turned into something fabulous?! It is a hit or miss when you buy a dropcloth wondering if you'll get the funny odd ends sewn into one cloth, but those bits end up working into other projects, as you know. Great tips!!! Love those easy pleats, too.
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Mary
3/26/2018 11:14:25 pm
Barbara I had no idea that some didn't come with the seam in the middle haha!! But it all turned out well in the end and I am here enjoying the luxurious look of my new curtains.
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Mary
3/26/2018 11:17:33 pm
Leanna they are so neutral I can even put them in my living room and they would look great! I can't believe I didn't do this sooner.
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3/26/2018 12:11:13 pm
These look GREAT, Mary! LOVE how your put the pleats in... give it that extra pow! ;-) Pinning!
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Mary
3/26/2018 11:56:52 pm
It does make a huge difference Julie. I was quite impressed with them myself! ;)
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Mary
3/27/2018 12:02:01 am
Thanks Michelle I am so happy with how they turned out.
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Mary
3/27/2018 12:03:46 am
Cindy that is all I see is these clips. I had a hard time finding the traditional ones with no clip on them.
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maria
3/26/2018 03:52:51 pm
Amazing lady! looks great! Love that they puddle the floor.
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Mary
3/27/2018 12:05:33 am
Maria I think the puddles are growing on me and I may just keep them like that.
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Mary
3/27/2018 12:13:21 am
Pili you will love making curtains with the drop cloths. They are so simple and would look great in a beach house or coastal home. These are right up your ally!
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Mary
3/27/2018 12:25:03 am
Thanks Carolann. They were a surprise for me too. Had I known they would turn out this good, I'd have put them in the living room. But it's okay to pamper myself too!
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3/26/2018 09:28:48 pm
I see so many uses of dropcloth, I'm going to have to break down & do it too....make some curtains, that is, & I know just the windows to try it on. You did a great job on these Mary, and I know you're smiling at saving $200!
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Mary
3/27/2018 12:31:49 am
Ahh so you can see my $200 smile after all!
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3/27/2018 09:30:28 am
When you see prices in fabric stores then you see the price of drop cloths it really makes you wonder what's up?! Whoever invented drop cloths deserves a noble peace prize ;).
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Mary
4/3/2018 10:13:44 am
I agree with you Doreen, I was beyond impressed with the finished curtains and cannot believe I waited so long to try this.
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3/27/2018 01:33:13 pm
These turned out so beautiful Mary, love them!!
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Mary
4/3/2018 10:23:02 am
Thank you Tanya, I honestly did not expect them to turn out so well.
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3/27/2018 10:09:19 pm
I've been thinking about doing that for one of my bedrooms - and I love how it looks- and the texture! Definitely going to try it! Thanks for such helpful directions! Just lovely!
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Mary
4/3/2018 10:28:09 am
Thank you for stopping by. I was really hesitant to try this but after Lisa gave me the link to the drop cloth she used I just took the plunge. And am so glad I did!
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3/28/2018 02:56:51 am
Never heard of cotton drop cloths before - all plastic here in good ol' Germany... You made me curious thow, must have a look at Amazon (who knows what I can use the cloth for...)
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Mary
4/3/2018 10:30:42 am
Really Marjan, perhaps if you go to a paint store or the hardware store they might have them? I went with Amazon because my friend Lisa had bought that brand and used it. I'm also going to use the leftover to reupholster some chairs. Good luck.
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Mary
4/3/2018 10:41:19 am
Those pleats make all the difference Kim. I wanted something a little more polished and this is perfect!
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3/29/2018 11:21:40 am
Mary, your curtains are gorgeous. Thanks for the detailed how-to. I will be making these! Pinning.
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Mary
4/3/2018 10:52:08 am
Jean thank you I am so glad everyone really likes these and wants to make them! I think it's the pleats that make them special.
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Mary
4/3/2018 10:56:33 am
Cecilia those clip ons make things so much easier.
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Mary
4/5/2018 12:00:44 pm
Thanks Susanne, I am really happy with the pleated look.
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Mary
4/5/2018 12:02:33 pm
I am so glad you can use my idea Tiffany. After taking care of the edges, it only took me a minute to put those clips on! It cannot be any simpler.
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4/1/2018 06:03:39 pm
Those are lovely Mary! You did an awesome job on them. My daughter made some a while back but she didn't make them pleated (I was just amazed she did something crafty at the time). I really love how they look with the pleats, and it looks pretty simple to do. Now you have beautiful curtains for a lot less, and yes I can see your smile from ear to ear all the way here in Texas. LOL
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Mary
4/5/2018 12:04:38 pm
Linda the pleating is the easy part. I just wanted to have nice bindings on the sides and bottom, that's where all the work went. I hope you see your project on the blog soon.
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Mary
4/5/2018 12:17:13 pm
Thank you Teresa. Those clips are really great and so easy to use.
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4/4/2018 11:55:55 am
I love the drop cloth but I have never use it as a curtain. Your curtains look so gorgeous Mary and I am very anxious to see the rest of the room. I am sure you have done miracles!
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Mary
4/5/2018 12:23:29 pm
I had never used it either Christina. It was my first time and I decided to try it after going to the stores and seeing the $30 per meter prices of nice fabric that is durable. I am so glad I did this.
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4/5/2018 02:24:21 am
Absolutely perfect, Mary! Pinned. Shared and Featuring you tomorrow morning! Thanks for joining us at the TFT Party!
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Mary
4/5/2018 12:31:09 pm
Thank you so much Theresa. I hope everyone makes some they were so easy!
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Mary
4/21/2018 08:12:17 pm
It was such an affordable and simple solution Keri.
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I'm Mary and I recently moved to New York from beautiful Greece. I like to re-purpose and up-cycle anything that is old or looks like junk. Join me as we use our creativity to spark some life into old things. And do it frugally! You will also see lots of photography of my Greece and New York. Follow me
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