The Painted Apron

Creations, “Pillowcase” Curtains

Posted by the Painted Apron on April 28, 2014 · 6 Comments 

Yesterday I posted about a new addition at the beach house where these curtains are hanging, just click here if you want to see more

I call these “Pillowcase” Curtains because they look like a big pillow case when you make them

These curtains were literally a spur of the moment happy accident.  I was going to have professional shades installed in the new rooms….but that would take weeks, it would be mid summer….I am not that patient, and I really wanted something a little more, well….ME

My curtains are not as full as a standard drape because when I saw this wide striped fabric I fell in love.  But they only had 4 3/4 yards.  NOT enough….then I saw the anchors….and the seahorses….and hatched a plan

The standard finished drapery panel length is 84″, which translates to 2 1/3 yds.  I could make one panel or I could make 2 panels if I mixed it with another fabric.  Bingo!.

Since the windows face each other in the corner I decided to make the outer sides of each panel in the stripe and the inner sections out of the anchors

Now here is the easy part.  Cut each fabric down the center fold to equally divide it into two pieces.   To allow for seam allowances and height adjustment, I cut each piece into 87″ lengths. Place one piece of each patterned fabric with right sides together and sew down the center from top to bottom, using just 1/2″ for the seam

For the lining, I used a white broadcloth that was the same width as my printed fabric, 45″. Press open along fold and cut into 2 87″ lengths.

Place the lining on top of your drape and with right sides together, sew the two pieces along the right edge, bottom, and left edge, leaving the top open

Turn over the raw edge of the top of curtain, turning to the inside of “pillowcase”, about 1/2″ and then turn again.  Stitch along the folded edge all the way around.

Turn “pillowcase” right side out and press.

Hang the curtain rods.  Determine the finished length by measuring the distance from the rod to the floor, taking into consideration how much distance there will be from the curtain to the rod once the clips are added.

Fold stitched top edge of curtain to the inside until you have the desired finished length.  Press top of curtain along fold.

Attach clips, spacing evenly across top and hang your finished masterpiece!

For the powder room curtain, I followed the same method except I stitched the two pattern pieces together horizontally instead of vertically.  I had just enough blue stripe left to use with the seahorses to give it a coordinating look between the two rooms.

Easy peasy, not to mention instant gratification and about a zillion percent cheaper than custom!

Sources:

fabric/Hobby Lobby

curtain rods/BedBathBeyond

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