How to Make a Tapestry Shower Curtain
The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the home. Every family member, as well as guests and many visitors, spends time there. It is worth putting effort into the room's décor to make it welcoming and comfortable as well as functional. One of the best ways to accomplish that is to choose an upscale fabric shower curtain. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford the high cost. Below are instructions for making your own. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Tapestry
- Fabric trim
- Sewing machine
- Needle and thread
- Thimble
- Fabric glue
- Shower curtain rod
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine the color scheme you want to use. You will need this to find the right fabric for the shower curtain. If trim is to be used, determine the type and color desired.
-
2
Decide if you want one total panel or two split panels. For split panels, determine if they will be pulled back, left flat or used both ways. This will have an effect on the width of the fabric chosen. If trim is to be used, determine where it will be placed in order to decide how much trim will be required.
-
-
3
Measure the shower space vertically and horizontally. Add eight to 10 inches to the height for curtain pocket and hemming. For a single panel, add between 10 and 15 inches to the width so the curtain isn't stretched flat when closed. For a double panel, add 24 to 30 inches to the width so the gathering panels can be tied back.
-
4
Calculate the amount of trim needed based on the curtain's style and where the trim will be placed. Add an additional one-half to a full yard as a safety net.
-
5
Go shopping for tapestry and trim. Look at clearance tables and sale items at traditional fabric stores or shop at discount stores. These techniques can help you save between 30 and 75 percent on fabric, trim or both. Keep height and width requirements in mind when making your final decisions.
-
6
Prepare the fabric for sewing. Divide it into two panels if desired, following the measurements provided in Step 3.
-
7
Sew the sides and bottom of each panel on the underside, using a simple running stitch. Be sure to keep stitches straight and uniform. The bottom hem should be between one and three inches high.
-
8
Use a shower curtain rod as a guide to determine how wide the top rod pocket should be. Allow an additional inch or two of "give."
-
9
Fold the top pocket back and pin it into place. Make sure the rod flows through the pocket effortlessly before sewing. Make adjustments if necessary. Once the pocket size is right, stitch it closed. Use a needle and thread if you do not want stitching to show on the outside. Otherwise, use the same stitching technique applied in Step 7.
-
10
Add trim to panels as desired. This can be done with a sewing machine or by hand, whichever best achieves the desired look.
-
11
Hang the panels to see if the desired look is achieved. If not, make final adjustments as necessary.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always have a backup choice for color and design in the event that you can not find exactly what you want. Shower curtains typically rest between three and six inches off the floor surface. Certain types of tapestry are ornate enough to stand on their own without trim. Clearance fabrics can often be short bolts that won't provide sufficient length. If the tapestry bolt found does not contain enough fabric, ask a sales person if more of the fabric is available. It can often be found in backroom storage or they may be able to order it for you. Trim color should accent the tapestry as well as coordinate with the bathroom color scheme. Trims appropriate for tapestry are typically found in the upholstery aisle of fabric store. They include braiding, roping, tassels and beading. Use cut off tapestry fabric to make toilet covers, runners to shelving, or curtain tiebacks if those things are desired. Every hem should be pinned in place before it is sewn in order to make sure they are straight and uniform. Use needle and thread for overtly heavy fabrics that aren't appropriate for a sewing machine.
Tapestry fabric is bulky and generally between 54 and 72 inches in width. Therefore, it is seldom advisable to use two full-width panels of the fabric. Instead, excess fabric should be cut off and used for something else. I don't recommend using fabric glue to hem a shower curtain; however, some people opt for that method. If you do, be sure the glue chosen is a heavy-duty strength.
