How to Make Curtains With a Beach Theme

The beach provides an atmosphere of relaxation, of slowing down, and of long, pleasant days free of everyday obligations. You can recreate that feeling at home in your decor choices. These curtains will help you to capture some of that beach feeling year-round.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine Cotton fabric or heavier drape fabric Sewing needle Cotton thread Tailor's measuring tape Standard measuring tape Iron Ironing board Pen and paper

Instructions

1. With a standard measuring tape, measure the dimensions of your window and your curtain rod and write them down. This will give you an idea of how long and wide you want your curtains. Look at your window as well as the room in general and think about which style of curtains you want. For a smaller window, curtains that just brush the bottom sill with less gathering and bulk might be appropriate. For longer, more dramatic curtains, more fabric in the curtains' width that can be gathered at the sides, as well a longer curtain that brushes or comes closer to the floor might work better with your room.

2. Choose the kind of fabric you want for your curtains. For smaller curtains, a light cotton or gauze-like fabric could work, whereas a heavier, more drape-like fabric might be good for a larger window or a more dramatic setting. In any case, the choice is up to you. Decide what kind of beach theme you want. There is no shortage of brightly colored fabrics with pictures of fish, shells, and waves printed on them. This kind of beach treatment would be highly appropriate for a child's room. For a more adult treatment, a fabric in a beach-themed color, such as pale blue or sand, can be attractive, especially if printed with shells in another tone of the same color. This creates a theme that implies the beach, without being as loud in decor.

3. Choose the fabric you'll want for your curtain loops. These will fit around the curtain rod and allow the curtain to move back and forth. They can either be in the same fabric as your curtains, in a color that matches one of the main curtain's colors, or be a contrasting color that creates visual interest. Purchase 1 yard of this fabric.

4. Cut your fabric into two panels. This will make up your two curtains. Be sure to allow a 1-inch seam allowance on all sides. Iron a 1/8 inch fold all around your curtains. Sew this fold into place with your sewing machine. Iron another fold 1/2 inch around the curtains and sew this fold down just along the edge of your previous fold. This will keep your curtains from fraying and create a professional, finished look.

5. To create your curtain loops, cut 10 strips of fabric measuring 4 inches by 7 inches. Iron in a 1/2 inch fold all the way around each piece and sew in place. Pin the strips so that they form loops at the top of your curtains. Place the first and last loop at the very edge of the curtain's tops, spacing the other loops equally between them. All the loops should have their edges placed 1/2 of an inch from the top edge of the curtain. Sew in place. Mount the curtains on the curtain rod.