Instructions to Sew Cafe Curtains
Cafe curtains cover only the lower half of a window, preserving an unimpeded view in the top half of the glass. They're one way of preserving some privacy while allowing for plenty of natural light in the room. This casual style works well in a breakfast room or family room, but if you sew the curtains of a more elegant fabric, such as velvet or lace, they could blend with a more formal decor.
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the width of your window. Multiply this measurement by 1.5. Each of your two curtain panels will be this wide.
-
2
Determine where you want to position the curtain rod. Cafe curtains may cover the lower half of the window, or the lower two-thirds of the window. Make a faint pencil mark at the point where you want to hang the curtain rod. Measure from this point to the windowsill. Add 6 inches to this measurement to account for your hem and rod pocket. This will be the length of your curtains.
-
-
3
Unfold your fabric and determine which way the fabric grain runs. Grasp the fabric between your hands and pull gently. The fabric will stretch slightly one way, but will not stretch the other direction. The direction the fabric does not stretch is the straight grain. In order for your curtains to hang straight, cut them so that the length of the curtains runs along the straight grain of the fabric. Cut out two pieces of fabric using the width and length measurements you have previously determined.
-
4
Fold under 1/4 inch at the top and bottom of each curtain panel and press. Fold the top of each panel again 2 ½ inches. Press. Sew very close to the edge. You now have a hem 2 ½ inches deep. Sew a second line of stitches 1 inch from the top of the panel. You've now sewn a pocket for your curtain rod to fit into.
-
5
Fold under 1 inch along the bottom of each curtain panel. Press, then stitch down this hem.
-
6
Slip the curtain rod through the pocket at the top of each curtain panel. Distribute the gathers evenly. Mount the curtain rod in the window.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You can trim your curtain with lace, braid or ribbon.
