How To Sew Your Own Decorative Kitchen Cafe Curtains

When you have a window that needs privacy curtains, but you still want some sunlight to come through, cafe curtains are a good choice. Cafe curtains hang on their curtain rod, halfway up on the window. You can make your own color-customized cafe curtains to match your kitchen or any other room with these simple instructions. You just need basic sewing machine skills to sew a straight stitch.

Measure Your Window

To make your set of cafe curtains, you will first need to measure the window you would like to cover. Measure from the bottom of your window to the middle where the top of your curtains will hang, then add one inch. Measure the length of your window and double this measurement.

For example, if a window measures 22 inches wide and 40 inches tall, you will need a piece of fabric 44 by 21 inches. Most fabric is sold on the bolt in widths of 45 inches wide, or 60 inches wide, so you would need to buy 21 inches of fabric.

Other Materials

You will also need:

  • White or cream lining fabric in the same measurement as your curtain fabric
  • Spool of matching ribbon 
  • Sewing machine
  • Sewing scissors

Always preshrink your fabric before you begin a project, as some fabric tends to shrink when you wash it for the first time. If you don't preshrink your fabric, you will have curtains that are too short for your window.

Cut and Construct Your Curtains

Cut out your curtain and lining fabric the exact same sizes, then cut each piece in half. In the above example you would end up with two curtain panels measuring 22 by 21 inches (44 by 21 cut in half).

Place the first curtain and lining panel with their right sides together. Using a 1/2-inch seam allowance sew around the panel, leaving seven inches open on one side.

Turn the curtain panel right side out through the opening. Press the edges flat around the curtain panel, including the opening. Using a 1/4-inch seam allowance stitch down the opening along the edge of the curtain panel, then continue sewing around the entire curtain panel. This will give your curtain panel a professional, finished look. 

Repeat this process with the second panel.

Add Curtain Rings

Cut lengths of ribbon 7 inches long for curtain rings. Cut enough so that you can attach one every 4 inches along the top of both panels.

Fold each length of ribbon in half with the right sides out. Then, pin the ribbons to the top and back of each curtain panel, every 4 inches. Stitch the ribbons in place.

Hang your panels onto your cafe curtain rods and your window will be covered and attractive.

You can also find great, already made drapery options at places like Frieda Ross Draperies, Blinds and Fabrics.


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