You needn’t go to terrific expense buying fabric for curtains. If you have some dust sheets lying around, they can be easily transformed with some Chalk Paint™ and simple sewing. These drapes are made from 100-percent cotton fabric with an open weave, which results in slightly sheer curtains that allow light to come through. A delicate pattern was stencilled on using Chalk Paint™ in Scandinavian Pink – this adds interest and creates an elegant look. You could also try dip-dyeing the whole fabric to change its overall colour.
Step by step guide to making and hanging dust sheet curtains
- When measuring out your fabric, your curtains should be 2 and a half times the width of your curtain pole or rail.
- Fold over the top of the fabric, called the header, by 30cm. Pin this into position.
- With the fold facing away from you, pin and then sew one inch header tape across top of the back of the curtain.
- Tie the ends of the header tape and remove pins.
- Attach brass curtain hooks. We used a curtain hook approximately every 10cm.
- Decide on the position of your hem by either putting them into position and marking where the ends will be, or measuring from the bottom of the curtain pole ring or the rail to the floor. Cut off any excess and sew a hem.
Now you’ve seen how simple it is to make your own curtains from dust sheets, you’re ready to get started. Perhaps you want to experiment with different stencils – you can even try creating your own freehand pattern. Alternatively, for an even more sheer effect, try making curtains from cotton lace instead.
For more about these dust sheet curtains and to find inspiration for your next paint project, see Annie Sloan Paints Everything published by CICO Books. Photography by Christopher Drake © CICO Books.