Cafe curtain tutorial

Last week’s Ask Apartment Apothecary was about blending a work space within a guest bedroom. One of the things I suggested was hanging a cafe curtain at the window. I have done exactly this in my home office as it is perfect to diffuse direct sunlight, which can be a real problem on a computer screen whilst I work. It also adds a soft, yet minimalist, touch to a work space. Most importantly, it costs very little (I used an old sheet!) and is a very, very quick sewing project.

Here’s how…

You will need:

Lightweight fabric at least 2 cm wider and taller than the part of window you want to cover.

Lightweight fabric for the curtain tabs – each one needs to be 4 x 12 cm and you will need one for every 10 cm of fabric along the top of your curtain panel.

Contrasting or matching thread, fabric scissors, pins, chalk and a tape measure

You can also add a trim to the bottom of your curtain panel if you fancy (why not try lace, pom poms, crochet) or add some pretty embroidery.

Step by step

Step 1 – Measure your window and cut a piece of fabric allowing for a 2 cm seam allowance all round the panel. Press a double hem on all four sides of the panel – fold over 1 cm, press, then fold over 1 cm again to hide the raw edge and press. Pin in place.

Step 2 – Choose either a contrasting thread or matching (I chose a soft blue to give my panel a bit of definition and it is the main colour in the room where this curtain will hang) and stitch all the way round the panel.

Step 3 – Measure the top edge of your panel and figure out how many tabs you will need, based on having one for every 10cm, or thereabouts. Mark with the chalk where the tabs will be positioned. Cut a piece of fabric for each tab measuring 4 x 12 cm. Press the edges over (about 0.5cm) and fold in half lengthways and press.

Step 4 – Sew down the open side of the tab.

Step 5 – Pin the tabs into position, laying the two ends of the tab next to each other, not on top of each other, as this will be easier to sew and it will hang better. Press the curtain.

And finally, to hang the curtain you will need a piece of dowelling and two cup hooks either side of the window frame. I still need to paint mine!

And please indulge a brief moment of floral appreciation…I cut these variegated Hygrangeas at the end of last week from a plant on my balcony and they are making me so happy. Plus, they are in a new jug that I bought at Ardingly antiques fair. It’s the small things.

Happy sewing!

Katy x