DIY Cafe Curtains

Learn how to make DIY cafe curtains with this easy tutorial. Transform your window, giving it a little bit of privacy while also allowing the light to filter through, with these simple tie-top curtains.

If you saw my summer home tour, you may have noticed I added these sweet little cafe curtains in our kitchen.

I did this because I feel like the window is just too big and wide open. We should have gone with three wood windows; I talked about this more in my Kitchen Renovation Regrets video.

The linen cafe curtains really help to break it up, add texture, and give it a soft touch.

I went with a pinkish, sort of tan, buffalo check for the summer and plan to swap them out with the changing seasons.

These curtain panels gave the kitchen its finishing touch. I love being able to spend time in this lovely space cooking up my favorite real food dishes like sourdough dinner rolls, garlic butter pork chops, and some blueberry cobbler for dessert.

Truly, I believe we should make the spaces of our home beautiful no matter where you live. You don’t need to wait until you have the perfect house to make your space a home. 

Tips:

• Wash and dry your fabric before sewing. I usually wash my linen with cold water and hang to dry. You don’t want the fabric to shrink after you’ve already sewn it.
• Always double-check your measurements. Nothing is worse than cutting out the wrong size of fabric and having to run back to the store for more.
• Use the first panel you cut as a template for the next panel.

How are cafe curtains measured?

Measure the length that you want for the curtains. In my case, 28 inches then add 3 inches for the bottom hem, and 1 inch for the top hem. Then minus 4 inches to compensate for the tie length.

Then, measure the desired width of the curtain panel and add 2 inches (for side hems).

Where do you hang cafe curtains?

Hang them across the middle of a window or even 3/4 up. I use a tension rod to hang them about halfway down my window. It varies based on the amount of privacy you want and how much light you want to come in the window.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Supplies:

Linen fabric (the correct measurement that you need for the body and ties)

Sewing machine

Thread to match the color of your fabric

Iron

Pins

Fabric scissors

Measuring tape

How To Make DIY Cafe Curtains:

Find the length and cut out fabric

Measure the length that you want for the curtains. In my case, 28 inches plus 3 inches for the bottom hem, plus 1 inch for the top hem, minus 4 inches to compensate for the tie length.

For the width, measure the desired width of the curtain panel and add 2 inches for the side hems.

Cut the tie tops a total of 36 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. This made 10 ties for my two small curtains.

Sew The Ties

Fold both ends of the tie fabric under about a half inch, and then fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together, and then sew along the long edge, leaving both ends open.

Make sure to backward and forward stitch at the beginning and the end.

Turn it out using a safety pin, so the raw edges are tucked inside. Press it flat with an iron, making sure the seam is pressed over nicely on the side.

Top stitch all the way around each tie. A top stitch is just a stitch that goes around really close to the edge of something to make it look nice and give it extra durability.

Repeat that with all the ties.

Sew The Main Piece

You can see the tutorial on how to create a hem here.

Fold over the long sides about a half inch and press it. Fold it over another half inch and press, so the raw edges are nicely tucked in and you are left with a clean edge. Do this on both vertical sides.

For the bottom hem, fold over the bottom edge 1.5 inches and press. 

Fold that bottom over again 1.5 inches to hide the raw edge. Press. Fold the top edge over 1/2 inch and press. Fold over another 1/2 inch and press.

Add The Ties

Fold the tie in half and place one tie at each of the ends underneath the top fold, before hemming it down. Space the remaining three inner ties evenly (you may add more ties if doing a wider curtain panel). Since my curtain was small, I just folded the panel in half, placed a tie, and then measured the middle between the center tie and the end tie to place the remaining two ties.

Tuck the folded edge of the ties under the folded hem and pin. Sew the hem nearest to the ties. I like to sew it as close as possible to the bottom fold. 

*I like to put my piece upside down so the bobbin thread is on top, which is not technically right, but this ensures I don’t miss the hem.

Pull the ties towards the top and put a top stitch along the top of the hem to sew in each tie.

Hang and enjoy your cafe curtains.

Find More Sewing Tutorials:

• Ruffle Linen Pillow Cover
• DIY Ticking Stripe Curtain Tutorial
• How To Make Muslin Swaddle Blankets
• Linen And Flannel Ruffle Throw Blanket
• DIY Tank Top

If you make this project and love it, I would love if you gave it 5 stars! Tag me on Instagram @farmhouseonboone with your beautiful creation.

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