Hey everyone. Today we're sewing a cozy pair of curtains, and you'll learn how to measure, hem, and make a simple rod pocket that hangs just right.
Here we go.
Meet the fabric
This is Black Campers, from the Mousing Around collection.
It comes from Hoffman California Fabrics.
It is a cotton quilting fabric.
And it runs 43 to 44 inches wide.
It is sold by the yard.
So you can buy the length your windows need.
The ground color is black.
That deep background makes the print pop.
And it gives these curtains a warm, evening feel.
The print is all about camping life.
Look for the campers at the heart of the design.
Look for mice tucked into the fun, too.
That is the Mousing Around charm right there.
The listing also tags birds in the pattern.
Plus flowers and soft floral touches.
And plenty of nature and outdoor details.
The listing calls this a Hoffman digital spectrum print.
That printing keeps all those little details clear.
We're not reinventing the wheel here.
A playful print like this does the decorating for you.
Just like that, a plain window feels finished.
The project: a pair of curtains
We are making two simple rod-pocket panels.
They are perfect for a kitchen or sewing room.
They also suit a camper or a cozy cabin window.
Our example finishes at 48 inches long.
Each panel finishes about 41 inches wide.
Two panels give you nice, gentle fullness.
That covers a window up to about 40 inches wide.
Why does this fabric suit it?
Quilting cotton presses crisp and sews easy.
It holds a hem without fighting you.
It also hangs soft, not stiff.
The black ground helps with light, too.
It will not block all the light.
But it does soften a bright window.
And that busy, happy print hides a lot.
A tiny wrinkle just blends right in.
Super duper cute, and super duper practical.
If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Materials
- 3 1/4 yards of Black Campers Mousing Around cotton for two panels
- 50-weight cotton thread in black
- Size 80/12 needle
- Curtain rod that fits your window
- Rotary cutter, long ruler, and clips or pins
- Tape measure and a fabric marker
Brief steps
- Measure your window first. Decide your finished length before you cut a thing. Our 48-inch length is just our example.
- Cut two panels, each the full width of fabric, at 57 inches long. That gives you room for the top casing and the bottom hem.
- Check the campers before you sew. Make sure the print runs upright on both panels, the same direction.
- Hem the sides. Fold each long edge over 1/2 inch, press, fold 1/2 inch again, and stitch close to the fold.
- Make the rod pocket at the top. Fold the top edge down 1/2 inch and press, then fold down 2 1/2 inches more and press again.
- Stitch along the lower folded edge of that top fold. Leave both short ends open so the rod can slide through.
- Hem the bottom. Fold the lower edge up 1/2 inch, press, fold up 3 1/2 inches, and stitch close to the fold.
- Press both panels well. Slide them onto your rod, hang them up, and spread the gathers out even with your hands.
Practical tips before you sew
First, measure twice, folks. Really.
Windows trick you more than quilts do.
Measure the width, then measure the drop.
Write both numbers down and keep them handy.
Second, keep your stitches steady and simple.
About 8 to 9 stitches per inch works well.
That is around a 2.5 stitch length.
Slow down on those thick folded corners.
Slow down or the needle can struggle there.
Just ease through and let the machine work.
Third, you have options here.
Make cafe curtains at half length instead.
Make them longer for a tall window.
Add a plain lining if you want more shade.
My preference is this simple unlined pair.
But your window, your house, your call.
Completely up to you.
And hear me on this one.
It does not have to be perfect.
If one panel hangs a hair longer, let it be.
You are your own worst critic.
Nobody is measuring your curtains at supper.
They are looking at those sweet little campers.
Take your time. It's not a race.
Alrighty. Thanks for sewing along with me today.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Black Campers Mousing Around 43"/44" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
