Hey everyone. Today you are going to learn how to turn one extra-wide butterfly fabric into a pair of curtains with no seam down the middle of either panel.
Here we go.
Meet the fabric
This is the Black And White Butterflies wideback, from Studio E Fabrics.
It is 100 percent cotton.
And it is 118 to 120 inches wide.
That is wide, y'all. Really really wide.
The color is white and black.
The designer is Chelsea DesignWorks.
The genre is listed as Black & White, and Bugs & Insects.
The insects here are butterflies.
It is listed as a quilt back and quilting cotton.
But a wideback can do so much more than back a quilt.
This listing is sold by the yard.
So you order the length your window actually needs.
No center seam interrupting those butterflies.
Why it suits a pair of curtains
A pair of curtains is two matching panels.
They frame a window, one panel on each side.
For curtains, width is everything.
Because this fabric is 118 to 120 inches wide, one cut across the width makes both panels.
You cut the big piece in half.
Each half becomes one panel, about 59 inches wide before hemming.
The butterflies keep flying in the same direction on both sides, too.
Black and white also plays well in almost any room.
And it lets the butterfly print be the fun part.
Completely up to you how full you want those folds.
If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Materials list
For two finished panels, each about 57 by 84 inches, gather these:
- 2 1/2 yards of Black And White Butterflies Cotton Wideback Fabric per yard — that gives you 90 inches of length, and the full width to split into two panels
- Matching all-purpose thread in black or white
- A curtain rod that fits your window, plus brackets
- Clip rings, or a plan for a simple rod pocket — your choice
- Measuring tape, scissors or a rotary cutter, and pins or clips
- An iron and ironing board
I use a size 90/14 universal needle for this cotton.
And I set my stitch length to about 3.0 millimeters.
That is roughly 8 to 10 stitches per inch.
Brief steps
First, measure your window before you cut.
Second, lay the fabric flat and straighten one end.
Cut one piece 90 inches long, using the full width.
Then cut that piece in half across its width.
You now have two panels, each about 59 inches wide by 90 inches long.
Third, hem the side edges of each panel.
Fold each side in 1/2 inch, press, then fold in 1/2 inch again.
Stitch close to the inner fold, nice and steady.
That takes each panel to about 57 inches wide.
Fourth, make the top.
For clip rings, fold the top down 1/2 inch, press, then 1 inch more, and stitch.
For a rod pocket, fold down 1/2 inch, then 3 inches, and stitch near the lower fold.
Leave the pocket ends open so the rod slides through.
Fifth, hem the bottom last, after hanging the panel once.
Mark a finished length of 84 inches.
Trim any extra, leaving 2 inches for the hem.
Fold up 1 inch, press, fold up 1 inch again, and stitch.
Hang both panels and step back.
Just like that, the window looks finished.
Practical tips
Press every fold before you stitch it.
Slow down on the long side hems.
Keep the butterflies upright on both panels.
Mark the top edge with a pin before cutting, so you do not flip one by mistake.
I have done that. The fix is simple, but the seam ripper is not fun.
Wash and dry the fabric before cutting, if you like.
Cotton can shrink a little on the first wash.
Better to shrink it before you hem it.
And here is your permission beat.
It does not have to be perfect.
One fold may sit a little fuller than the other.
You are your own worst critic.
Everyone else sees soft light and pretty butterflies.
Take your time. It is not a race.
We're not reinventing the wheel here.
Two panels, honest hems, and a window you sewed yourself.
Super duper cute, and really really satisfying.
That fabric is available at lindas.com when you are ready to start.
Thanks for sewing along with me today.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Black And White Butterflies Cotton Wideback Fabric per yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
