How to Make No-Sew Drop Cloth Curtains

Learn how to make dIY No-sew drop cloth curtains

Hi! We’re Jodie & Julie, The Design Twins. We’re so glad you’re here. In this DIY post we’re going to show you how to make no-sew drop cloth curtains that are easy, inexpensive and shockingly beautiful. They create a neutral, finished look to your windows.

make no-sew drop cloth curtains tutorial

Curtains are ALWAYS a great idea, but this is a great project if you want to dramatically change or impact the look of your room on a budget. For about $10 per panel, $20 per window, plus hardware you can have new curtains. And the best news? You don’t even need to sew. Read these simple steps, and we’ll show you how to make fabulous no sew drop cloth curtains.

Master bedroom with diy drop cloth curtains

Drop Cloth Curtain Blog Update

Well, It’s been about five years since we made our first drop cloth curtains. But, we’ve made more since then and learned a few things that we can’t wait to share with you.

Option 1 (below)

This option involves hemming with a glue gun.

Option 2 (new)

Option 2 allows you to SKIP the hemming and the glue gun step altogether. Instead of hemming the bottom we left the bottom alone and left the existing hem. We measured for the height of the panel but just folded the top over (fold on the inside) and clipped it.

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Bonus: Not only does Option 2 allow you to skip the step of hemming it also allows for measuring errors. If once you hang them up you realize the panel is either too long or short you can easily take them down and fold and re-clip.

Master bedroom how to make drop cloth curtains

Materials to Make DIY Drop Cloth Curtains with a Twist

Below you’ll find a few affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Simply click on the photos to be taken to shop/purchase options.

  • Canvas Drop Cloth,  9′ x 12′(I cut this and made it into two 9’x5’ drop cloths per window).  Optionally you can buy 9′ x 6′ drop cloths and you won’t have to cut. This will give you hemmed edges all around.
  • Best Drop Cloth Brands for Curtains: Chicago Canvas & Supply

  • Glue gun

make no-sew drop cloth curtains tutorial glue gun

  • Measuring Tape
  • Iron & Ironing board

 

  • Rod, Brackets & Finials (we used 1.5” diameter)

make no-sew drop cloth curtains tutorial

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  • Hanging clips (approx. 10 per panel, 20 per window)

make no-sew drop cloth curtains tutorial

  • Electric drill and electric screw driver will make things much easier

make no-sew drop cloth curtains tutorial

Love this reliable drill and perfect size set. It has everything you need and nothing you don’t.

And if you don’t have the time or energy to make your own drop cloth curtains, you can buy your own. You can find crop cloth curtains for sale on Etsy and Kohl’s.

5 Easy Steps to Make No-Sew Drop Cloth Curtains

Ok, so you’ve gathered all of your materials and tools and you’re ready to start. We hope you have a good movie or TV series you can watch because you are going to spend most of your time with this first step.

Step 1. Iron or steam your drop cloth curtain panels.

Ugh! Julie and I really hate to iron. But we just focused on the end result and made it through. Afterwards, lay them out carefully so they don’t wrinkle. Hate to iron? This might be a good time to invest in a quality steamer.

Our Favorite Steamer

We both had expensive large standing steamers but they were heavy, awkward, and needed a lot of descaling on a regular basis to maintain. This Rowenta hand-held steamer is a God-send. Julie found it first, and sold me on it. Now, we recommend it to all our friends, and that includes YOU.

Step 2. Measure.

Next, you’ll need to measure your window and determine how long you want your panel.

Designer Tip: To make your room appear bigger and your ceilings higher, hang your curtains above your windows closer to the ceiling.

Step 3. Hem your panels.

You will want to fold over the top edge at least three inches or so for a hem. Iron this hem. Once this hem is ironed, bring the panel back down and lay on the floor so you can hem using the glue gun. If you are using regular hot glue like we did you will want to use the smallest amount possible to minimize any visible glue seeping through and creating a mark on the other side. We used just a small dab every 5-8”. That was plenty to secure the hem without any problems.

The bottom hem of your drop cloth curtains is more critical because this has to be carefully measured to create the length of panel that you want for your window. We had a lot of trial and error getting the measurements accurate and ended up with the first couple of panels much shorter than we wanted. Luckily there was plenty of opportunity for practice, which eventually made perfect.

Note: You may notice that the drop cloth curtain panel are not always cut square and level on each edge so you will need to measure from top to bottom, not just from the hemming edge.

Step 4: Attach your hanging clips.

We used about 8-10 clips per panel spaced approximately 8-10″ apart.

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Note: They come in packs of 10, so you may want to space them closer just so you can use all of the clips.

Step 5: Hang your panels.

You have already decided the height of your panels. Now you need to determine how close you want to hang your curtains in relation to the actual window.

Note: If you have space you may want to hang your drop cloth curtains further outside the window so the panels can hang and not block the actual window. Something else to consider at this moment is how functional you want your panels to be. Do you need to be able to close them in order to block light or create privacy? I have blinds on all my windows already so my curtains were solely for decor.

First, double check the height of the curtains before marking the height on the wall. Then mark the horizontal spot so you know where you will be attaching your brackets. For this step we used an electric drill and electric screw driver.

Note: Here’s where you can learn from our mistake. If you are hanging your rod close to the wall, don’t forget to leave room for your finials. These will be going on the outside of your brackets.

 

make no-sew drop cloth curtains tutorial

FAQ’s:

Should I wash my drop cloths before ironing?

This is a personal preference. We did NOT wash ahead of time because we preferred the stiff, crisp texture of the drop cloth material.

If you want to wash them ahead of time note that the material will soften some. Some people want this look. We’ve  heard that they are easier to iron after they have been washed. We have also heard mixed opinions on whether to dry them or not. If you do want to dry them maybe just damp dry them and remove promptly.

There is also an entirely different look that is more of a rustic-farmhouse look and this look involves washing and drying and no ironing at all. Think of it along the lines of how we have come to love chipped paint on a vintage dresser and rust on a vintage scale.  As I said, it’s a personal preference.

Another reason to wash your drop cloths. Some people don’t like the smell. They don’t smell great when ironing but other than that I have never smelled anything.

How sheer are the drop cloths? Do I need to add blackout liners to my drop cloth curtains?

The drop cloth material is quite thick and blocks the light quite nicely. However, they are not 100% opaque. They are thicker than most retail curtains, but if you really need the light blackened you may need to add a blackout liner.

DIY Drop cloth curtains dining room view

 

Make No-Sew Drop Cloth Curtains: The Results

There you go! Now you too know how to make easy no-sew drop cloth curtains.

These curtains TOTALLY transformed our home. Once we completed the “wall-o’curtains” as we affectionately refer to it, we just kept on going. We started with the wall in the great room which connects to the kitchen and our main living space. Because you can even see it from the front hall when you walk in the house it really changed the whole living space. My husband was so excited (with the look and the huge bang for your buck) that he gladly ok’d additional windows. From there, we headed to the dining room. And then the second living room. We still have the guest bedroom, so stay tuned.

Be sure to check out our other DIY projects and budget decorating tips for more easy and inexpensive ways to update your home. Here are just a few reader favorites:

Barn Wood Wall Transformation

DIY Industrial Pipe Shelves

How To Get the Look of REAL Tile With Stencil

Happy Decorating!

jodie & julie

 

make no-sew drop cloth curtains tutorial

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Summary
How to Make No-Sew Drop Cloth Curtains
Article Name
How to Make No-Sew Drop Cloth Curtains
Description
Make No-Sew Drop Cloth Curtains in 5 simple steps to transform your home and save money! Make over your windows for just $10 per panel.
Author
Publisher Name
The Design Twins
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  1. Yolis de Q says:

    Weeeell!! I did enjoyed reading this post !!! ❤️ And im so ready for the MARCH MADNESS!!!!! ???? This is exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Yolis,

      So happy to see you over here! Thanks for taking the time to come and say Hi! You sound as excited as we are! haha!

      With love and thanks,

      Jodie & Julie

  2. Sherry Hudson says:

    Hi! Just read the article on making drapes out of drop cloths …….I just might try this! Yours look great. As always, spring is an inspiring time for new projects Time for some March Madness ????

  3. Kim - @shiplap.on.the.lake says:

    Staying within your budget is a must and I think it helps us become creative and think outside of the box. The farmhouse style that is in right now is based of off such a simple and inexpensive era which I think is why it is also so popular. Clean, crisp, inexpensive, and brings back so many wonderful memories of being young. You nailed it with these curtains. Thanks for sharing!

    March Madness

  4. Ingrid says:

    Read this a week ago and did some drop cloth curtains, I was inspired by the blog which is a first for me! Thank you for the inspiration, I’ve seen plenty of the tutorials but after reading your blog I finally tried it. March Madness may have taken over.

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Ingrid, This is so exciting. We are so happy we inspired you to give them a try! We love having you on our blog and hope you will come back regularly for lots more inspiration and fun! With gratitude, Julie & Jodie

  5. Jill Stephenson says:

    Julie and Jodie,

    Happy Saturday! Thank you for sharing this neat and inexpensive way to make curtains!!! I may just try to make the curtains this week. You two continue to amaze me with your talents!!

    Have a blessed evening.

    Cheers,

    Jill

  6. Stacey says:

    I definitely want to make these! I am all for budget friendly diys and really need some curtains in my living room. Thanks for the tutorial! March Madness

  7. Susan says:

    Intrigued by the idea of these ‘curtains’. Thinking of experimenting with color:: painting, dye or even a simple stencil design. Have you tried any of these on this fabric? . May have to do some trials on old, actual drop cloths including washing them. Thanks for the great tips, I appreciate your creativity.

    • Diane Blomgren says:

      I think its important to wash them first. The result will be less stiff and more of a linen look. You can still iron but these come with such a stiff finish, I can see why you struggled with ironing. Also, once hung if you want them to either ” puddle” meaning gather a bit on the floor or hang directly to your desired length, washing all the stiffness out first gives them that expensive “Restoration Hardware” look for the budget challenged.
      Thank you for your inspiration ❤

      • jjdesigntwins says:

        Thanks Diane! Great input. Washing them would definitely help with the stiffness. This would be extra important as you say, if you want them to puddle. Thanks again for reading our blog and your kind reply. Blessings, Jodie & Julie

    • Jessica says:

      I’ve been having this same issue! I thought maybe it was just the bigger sizes, but now even the 6×9 has been seai med in half; (.

    • Jessica says:

      I dyed a set and I’m absolutely in love! I used Rit dye in the wash machine. I will be doing alot more!!

  8. Lauren says:

    Thank you for the tutorial!! I actually want to do this very soon, and I’m glad I saw this today. 🙂 march madness

  9. Cathy says:

    Not sure how I missed this but I was planning on making some of these for my patio. I had an idea of how I was going to make them but now, thanks to you guys, I now have everything I need to know right here on your blog. Thanks!!! ????

  10. Sherry says:

    Love the finished results, your home is so beautiful!
    I really want to make drop sheet drapes but apparently the package sometimes contains sheets with seams – did you have any issues with this, and where did you get your supplies from (drop sheets, finials)? Is there any reason you didn’t go with hemming tape? Thanks for the inspiration!

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Hey Sherry,

      I’m so sorry I missed your question! Let me try to answer! I bought my drop cloths from Home Depot. I can’t remember the exact brand but if there was a Home Depot brand it might have been that. I didn’t have any trouble with seams. I believe I listed all the supplies in the blog post including the hardware and finials which I purchased from Ikea. I tried hemming tape but it did not stick. I think the material was too course and/or too heavy.

      Thanks for reading and best of luck!

      xoxo Jodie

  11. Beth says:

    Can you make them into ripplepleat?

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Hi Beth, We are not sewers. We don’t know what’s involved in making “ripplepleat” so we don’t feel qualified to answer this question. So sorry. But we wish you good luck (and let us know if you find out 🙂 XO ~ Julie & Jodie

  12. TR says:

    It would seem that using a hot glue gun would make them unwashable? Why not iron on tape / seam binding?

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      The iron on tape didn’t work. I tried this method first. This drop cloth material was too heavy for it. I don’t know about the washability, but I haven’t tried to wash these drapes 🙂 Best wishes, Jodie & Julie

  13. Kathryn says:

    Does the glue actually hold up? I love the idea of not having to sew!

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Hi Kathryn,
      Yes, The glue has held up very well. The only thing is that if you get up close to it and inspect you can see the trace of glue through the fabric. I never notice it in the room so it’s not a big deal. I would use a small amount just to improve the close-up appearance. But the glue stands the test of time 🙂 Good luck, Julie & Jodie

  14. Ashna says:

    Looks quite easy to do. I love diy projects.
    http://www.lifeandash.com

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Ashna,
      I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. We too love DIY projects…the pride in doing it yourself, the satisfaction of saving money, and hopefully the fun along the way. Hope you continue to enjoy our many project posts and the rest of our blog too. Fondly, Julie & Jodie

  15. Darlene says:

    Just love this idea and wonder if it is a bit of a blackout at all. I would love to do this is my son’s room but he needs it to be totally dark. I sure have enough canvas around so that isn’t a problem and I just love that I could make them custom for him.

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Darlene,
      I’m sure you could customize this idea and add an additional layer to make them blackout. They would require sewing but the cost wouldn’t be too great. You’d still be saving a bundle. Good luck whatever you decide. Julie & Jodie

  16. Rafaela says:

    Love this idea! It’s the answer to dividing my laundry room from kitchen. So ready to try it! Would love the links for purchasing the canvas or curtain rings with clips. These are not visible on this site.

    Thanks so much,

    Rafaela

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Hi Rafaela,
      I added the links. Sorry about that. All you have to do is click on the photos and you will be taken to the shopping options. Thank you so much for visiting our blog. We are thrilled to hear you are excited to use this project idea. Please let us know how it goes. We hope you’ll visit us again. Blessings, Julie & Jodie

  17. cathy says:

    what weight of the dropcloth did you get: Home depot has “medium” weight, “Heavy” weight, and 8 oz.

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Hi Cathy,
      Thanks for visiting our blog! Jodie says she is pretty sure she used a medium weight. But she also says that any weight would work she believes. The heavy would obviously be more black out and the lighter weight would let more light in, so it’s really up to you and your goals. Good luck with your project. Blessings, Julie & Jodie

  18. Brenda says:

    Thank you for sharing this idea! I love it and may also give this a try.

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Brenda,
      We love this project so much. It’s inexpensive, easy, and makes a huge impact. It’s a trifecta win if you ask us. We would do it more except we are running out of windows. Good luck. Let us know how they turn out. Best, Julie & Jodie

  19. Kaye Coy says:

    What color is this curtain? So beautiful!

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Kaye,
      These curtains are just regular drop clothes from the hardware store. They are undyed, so their color is perfect for farmhouse style. They are a natural beige color. Glad you love them too! Blessings, Jodie & Julie

  20. Penny in OR says:

    Drop cloth curtains for the win for a tall, large window on a house we are leasing! Yay! Thank you for the inspiration and “hand holding” to get it done. I did sew the top edge, but left the factory hem at the bottom. I will do this again definitely! Now I just wish I had had the nerve to go with cream colored furniture. I just ordered chocolate instead. Blessings!

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Penny,
      We are so happy you enjoyed our drop cloth curtains post! You are so welcome dear. Good luck with the rest of your projects and we hope to hear from you again in the future!
      Lots of love,
      Jodie & Julie

  21. […] even on a “tiny, nonexistent budget.” In fact, one of her first very inexpensive projects was no-sew drop cloth curtains. She still considers it to be one of her “best projects ever.” Jodie says that she never would […]

  22. Naina Kalra says:

    Such unique ideas!!! Can’t wait to try and see the results. Thank youuuuuu.

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Naina,
      We are so glad to hear you enjoyed this blog post! You’re so welcome. Can’t wait for you to try this out. Let us know how it turns out!
      Lots of love,
      Jodie & Julie

  23. Kaki Zeigler says:

    do you get the 8 or 10 oz drop cloths for curtains when you buy at Chicago Canvas and Supply?

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Hi Kaki,
      Honestly, either one would work just fine. It’s up to you. Do you want a heavier weight and a bit more darkness? The thinner choice will of course let more light through, so it’s up to you. When I bought mine there wasn’t a choice at Home Depot. Thanks for reading our blog, Jodie

  24. Patti Rueth says:

    Since i am using these on a porch, with regular opening/closing on a daily basis…. will the clips be strong enough to withstand yhe constant pulling without coming off?

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Hi Patti,
      Since we haven’t tried this out we really don’t have an answer. Only time will tell. Hope it does. ~ Julie

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  34. […] to The Design Twins, all you need in your toolbelt is a tape measurer and your handy dandy hot glue gun. After choosing […]

  35. Karcher says:

    Hi! I’m wondering if you have washed these yet (if you still have them) and how they held up, and if you haven’t, how do you ‘dust’ and clean them to freshen them up? (thinking about cleaning options, like Dryel…)

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Hi Karla, I still have all my drop cloth curtains up. I have never washed them, but they are washable for sure. I’m not sure if you might have to apply an iron, but that would be the only thing. They don’t show dust and they don’t show dirt. They are the best in that way. Thanks for reading, Jodie & Julie

  36. This is a brilliant post, thank you for sharing about how to make no-sew drop cloth curtains. We always tend to change something or the other in our house, thanks for this great advice.

  37. The Design Twins’ article on how to make no-sew drop cloth curtains is a great resource for anyone who wants to add a touch of elegance to their home without breaking the bank. The article provides step-by-step instructions on how to make these beautiful curtains using only a few simple materials. It’s a great DIY project for anyone who wants to add a personal touch to their home decor.

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