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.
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.
Jump to...
- Drop Cloth Curtain Blog Update
- Materials to Make DIY Drop Cloth Curtains with a Twist
- 5 Easy Steps to Make No-Sew Drop Cloth Curtains
- Step 1. Iron or steam your drop cloth curtain panels.
- Step 2. Measure.
- Step 3. Hem your panels.
- Step 4: Attach your hanging clips.
- Step 5: Hang your panels.
- FAQ’s:
- Should I wash my drop cloths before ironing?
- How sheer are the drop cloths? Do I need to add blackout liners to my drop cloth curtains?
- Make No-Sew Drop Cloth Curtains: The Results
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.
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
- Measuring Tape
- Iron & Ironing board
- Rod, Brackets & Finials (we used 1.5” diameter)
- Hanging clips (approx. 10 per panel, 20 per window)
- Electric drill and electric screw driver will make things much easier
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.
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.
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.
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:
How To Get the Look of REAL Tile With Stencil
Happy Decorating!
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
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 ????
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
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
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
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
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!!
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
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!!! ????
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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