Hello and welcome to my blog if you’re a newbie to Do Dodson Designs. I’m happy you are here 🙂 Today, I want to share with you my experience making DIY drop cloth curtains. When I read up on it, it sounded like this would be a fairly simple project (no sewing skills needed) from what I been reading. Umm… yes and no. I’ll share the process step by step and some things you may or may not know about making canvas drop cloth curtains.
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What’s The Best Drop Cloth To Use For Curtains?
Okay, you’re in luck because this isn’t my first go-around with making drop-cloth curtains. I’ve made 3 sets, but the brand I recommend using is Hyper Tough. First off, this one is a lighter weight than some of the ones I’ve used on projects in the past, making them easier to work with and not to mention easy to hang. And if you’re going to be sewing (hemming) your window treatments, these canvas drop cloths are easier on your sewing machine.
I’ve purchased other brands of drop cloth from Home Depot, Harbor Freights, and at my local Lowes but found this brand that I love the most at the good ole Walmart at a great price.
These 6X9 ft drop clothes at Walmart were $9.97 each. That’s lots of fabric for a little money and the best price I have found, and depending on your actual window size, 1 drop cloth will make 1 panel. Multiply that times 2, and you have yourself $20 curtain panels! That’s unheard of!
If you know of another brand of drop cloth you have tried with good results, let me know, and I’ll try them too.
Supply List
- Drop Cloth ( I like these the best 6 Ft X 9 Ft)
- Iron
- Ironing Board
- Lint Brush (left-over fuzz)
- Curtain Clips (ring size will depend on curtain rod)
Wash The Drop Cloth First
But before you get started with your project give the fabric a good washing. I washed these twice before I got started. If you want them extra soft you can add a little bleach to your washing machine if you don’t mind them being a bit lighter. More than likely you won’t notice a difference in the color, but it really does help to soften the fabric.
Throw them in the dryer and be prepared for the shrinkage! They’re made from cotton.
Since drop cloth is made of cotton, it’s get’s very heavy when wet. I took mine to the laundry mat because I had so many panels. I knew my machine at home would have a hard time keeping up.
Embrace The Imperfections With Drop Cloth Curtains
There is a downside to drop cloth curtains, especially if you’re a perfectionist. This is what you’ll get after washing and drying them—an earthy organic-looking fabric with all the imperfections. You won’t see this until you wash and dry your drop cloths. FUZZ! And a lot of it. Be sure to clean your lint screen between drying. All three brands of drop cloth I’ve tried do this. Here’s what I’m talking about. 👇
Ironing Is A Must With Drop Cloth Curtains
Hold on… before you get too anxious about trying to remove all those little cotton balls of fuzz… try ironing the material first. UGH! 🙁 I know. I felt the same way too. It will make removing the fuzz a bit easier. It’s worth the effort.
After ironing your drop clothes, use a lint roller to remove the fuzz.
Hanging Your Drop Cloth Curtains
For these curtains, I did not have to alter them in any way. This means I did no cutting or sewing. Because my windows are tall (10 ft ceilings), I hung them as is. Adjusting the curtain rod higher on the wall eliminated me from having to hem them, and I opted to puddle them on the floor. This is a good option if you don’t want to pull out the sewing machine. If cutting and hemming are needed to adjust the drop clothes to your window size, now is the best time to do that. (after washing and drying them twice) Remember the fabric will shrink.
How To Attach Curtain Rings
Attaching the curtain rings with these tiny little clips can be a challenge, but once you decide if you want a pleated or more casual look, you can lay the drop cloths on a flat surface in a straight line and measure how many clips you want per panel. I like to fold the end pieces under for my first and last clip on the panel. Remember, each panel will be 1/2 of the curtain, so adjust your clip rings to fit. I did a double pleat for a fuller look on my drop cloth curtains, and I love how they hang.
Now, if you feel the need to get all fancy and iron pleats for a more finished look, go for it! That’s what I love about this DIY curtain hack. You can have a more formal look or lean into a more relaxed vibe. FYI… these are the perfect curtains for puddling due to the fabric weight.
How To Make Puddling Drapes
To get the look below, allow your drop cloth panels an extra 4 inches in length. These are called break-length drapes and are extra long curtains. I really like the casual bend of the fabric. The fabric and arrangement make these curtains feel more casual, even with the extra inches on the floor.
The Total Cost
To sum it up, I made 3 pairs of curtains for three windows and the total was around $60. Minus the trips to the laundromat, ring clips, and new curtain rods. I would say it’s a great way to make cheap curtains that look like a million bucks. There’s no way I could have purchased the fabric at the fabric store for that price.
The End Result
These curtains were made for my dining room (I also have them in my living room) and they give me the perfect farmhouse look I want and I didn’t have to purchase expensive curtains. I personally love that I never have to worry about the wall color clashing because they are a beautiful neutral color.
Of course, if you have harsh sunlight you’re wanting to block from your windows, these won’t be for you. I think it will depend on how much fabric you use for each window. I gathered mine a lot because I wanted a fuller-looking curtain.
My inspiration for these curtains was a post on the Liz Marie Blog. If you’re a fan of Farmhouse style like I am, she is no secret. She gives me sweet inspiration.
But this is my preference on how drop cloth curtains should look. A while back, I did a set of these for my Mom, and instead of puddling on the floor, we opted to use that extra and fold the top part of the panel over for a valance across the top. My honest opinion on this DIY curtain hack? It was well worth the extra fuzz removal to have beautiful, washable (a bonus with my dogs) and durable curtains for $20 a window treatment. They are stunning if I say so myself.
Thanks for joining me today and as always I welcome your comments, feedback, and love.
Until the next project… xo, Do
Love these. I made some for my living room but could not find the light weight ones when I was ready to do my dinning room. I also love your double pleats. Will be ordering the drop cloth you recommended. Thanks
Hi Alice, so glad I could help. I think you’ll love the double pleats. 🙂
OK Do – thanks for the drop cloth curtain idea – this will be perfect for my craft room, but more importantly where did you get that teapot light??? Or is that another Do project??
LOL No, I purchased that a few years ago at a flea market. I was just thinking I need a new light. Are you in Texas?
Really nice Donna!!!! Love it
Sharyn
Thank you, Sharon! xo 🙂
My friend, these are lovely and what a neat idea to use the clips to make pleats!!! I love your wall color in there too. Hugs to you in this crazy new year!!
Thank you, Tammy! It is crazy but this only makes me more determined. Stay safe and positive. xo 🙂
These look magnificent Do… and I’m all over the “no-sew” part..lol. Love your floors as well! x
Ain’t that the truth! I only sew when absolutely necessary. But I did get a new machine which means I have to use it now. 🙂 Thanks, friend. xo
These are beautiful. Thank you for the instructions!
Thank you much, Paula. I am enjoying them. xo 🙂
Your drop cloth curtains are beautiful can you please show me the steps to make the pleats to them . They are beautiful. Thanks in advance
Hi Charlene! Sorry, it has taken me so long to respond. I just wrote a blog post about this very subject. I hope this answers your questions. https://dododsondesigns.com/how-to-hang-drop-cloth-curtains/
Best wishes, xo 🙂
Please post a picture of your Mom’s dropcloth curtains with the valance. I’d like to see how that worked out because puddling curtains on my floors are a no-no due to my Lab-Chow.
Sorry about the delayed response. I’ll email you the photos. xo 🙂
Love these , where would you get the clips? I am in Canada so I might not be able to get them.
Hi Nancy! I found them on Amazon. There are links to these clips in the product list on the post. 🙂
Can you please tell me if these drop cloths have a horizontal seam? I purchased some from Lowe’s and they do have one which is not going to work for me. I’ll try the Wal-Mart ones if they don’t have it.
Thank you!
Hello Jeannete,
So far, I have not had any seams from the ones I purchase at Walmart. Lowes and Home Depot are hit and miss. Good luck. 🙂
I love this!! I would like to do this with a double rod and sheers…any thoughts on this?? We currently just have sheers but sadly lost 3 large trees in our backyard, 🙁 so there is TOO MUCH light coming in the living room. Thanks!!
Hi Michelle! Dropcloth is heavy so if you’re doing a double rod, make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the weight. I think it would be lovely—bummer about your trees. My Mom and Dad lost a huge tree that provided the shade. 🙂
I’ve done these before and they are so easy, inexpensive and charming. Have you ever dyed them? I was thinking of trying a navy color
They are Anna! I have never tried dying them, but I have a friend that has, and hers looks great. 🙂
Love this post. Have made the curtains and have ordered more to make a loose cover for a wing back chair. Super cheap and easy to work with and if you make a mistake it is no big deal as you have so much fabric to work with 😀
Your posts are so inspiring I have decided to re-do a bench seat which I did with chalk paint which I finished with wax. How should I prep it for repainting?
Hi Rosemary, I wrote a blog post about repainting chalk-painted furniture. I hope this answers your questions. https://dododsondesigns.com/repainting-chalk-painted-furniture/
They look beautiful! I love them.
Thanks, Renae! It’s always good to hear from you. Have a great day. 🙂 xo
Hi! I have used drop cloth drapes on my 8’ long patio door for years! They drape beautifully. Got mine from Amazon because there is no seam. I bleached mine HARD! In fact I ended up using Pool Shock to get it as creamy white as I wanted. It is every bit as lovely as if I would have spent $2000 for that door. It is a French sliding door. Even my decorator friend was impressed!! After the heavy bleaching… washed it a couple times to remove the odor. Damp dried it… ironed it while damp Cost? About $20.
As a furniture painter I also have used washed drop cloth for upholstering chair seats… and painted them! After all!! What’s drop cloth for????
That’s fantastic, Susan! I would have never thought of pool shock. I have only used bleach. It’s such a versatile fabric. Do you mind sharing the brand you purchased from Amazon? THe ones I get from Walmart don’t have seams either.
Hi Donna,
I just love these curtains, can you tell me if they will fade if exposed to the sun? I typically get 1 yr out of my curtains because of this problem! Its very annoying. Thank you.
Hi Judy!
I’ve had one pair for 10 years now and they still look just as good as they did the day I hung them. You need to know that the fabric isn’t smooth. I think it’s a bit on the earthy side but I like organic fabrics. Wash them a couple of times and use a good fabric softener. You might even want to iron the fabric. If you decide to make them, I’d love to hear about your experience. Have a fantastic weekend. 🙂 xo