Updated at: 07-02-2023 - By: Sienna Lewis

The same fabric that is used for painters’ drop cloths can be used to make attractive curtains. The canvas used in their construction is fairly sturdy and long-lasting. Drop cloths have been used by painters for generations. In addition to their obvious utility as painters’ staples, they have a variety of domestic applications, including but not limited to the creation of decorative pillows, comfortable mattresses, attractive window treatments, and functional upholstery. Therefore, in this piece, I’ll go over the procedures required to create curtains out of drop cloths. Lets go!

5 Step by Step Guide on How to Make Drop Cloth Curtains

Step 1

In order to get started on your drop cloth curtains, you should first iron them. Drop cloth curtain panels can be ironed or steamed.

Step 2

Step two of making curtains out of drop cloths involves measuring your window opening. You can use this to determine how long your panel should be.

How to Make DIY No-Sew Bleached Drop Cloth Curtains without making your house smell like a pool. … | Easy home decor, Farmhouse style curtains, Curtains living room

Step 3

Drop cloth curtains can be easily crafted by simply hemming the panels. It’s possible you’ll need to fold the top three inches over to make a hem. When you’re done, you can iron the hem. To iron the panel, place it face down on a hard, flat surface after you’ve finished with the hem. If you have a glue gun, you can use it to hem. If you must use regular hit glue, use as little as possible to prevent the glue from seeping through the fabric and leaving a stain.

Simply dab some glue into it every five to seven inches, and it will help keep your hem in place. In order to cut the drip cloth curtains to the right size for your windows, you must first determine the length of the bottom hem.

Step 4

The next thing to do when learning how to make drop cloth curtains is to hang them up. For a panel that is 8 to 10 inches deep, you will need about 8 to 10 hooks to hang it.

Step 5

At long last, you can start installing your panels. Now that you know how tall to make your curtain panels, you can decide how close to the window you will hang them.

What is the Best Drop Cloth for Curtains?

Curtains made from a suitable drop cloth material will vary depending on the circumstances. Prior to making a final decision, you should learn more about drop cloth for curtains. Drop cloths made of canvas are abundant. If you don’t know enough about them, you might pick the wrong one for your needs.

So, we have sizes ranging from 6 oz to 8 oz, with 10 oz being the heaviest. Your drop cloth weight considerations will be determined by the load. That’s why a higher thread count means a heftier fabric.

What is the Material of Drop Cloth for Curtains?

Canvas drop cloth, also known as drop cloth for curtains, is made of 100 percent cotton duck and has a variety of other names. As a rule, it has hefty, rot-proof thread in its double-stitched seams. The canvas drop cloths can be reused after being cleaned.

What makes drop cloth canvas so attractive for home decor projects?

Pricing

First, there’s the ridiculously low price: fifteen dollars for a nine-by-thirteen-foot sheet.

Hemming

Second, the larger fabric pieces have finished edges that have been hemmed. Therefore, they are the best choice for making fashionable, inexpensive curtains and tablecloths.

Texture

Thirdly, because of the feel and look of the fabric. Some of these drop cloths have a nubbly texture, and they all have a lovely, muted beige hue. This is due to the fact that their varied hues lend themselves to a wide variety of applications. However, you should be careful to select the appropriate one for the task at hand. Canvas drop cloths are perfect for DIY home decoration because of their natural appearance.

How do you measure for drop cloth curtains?

To achieve the desired width, you’ll need to purchase fabric that is twice as wide as the window. Use 1.5 times the width of the window if you don’t plan on closing the drapes.

Can you see Through Drop Cloth Curtains?

It’s true that you can see right through drop cloth curtains, even the “heavy duty” ones. If you want to keep the room dark without installing blackout drapes, or if you don’t want your shadow to be visible outside your window at night, then curtains are the way to go. In this case, drop cloth curtains are not an option worth considering.

As a result, you’ll want to double up on the drop cloth’s protection by covering it with another fabric. If you want some privacy or want to darken the room, this will make the curtain thick and opaque.

Can you Wash Drop Cloth Curtains?

Yes. Curtains made from drop cloth are machine washable. They can be washed fairly easily, and a quick rinse before using them in a project is even recommended. You should also know that they may shrink slightly in the wash.

Some varieties of lightweight drop cloth fabric can be machine washed in water. However, wiper cloths can be used to clean the more durable drop cloths.

How do you Wash Drop Cloth Curtains?

True, drop clothes may be quite stiff when you first get them. They can be washed rapidly in hot water with detergent, and then dried. This is the easiest and quickest way to soften them up. The more you wash it, the softer it gets.

What kind of Fabric is Drop Cloth?

The standard drop cloth is made of 100% cotton. Very tightly woven fabric. The tight weave of these fabrics means that pet hair won’t get caught in the fabric and ruin your home decor. The fabric used to make drop clothes is exceptionally long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear.

How to Make Pretty Pleated Drop Cloth Curtains - The Boondocks Blog

Step by Step Drop Cloth Curtain Tutorial

You may have noticed, if you’ve been reading LVN for a while, that I’m developing a bit of a fixation on drop cloth curtains. In a sense, it’s out of hand. I started with one set in the basement and now have two in the living room, dining room, and the bedroom of my daughter. I wish I could afford to have them installed on all of the windows in our house because I adore them so much. They are incredibly cheap, attractive in any setting, and easy to implement. I’ve already reviewed them in depth, but now I’ll show you how to make your own drop cloth curtains, if you’re interested. To those of you who aren’t already aware, drop cloth curtains are a ridiculously simple do-it-yourself project. There is no need for needle and thread or scissors and rulers. Nothing. Everybody is capable of completing these two simple steps. As an added bonus, they can be adapted to fit any window. Let’s get right down to it because I can’t wait to demonstrate the fantastic qualities of drop cloth curtains to you today!

Our basement has these drop cloth curtains. Isn’t it lovely? DIY curtains look much more complicated than they actually are. And despite their ease of preparation, these are sure to add coziness to any room in your house. To top it all off, their low cost is ideal for people like me who have to watch every penny. Specifically, you’ll require:

Curtain Drop Cloth Materials:

  • canvas drop cloths, which I purchase from Home Depot and which are displayed in their precise 6′ x 9′ form in this link.
  • hooks for curtains

Step 1: Take out the creases!Getting the wrinkles out of the drop cloths is the first and most difficult step. After removing them from the packaging, you’ll see that they’re a jumbled mess. Wrinkles and creases everywhere.

My first step is to wash them in the washing machine and then dry them in the dryer. They will still be wrinkled when they emerge, but the major creases have been eliminated. After that, I pull out the iron, put on a movie, and get to work. If you’re like me and you despise ironing, this is the absolute worst part. This step is optional, and you can forego it if you don’t mind the wrinkled appearance.

The second step: mount them!Drop cloths are ready to be hung up once they have been ironed and made wrinkle-free. You should now go and get your drapery clips and mount them on your curtain rod.

There are currently two options for suspending the drop cloths: with the top 1) tucked under and 2) hanging loosely. Both are equally attractive, so choose whichever one suits your tastes best. The fold over top is my go-to because it allows me to make the curtains exactly the length I want them and because it looks so much better. Don’t forget that drop cloths can be cut down to fit a narrower opening. If you want to use them on a narrow kitchen window, for instance, you can simply cut them to size and glue the raw edges together to prevent fraying.

The drop cloth can be folded over from the top until it reaches the desired length for this look. However long you need the curtain to be and how much of a “ruffle” you want, the decision is ultimately yours; I typically fold mine over at least 12 to 18 inches. You can begin clipping the curtain to the drapery rings once you have the top folded over to the desired length.

The curtain’s sides should be completed first. First, I raise one side to the desired level, and then I bring the other side over and even out the length so that it, too, is at the proper height. After that, it’s as simple as clipping the rest of the curtain into place at even intervals using drapery clips. To get them perfect, I usually have to make a few minor adjustments.

Boom. There are only two simple steps involved. I wasn’t joking when I said that these would rank as an easy DIY project.

So long! Easy-to-make curtains made from drop cloths. Save time and effort by not having to sew. I am in love with these and plan to keep them in our house indefinitely. Try using drop cloths as curtains if you haven’t already. At $11 per panel, you can’t go wrong. Given that they are made of canvas, I would say they are a little heavier than the average curtain. Although they aren’t as effective as blackout curtains, they do a good job of reducing the amount of daylight that enters the room. Those things are FANTASTIC.

I’m hoping you found this tutorial on how to make curtains out of drop cloths useful. If you have any further inquiries, please let me know.

DROP CLOTH CURTAINS FAQ AND OTHER TIPS

Is it drop cloth curtains or no-sew drop cloth curtains that you’re after? Please find below a concise manual featuring numerous solutions and a brief frequently asked questions section.

To put it simply: you guys ROCK.

Seriously.

I appreciate your kind words, emails, enthusiastic punctuation, and interest in drop cloth curtains.

They were abundant in the discussion board yesterday.

I don’t recall ever explaining why I’m so fond of drop cloth curtains, how I put them to use, where I find them, and how they helped me scale Everest.

Here is a short frequently asked questions (FAQ) about drop cloth curtains, so let’s get to the topic at hand.

I’m giving advice, fielding inquiries (aside: if you have any questions about specific things in the house, you can find them here), and channeling my inner Scarlett O’Hara to sew prom dresses for the twins.

Honest, I thought you were serious.

Maybe. 🙂

WHAT IS CANVAS DROP CLOTH FABRIC?

Painters’ drop cloths are a specific type of fabric. Painters have been using drop cloths, made of thick canvas, for decades. Curtains, pillows, slipcovers, and throws are just some of the soft furnishings that would benefit from this fabric.

ARE CANVAS DROP CLOTHS WASHABLE?

Yes.   Drop cloths can be washed and should be washed before being used in a sewing project. It’s important to keep in mind that drop cloth often shrinks after being washed. A standard feature of drop cloths is a double-stitched hem in a contrasting thread color.

CAN YOU PAINT A DROP CLOTH?

Yes.  Use a drop cloth as a backdrop for your next painting project. The canvas drop cloth can be decorated with stencils or freehand painting. Fabric paint is the best option for creating a design, as it will allow you to easily clean the drop cloth curtains or pillows after use.

CAN YOU MAKE DROP CLOTH CURTAINS NO-SEW?

Yes.  We can finish this task quickly. A regular curtain rod, curtain clips, and a drop cloth the length of your windows will do the trick. After the curtain rod is in place, drape the drop cloth over it using the curtain clips. Use the rod to thread the clips onto, and then hang.

Q:  LOVE THE ROOM! HOW IN THE WORLD DID YOU HANG THOSE AMAZING CURTAINS???

Multiple methods of hanging curtains made from drop cloths are among my specialties.

1.  LONG SKINNY RODS

In my case, I used a long, thin rod that reached from the top of the window to its sides, a total of 18 inches.

This extremely vintage photo of the farmhouse’s dining room will give you an idea of what I’m describing.

When I first moved in, I hung drop cloth curtains in place of these smocked jute ones.

2. MAKE A NO-SEW VERSION OF DROP CLOTH CURTAINS.

All you have to do is attach the clips and hang it.

Very short rods are my preference because they allow the curtains to be the focal point (and save money).

3.  SMALL WOOD RODS

These brackets and finials adorn tiny dowel rods.

The drapes won’t move.

In order to ensure my privacy while using these curtains, I installed blinds.

I found some cheap wood rods if you don’t want to make your own.

4. SMALL METAL RODS

These thin metal rods allowed me to easily hang the curtains in the workplace.

Target has them.

My in-laws’ father-in-law helped me out by bending the curtain rod so that it would fit the bay window.

He kept reshaping them until they were a perfect fit.

Like that, he’s a super strong guy.

I take it he consumed his greens.

Step by Step Drop Cloth Curtain Tutorial

Q:  PLEASE GIVE US A TUTORIAL ON THE CURTAINS!!! HOW DID YOU MAKE THEM? HOW DO THEY HANG? ARE THEY JUST STATIONARY?

See my tutorial for easy, sew-free drop cloth drapes.

  1. I went to Lowe’s, my go-to store for drop cloths, and made my purchase there.
  2. A range of sizes is available. Measurements: 6 x 9, 4 x 6, 10 x 15, and 9 x 12. Each panel measures 9 feet wide by 12 feet long. I wanted to hang them above the windows to make the room feel taller, so the extra length was necessary. The full width of the curtain rod, which is 9 feet, is put to use. What makes them so attractive, in my opinion, is that extra width. If you stopped by the office to grab a cup of coffee, you might notice that the curtains are made of what appears to be a substantial linen.
  3. Putting up permanent rods is a good idea. The rods here are fixed in place. No matter how hard you try, you simply cannot drag them across. That’s why I’m installing a buffalo check roman shade and bottom shutters.
  4. Trim the curtain length if necessary.
  5. Fold and line the drapes.

Q. HOW DO I MAKE DRAPES THAT WIDE AND LONG?

Each window had a single drop cloth.

These are identical to the ones I purchased.

The two primary varieties are the regular and the heavy-duty.

The heavy-duty ones are preferable because they keep their shape when folded.

Q:  DO YOU HAVE A TUTORIAL ON DRAPE CLOTH DRAPES?

HOW TO MAKE FOLDED DROP CLOTH DRAPES:

  1. Just by folding over the top of the drop cloth by six inches, I had myself some simple drapes. Ironing it into place can aid in its proper placement.
  2. I folded it in half and stitched it shut. 3.
  3. Then I went back and added the pocket and ruffle by sewing across the center fold again. I did not finish the edges. They were already in a rough condition when we got them.
  4. After hanging the curtains, I trimmed the excess length, leaving about four inches at the bottom to hem. With the rod, I was able to hem them to the exact length I needed. Hemming them after removing them from the rod is a bit of a challenge due to their weight and length.
  5. I ironed the hem to make a clean edge, pinned it in place, and finished it off with a whip stitch.

Q:  BEAUTIFULLY PERFECT! LOVE THE DROP CLOTH CURTAINS DETAILS PLEASE!

Here are a couple more pointers I picked up over time for sewing these drapes.

  1. I hang the curtains and then spray them with water or Downy wrinkle remover to get rid of the wrinkles. I have tried ironing them, but by the time I get them back on the rack, they are wrinkly again.
  2. To make the curtains look more presentable, I use my hands to make folds. The curtain made from drop cloth is so rigid that it does not budge at all.
  3. Stains won’t set in, so you’ll need to treat them right away with stain remover because they aren’t stain resistant.
  4. The extra width is the secret to their curtain-like appearance. This is why I prefer a 9 x 12 foot space.
  5. When compared to curtains, the price of these is ridiculously low. I decided to make my own drapes, and each panel required four yards of fabric. If I had purchased all four yards of the fabric I was considering, it would have cost me $120.
  6. Whew.

That’s a lot of gibberish said behind closed doors.

If you’re considering making a curtain out of a drop cloth, I’d be happy to lend a hand.

We can all have a Ph.D. in drop cloth if you have any other questions, which you can ask below and I’ll answer in the comments.

Greetings, chum!

Conclusion

If your house has open floor plans and tall windows, it is considered a modern design. If so, you’re headed in the right direction by opting for a drop cloth curtain to both beautify and protect your home. It’s one of the best DIY home decor materials to work with to make beautiful pillows, blankets, and other decorative items. I’m hoping you’ve learned something new about making drop cloth curtains from this article.