Fireplaces

Making Cafe Curtains

Cafe curtains are briefer compared to more formal window treatments and are used most frequently to offer a bit of breezy softness to a kitchen or breakfast nook. They are usually made of a light, sheer material and contain two lower panels plus a matching or coordinating valance. Cafe curtains are so easy to create that even a novice can whip some up in a couple of hours.

Preparation

Measure the width of your window and then add two inches for seam allowances. This will provide you the width of the valance. Add 4 inches to the width of this window to get the width of the material you need for the panels. These dimensions will a valance and panels that hang flat. To get a fuller valance and drapes that hang in delicate folds, add another 1/4 to 1/2 the breadth of this window.

Measure from the top of the upper curtain rod down to 1/3 of this window’s total height. Add 6 inches to find the period of your valance.

Measure from the top of your lower curtain rod to three inches below the window sill. Add 6 inches to find the period of your lower curtain.

Fold your fabric in half together with the printed side in. Cut your valance and lower panels, making certain the pattern all runs in exactly the same direction.

Valance

Fold both sides of your valance under 1/4 inch and then press it flat with a warm iron. Fold the edges in a different 3/4 inch and then pin them by putting the right pins perpendicular to the edge so you may pull them out as they approach the sewing machine needle. Sew the side borders down.

Fold the bottom edge under 1/4 inch and then press it together with the iron. Fold up it 1 3/4 ins and pin the seam. Sew the hem.

Turn the top of the valance under 1/4 inch and then press it together with the iron. Fold the top edge down 3 3/4 ins and pin the edge to form your rod pocket. Sew the edge.

Slide the valance over the top curtain rod.

Bottom Panels

Fold the side borders of each bottom panel in 1/4 inch. Press the edges together with your iron. Fold the edges in a different 3/4 inch and then pin them. Sew the borders.

Turn the bottom of the panels up 1/4 inch and then press them together with the iron. Fold the bottoms up another 1 3/4 ins and then pin the hems in place. Sew the hems.

Turn the top of each lower curtain panel beneath 1/4 inch and then press them together with the iron. Fold the top edges down the other 3 3/4 ins and then pin down the edges to form your rod pocket. Sew the borders.

Slide the panels onto the lower curtain rod and then arrange the drapes so the opening between afterward is in the middle of the window.

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