$20 Drop Cloth Drapes

While Dan was installing light fixtures this weekend, I decided to tackle my Lowe's drop cloths drape project.

I didn't realize the drop cloths had horizontal seams halfway down — but I don't mind them so bad.

The look I was trying to replicate:

This particular photos is from The Lettered Cottage.

The process:

• Iron the drop cloth (using steam) to eliminate deep wrinkles that could impact cutting or measuring.
• Cut to desired width and length, keeping in mind that your hem will reduce your final length and width by about an inch. I made each panel about 27 inches wide* by 7 feet, 2 inches tall.
• Fold over hem twice (ironing each time), about 3/4 inch (pin if you're an amateur like I am).
• Use your sewing machine (regular stitch) to hem the edge, removing the pins before you get to them so you don't break your needle.
• Hand sew the really thick folds so you don't break your needle (or your sewing machine).
• Total time for two windows: about 3.5 to 4 hours (maybe 1.25 hours for the first one, then 30 minutes per "panel" after I got the hang of it).

What went well:

• Only having to sew on two sides! The drop cloths come pre-hemmed but I had to make mine narrower and shorter than the original drop cloth (6 by 9 feet) because the windows I was working with were 36 inches wide — and about 7 feet off the ground.
• The price. How can you beat $10 per package? I used two packages, cutting out two 27-inch panels per package. (Curtain rods were about $21 each plus shipping on eBay. Seller is Browns Linens).
• Using curtain hooks — so easy.
• The clean finished look. Dan commented that he likes the minimalist look of the new drapes.
• In general, this is a great first project for someone who's never done drapes before (inexpensive materials, simple sewing). I would recommend giving it a shot. I know my learnings here will help me with sewing our master bedroom curtains.

If I were to do it all over again (which I might since the materials are less than $20)

• Get needles made for sewing heavy duty fabric (I broke two needles over the course of my sewing).
• Be more cautious about the lenth. These ended up about 1.5 inches off the floor. I wish they were a half inch off the floor.
• *Think deeply about the width. See how The Lettered Cottage's curtains have nice pleats and folds? It's because the panels are wider than the curtain rod. I made mine just as wide as the curtain rod (which I regret).
• Consider getting a double curtain rod so you can hang an airy/light fabric behind the drop cloth curtains (like what's shown in the Lettered Cottage photo above)

Any other questions? E-mail me at lifefulfilledatl@gmail.com.