How to Sew Simple Kitchen Cafe Curtains (Youtube Tutorial)

As most sewists know, it is possible to make custom-made home decor items that perfectly match the home's theme. Take curtains for a kitchen sink window, for example.

So often, the search is on for just the right curtains for the kitchen, and none are a perfect match. With this simple DIY kitchen curtain pattern, you can have new curtains to match the kitchen's decor in no time!

This tutorial will take you through the steps to make a set of café curtains for your kitchen or bathroom window. This is a great beginning sewing project because it teaches how to hem and only includes a few straight seams. These kitchen cafe curtains can be made in less than one hour!

Would you like a matching valance curtain? Click the link for our tutorial!

Is it cheaper to make your own curtains?

DIY sewing projects aren't only about saving money. Kitchen curtains can be added to the list of things that are often more expensive to make than to buy at the store.

But learning to sew kitchen curtains has two advantages.

First, there is the love of the creative process. There is such a warm feeling to know that the items in the home are handmade. Sewists are creative and artistic people who truly enjoy the creative process.

Secondly, it is nearly impossible to find the exact curtains wanted for the home. The sewist can make the curtains they want for their kitchen instead of buying generic, random, cookie-cutter, wrong-sized curtains from the retail store. Maybe you found some gorgeous fabric at the fabric store, use it to create your own custom window treatments.

This tutorial will teach how to sew kitchen curtains that will be loved and enjoyed for a long time. 

Learn how to sew easy DIY cafe curtains by watching our video, or keep reading this article for a step-by-step photo tutorial.

WHAT YOU NEED for DIY Curtains

• Favorite Fabric
• Rotary cutter and mat or scissors
• Sewing Ruler
• Sewing machine
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Straight Pins
• Masking tape (optional)
• Measuring Tape
• Cafe Rod

INSTRUCTIONS to Sew Simple Curtains for a Kitchen Window

STEP 1: Determine the measurements of the curtain panels

The first thing that needs to be determined is the length and fullness desired for the cafe curtains. The width of a ruffled curtain is normally 1-1/2 to 2 times the window width. If you want a fuller curtain, use two times the width.

To calculate the width of each fabric panel, measure the curtain rod's length or the window's width. Multiply this measurement by 1-1/2 or 2. Take that number and divide by two. This is the curtain fabric width for each panel.

Curtain Panel Width = (Window Width * 2) / 2

Cafe curtains usually cover the lower half of the window. These instructions can also be used to sew curtains covering the entire window.

To determine the length of your curtain, measure the curtain height. Measure from the top of the window or curtain rod to the windowsill or wherever the bottom of the curtain is desired.

To this measurement, add 6 inches for the rod pocket, the ruffle, and the hem. This final number is the curtain fabric height.

Curtain Panel Height = (Measure Curtain Height) + 6 inches

Cut two pieces of the curtain fabric to these measurements using scissors or a rotary cutter.

Step 2: Finish the Sides of the Two Panels

The first step is to finish the side hems. Lay one of the pieces of fabric on your ironing board with the right side facing down.

Fold the raw edge of the side of the panel in 1/4" and iron to make a crisp line.

Next, turn the hem over one inch from the first fold. Use a measuring tool to measure a 1" hem allowance and iron.

Use straight pins to pin this hem in place for sewing. Take the panel to the sewing machine and sew close to the first folded edge with a straight stitch, making a neat side hem.

Measure and fold, iron and sew the hem on the other side of the curtain panel in the same way. The side seams are complete.

Do the same process with the second curtain panel. 

Step 3: Prepare and Sew the Top of the Kitchen Curtain Panel

The next step is to finish the top of the curtain panels. Place the curtain panel on the ironing board with the wrong side facing up. Turn the top hem under 1/4 inch and iron crisply.

Next, fold the top edge down 3" and iron. Use a measuring ruler to measure the 3" as the hem is being ironed to ensure it is even.

Iron across the entire top of the panel using the ruler.

Pin this fold in place before sewing.

Take the panel to the sewing machine and sew a straight line next to the first folded edge of the fabric. Be sure to backtack at the beginning and end of the stitching.

Next, the pocket for the rod and the ruffle are going to be made. Sew a 1" seam allowance from the top of the panel.

If your sewing machine does not have a 1" sewing mark, measure 1" to the right from the sewing needle and mark the machine with a piece of masking tape.  This will be your sewing guide.

Sew a line 1" from the top of the panel using the tape as a guide. Don't forget to backtack at the beginning and end of the stitching.

Finish the top hem of the second panel in the same way.

Step 4: Hem the DIY kitchen curtains

Next, finish the curtain panels with a double-fold hem at the bottom edge. 

Lay the curtain panel on the ironing board with the wrong side facing up. Fold the raw edge of the fabric 1/4" towards the wrong side and iron, making a crisp edge.

Fold the fabric up another 1-1/2" and iron this lower hem. Use the ruler as the guide to fold and iron the 1-1/2" hem.

Pin the hem in place and sew the bottom hem of the curtain panel.

Finish the second curtain panel in the same way.

That is how to sew kitchen cafe curtains!  Easy and beautiful. 

Step 5: Hang the DIY kitchen curtains

Slip the panels onto the curtain rod through the pocket sewn on the top, leaving the very top as the ruffle.

The simple homemade curtain is finished!

Hang the rod on your window and enjoy!

Other home decor items to make

• Fabric Bowls, Trays, and Baskets
• Clothes Hanger Covers
• How to Make a Pillowcase
• How to Sew Blankets
• Home Decor Sewing