DIY: Use grommets to turn a sheet into a curtain

Yesterday, I wrote about the Design Dilemma faced by Indy resident Kat who is trying to figure out window treatments for a big bay window.

The post made me think about this great DIY project by the talented Shelly Leer of Flipt Studio (also known as ModHomeEcTeacher on the great blog Curbly).

Shelly shows us how to turn a flat sheet into a shower curtain using grommets (with results that can look a lot like the Urban Outfitters shower curtain at right).

But I think the same lesson could be used to turn a sheet or other fabric into modern curtain panels -- especially if you use larger grommets. You could even add grommets to an existing curtain panel to give it a much more modern look.

So thanks to Shelly for allowing me to repeat her post:

Turn a Flat Sheet Into a Grommet Topped Shower Curtain

Generic shower curtains are a dime a dozen at Macy’s, Bed Bath & Beyond and Target, right?

Here’s a little secret: Buy a full sized flat sheet with a snazzy graphic design (like the one at left from CB2) and convert it into a custom shower curtain for your re-decorated bathroom.

Standard sized shower curtains measure approximately 72″ x 72″. If you purchase upholstery or apparel fabric, you’ll have to buy at least 4 1/2 yards, and your choices of fabric may be limited.

However, you can easily cut down a flat sheet, hem the sides, top, and bottom, add grommets and you’ll have a knock-out shower curtain in no time.

Photos above compliments of Curbly.com.

This is how you use a full sized flat sheet to make a 72″ x 72″ shower curtain. Be sure to measure your own shower to determine what size sheet you’ll need to use.

Here’s what you do:

1. Take a nicely designed flat sheet that measures approximately 81″ x 96″
2. Cut 9″ off of each side so that the cut width is now 78″ (make sure the design is centered)
3. Fold each side over 1″ and press, fold over again 2″, press and stitch
4. Now fold the bottom edge over 2″ and press. Fold over again 3″, press and stitch
5. Fold the top edge over 1 1/2″ and press, fold over again 2 1/2″ and press and stitch
6. You will be installing 12 grommet across the top of the shower curtain.
7. With a marker, measure in 1″ from each edge and then every 7″ inches for grommet placement
8. Install grommets 2″ down from the top, folded edge.

See how to install grommets right here with a Ten Minute Grommet Workshop

This post is part of link up at It's a Blog Party.