Hey there, sewing friends! It’s a cold clear day in my neck of the woods. I’ve got an antique quilt on the frame and I’m itch’n to be stitch’n. But first, let’s talk about this really cool idea I saw on Pinterest this past week. It was about making your own shower curtain from a quilt. There was no pattern or information, but it reminded me that I did this very thing, about 20 years ago with cheater fabric!
Using cheater fabric, instead of an actual old quilt is way better than an actual quilt hanging in your bathroom, for two reasons. 1. Actual quilts can be very heavy. That’s too much weight for your shower curtain rod. It will make it fall down. Often. And 2. Actual quilts will hold more moisture and dry much slower than just a piece of fabric. You don’t want your quilt to get mildew-y. Even though you would most likely use a shower curtain liner, this is a very real possibility.
So, here are some very simple instructions for making your own shower curtain from cheater fabric. This is how I have done it in the past.
Check out these two adorable cheater fabrics! Wouldn’t either of these make the cutest shower curtains? The one on the left is 108″ wide and easily trimmed to the size of your shower curtain. No piecing needed! You can find them both on Missouri Star Quilt Co. or just click here!
What You’ll Need:
- A quilt or fabric (at least 72” wide by 72” long)
- A rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat
- Sewing machine
- Thread (matching or coordinating)
- Grommets or buttonholes (for shower rings)
- Optional: Backing fabric or liner
Instructions:
1. Measure & Cut
Standard shower curtains are 72” x 72”, but measure your existing curtain or space to confirm. If using a quilt or cheater fabric, trim it to the correct size. If piecing fabric, sew panels together with ½” seams, pressing seams open.
2. Hem the Edges
Fold each edge over ½”, press, fold again to enclose raw edges, and topstitch for a clean finish.
Here are three more beautiful examples of cheater fabrics. Find these and more on Missouri Star Quilt Co. or click here!
3. Create the Top for Hooks
Mark 12 evenly spaced points along the top edge. If using grommets, follow the package instructions to insert them. If sewing buttonholes, set your machine to a buttonhole stitch and create openings large enough for shower rings.
4. Add a Liner (Optional, but I Highly Recommend!)
For extra durability, attach a waterproof liner to the back with a few hand stitches or use a separate liner when hanging. I just add a cheap liner from Walmart and hang separately.
5. Hang & Enjoy!
Slide your handmade shower curtain onto rings and admire your one-of-a-kind creation!
I hope you love this fun sewing idea, as much as I do. Happy sewing!
‘Til next time!
Beth
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the Nancy’s Notions homepage! That’s where you can find all of the categories leading you to hundreds, yes, hundreds of articles all about quilting and sewing! I think of our website as a super fun sewing magazine – it’s just online and it’s free! Click here!
I’ve made my own shower curtain before with borders surrounding the main fabric.. Its a great idea to measure first as this was a jacuzzi tub and the area was a little wider than regular. You can also lay a liner curtain on top and mark through the holes to line them up for stitching/ grommets.