Hello, welcome. Thank you so much for being here!

Today I’m sharing an in-depth sewing tutorial for my simple, gathered cafe curtains.

After moving to a new home this summer, we needed some curtains to hang over our old windows. I didn’t want to hide the original woodwork of our craftsman style home and I wanted to allow in as much light as possible while still having privacy.

Since my mind tends to immediately focus on the most frugal route, I automatically considered sewing my own curtains. I’m so happy I did, and you can do it too!

If you’re a beginner, then this is a great project for you since we will only be using two stitches with our machine - the straight stitch and the backstitch!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cafe curtain?

A traditional cafe curtain has 2 panels that cover the bottom half of the window. For this tutorial, we are making a one panel, gathered cafe curtain.

How long do these curtains take to make?

Depending on your skill level and how much free time you have, I would say that these curtains could take 2-6 hours to create. If you have little ones, plan for sewing during nap/quiet time. You can complete steps 1-5 during one day’s nap time, and then steps 6-10 during the next day’s nap time.

What level of sewing skills do you need to have to make these curtains?

Once you understand how to thread your machine and bobbin and can perform a straight stitch and backstitch on your machine, then you are ready to tackle this tutorial.

How do I choose a fabric?

You’ll want something that has a bit of a natural drape and isn’t too stiff. I just chose a 100% cotton fabric.

Where can I learn to sew?

YouTube is a great free resource for beginners, but it’s not quite the same as in-person teaching. I’d recommend reaching out to someone at your church who knows the craft. I personally learned (and am learning) a variety of crafting methods from a shut-in from our church.

Tools you may need

How to Sew a Gathered Cafe Curtain

Step One: Calculate the measurements of your fabric.

Measure the length and width of the window you’re covering, keeping in mind that we are only covering the bottom half of the window.

For today’s tutorial we are using a three inch hem for both the top and bottom hems, so add 7 inches to the total length of your fabric.

For example: the bottom half of my window is 39 inches tall. After adding 7 inches to that measurement, the total length of my fabric will be 46 inches.

To create the gathered effect for your curtain, multiply the the width of your window by 1.5 and then add 2 inches to the total width for hem allowance.

For example: the width of my window is 29 inches. 29×1.5 is 43.5 inches. After adding the 2 inches for hem allowance, the total width of my fabric is 45.5 inches.

Step Two: Iron your fabric.

Before even touching your fabric with scissors, iron out the cloth to ensure as straight of lines as possible.

This doesn’t have to be perfect, but make sure to pay attention to the edges of your fabric and flatten any obvious creases and wrinkles.

Ironing the edges nicely here will make steps four and six much easier.

Step Three: Cut your fabric according to your measurements.

Use your flexible tape measure to determine the length and width of your curtain. Mark the measurement with a vertical pin at various points along the fabric, and cut.

I like to use a rotary cutter and cutting mat, but that is not necessary. A pair of scissors works just as well.

Step Four: Pin a 1/2 inch hem along the right and left sides of the curtain.

Using your sewing gauge, take the edge of your fabric along the side of your curtain (make sure it is not the top or bottom of your curtain!) and fold it over 1/2 an inch. Fold that 1/2 an inch over one more time to fully tuck the ends of your fabric.

Repeat pinning that 1/2 inch rolled hem on the parallel side of your curtain.

Step Five: Sew down side hem.

Using your sewing machine and a straight stitch, sew down your 1/2 inch rolled hem, staying as close to the interior edge of the hem as possible.

I did not include any backstitching for these hems since we will also be hemming the top and bottom of this curtain, effectively keeping the threads in place.

Step Six: Pin your hem length along the top and bottom of your curtain.

Begin by taking your sewing gauge and the edge of the unfinished fabric and folding it over once by 1/2 an inch. Then, instead of rolling it over again by 1/2 an inch (as in step four), roll it over 3 inches. Pin your hem into place and repeat for the final, unfinished edge of your curtain.

Step Seven: Sew down top and bottom hems.

Using your sewing machine and a straight stitch, sew down your top and bottom hems, staying as close to the interior edge of the hem as possible. Make sure to backstitch this time!

Step Eight: Sew the curtain rod pocket.

Using your sewing machine and a straight stitch (don’t forget to backstitch!), sew a 1 1/2 inch curtain rod pocket. That means sew a straight line 1 1/2 inches from the stitching on the hem you just sewed in step seven. If you’re using a 3 inch hem, the curtain rod pocket will also be 1 1/2 inches from the edge of your curtain.

If the ruffle remaining on the top of the curtain covers the guiding lines grooved into your machine, take your sewing gauge with it marked at the 1 1/2 inch marker, lower your needle, and measure 1 1/2 inches to the right of your needle. Mark with your magnetic guide or tape off.

Sew a straight line for your curtain rod pocket stress free!

Step Nine: Press.

Using your iron and board, neatly press the entire curtain.

Step Ten: Hang your curtain.

Slide your curtain rod through the fabric pocket, then hang your curtain.

Enjoy this touch of handmade in your lovely home!