So you’re planning to redecorate your bathroom but you’re on a budget. Changing your shower curtain is the easiest way. But finding one to match your preference can be challenging, which is why you should start making your own.
Let this easy tutorial teach you how to make a shower curtain. It’s more affordable, easy to follow, and will unleash your creativity!
Why You Need a Shower Curtain
We often see shower curtains as bathroom essentials because they provide privacy and stop water from reaching the surrounding area. But aside from their practicality, a shower curtain also enhances the look of your bathroom. Here are three reasons you need one.
Sets the Mood of the Bathroom
Having a particular bathroom style boosts your experience, especially when relaxing in the tub. Adopt a theme or color scheme for your bathroom and choose an appropriate shower curtain.
The final look will be aesthetically pleasing and entertaining as you bathe. You’ll also feel a sense of security knowing that no one sees you as you do your thing.
Easy to Maintain
Shower curtains are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain. You can hang it on your own even if you have inexperienced hands. They are also machine-washable. There’s no need to exert effort in keeping them clean.
Reduces Water Damage
Shower curtains are different from liners, but they can also prevent water damage. They may stop water from reaching your bathroom floor or walls. It’s like a secondary barrier that shields the rest of the bathroom to avoid water damage.
Shower Curtain vs. a Shower Liner
Many interchange shower curtains with shower liners. However, the two bathroom decorations have different characteristics.
Shower curtains hang outside of the tub and should stay dry at all times. Its primary purpose is to stop individuals from looking inside the bathroom, giving you a sense of privacy. Its job isn’t to prevent water from getting out, so it’s sometimes not water-resistant.
Curtains are also made of thick fabric for opaqueness. Unlike the shower liner, shower curtains are decorative and add style to your bathroom. It’s available in various designs, patterns, and colors.
Shower liners are the cheap curtain-like tools that hang inside your tub. They stop the water from splashing for the floor to stay dry. It also protects the walls from coming in contact with water. Shower liners have magnets at the bottom so that there’s no open space for water.
Liners are more affordable because they are made of thin, cheap plastic. They are also harder to clean because mold and mildew may accumulate. Choose a shower liner made of vinyl because it is mildew-resistant and doesn’t need the same upkeep.
How to Make a Shower Curtain
Shower curtains are usually the biggest decor in the bathroom. So make sure to use high-quality fabric with an excellent design. The process for making one is simple! Here’s how.
- Prepare the Materials.
Have the following supplies ready before sewing:
- The fabric of choice.
- Thread.
- Ruler.
- Scissors.
- Fabric marker.
- Grommets or eyelets (optional).
- Hammer (optional).
- Iron.
- Pins.
The fabric you will use depends on your preference. But I recommend getting one that resists moisture, such as cotton blended with polyester, vinyl, or polyester. The measurement also depends on the size of the room.
The typical stall shower curtain is 50 inches by 78 inches. And the ordinary shower curtain is 72 inches by 72 inches. You are most likely to need two fabric panels since they don’t sell 72-inch wide cloths.
If you’re new to sewing projects, get a plain fabric. Printed fabrics require matching patterns at the seam, which can be complicated.
When buying a fabric, always add 16 inches of allowance in length and 8 inches in width. This extra size will be helpful for the hem. If your shower curtain measures 72 inches by 72 inches, buy a fabric that is 88 inches by 80 inches.
Grommets, eyelets, and a hammer are optional.
- Sewing
Take four inches at the top and fold the whole side. Iron it flat and the same for the opposite side. You may use a strip of interfacing on the edge to stabilize and support the cloth. This method is ideal for lightweight fabrics.
Keep the folded sides in place using a pin. Sew the folds on one side, then the other.
- Sew the Panels Together
Line up the edges of the two panels’ center with the right side facing. Pin the fabrics to secure, then sew with half an inch of allowance.
The allowance makes sure that the edge and selvage stay invisible. If you’re matching a pattern, lay the two panels before sewing and look for the repeat. If the repetition starts after, say, 43 inches, measure the fabric from the start to 44 inches. Then, cut along the 44th inch.
- The Grommets
You don’t have to perform this step if you don’t want to. You can quickly put buttonholes, but grommets look more professional and beautiful.
If you’ve decided to use grommets, you will need at least twelve of them. Or get a grommet kit at the craft store for less than $25.
Start marking the fabric on the spot where you’d like to place them. Make sure the holes are even using the puncher from the kit. If you don’t have one, use a seam ripper instead. Use a seam ripper if your kit does not include a hole puncher.
Then, position the grommet’s button on the side of the cloth facing out. Place the top part on the other side of the fabric. Once the two grommets are in place, get the metal cylinder from your kit and put it below the bottom grommet. The other metal piece should be on the top part.
Hammer the metal pieces until the grommet is intact and not spinning anymore. Do the same with the other holes.
Wrapping Up
Add more personality to your bathroom by making your own shower curtains. You’ll have more control over the color, design, and size than buying one.
Did you enjoy this article? Let us know your thoughts and questions about how to make a shower curtain in the comments.
Sewing your own shower curtain is easy! Use any fabric you want as long as it’s mold and mildew-resistant. And for more tips, check out this guide we did on bedroom curtains!