When we moved a few weeks ago we sold on of our dining tables since we would no longer have room for two. The one we sold was a little beat up on top and I had purchased a tablecloth (which I absolutely loved) from Target which we used on it. Now in our new house we don’t have the table but we DO have a lot more windows in need of some sort of window treatments. I’m not sure if you have shopped for curtains lately but those things are NOT cheap (and I am)!
The tablecloth was around $15 and measured 60×84 inches. I was brainstorming ways to make this tablecloth into a curtain for a large picture window in my craft room. After measuring the window I knew I could not afford to take much off of the length or it would be too short, so my initial idea of folding over 4-5 inches and sewing were out of the picture. I also knew I wanted to avoid sewing at any cost because I’m not even sure where my sewing machine is right now. Then I thought of making tabs out of ribbon, but I thought that might look tacky, so then I had the idea to make hidden tabs with ribbon and hot glue! So for around $30 and some supplies I had on hand I made two tablecloths into curtains and saved about $20-$30.
To make your own you will need the following supplies:
- A tablecloth (or more depending on the width of your window)
- Ribbon
- Scissors
- Hot Glue Gun
Measure your curtains and then decide how far apart you would like to place the ribbon tabs. My curtain was 60 inches wide and I decided to place the ribbon every 3 inches which meant I needed to cut 20 pieces of ribbon. To decide how long each piece of ribbon should be take the width of the curtain rod into account. Since my curtain rod was around 1.5 inches in diameter I cut my ribbon 2.5 inches long.
I glued the tops of the ribbon along the top of the tablecloth and then I went back and glued the bottoms.
My ribbons pieces were cut to 2.5 inches, but I wanted to leave some breathing space so I measured two inches from the top and glued them there.
I let the glue dry for a few minutes. Thankfully hot glue dries fast, so I didn’t have to wait long to see the results of my finished product!
One down and one to go! Each tablecloth took about 15 minutes – can’t beat that!
This is what they curtains look like if you hide yourself in them and look up. Hey… you never know!
I couldn’t be more happy with them! They were cheap, easy, and I am really in love with the yellow and white lattice print! Thanks Target!!
Can you wash these? I want to do this.
does the glue last?
I had them hanging for nearly two years and only pulled them down once for a repair to two tabs.
OMG, I can't tell you how much I love this idea! I just bought a pretty, inexpensive linen tablecloth that is too short for my table and I really want to do this with it! I just need to get another one and I can have beautiful Autumnal curtains for my dining room. You, ma'am, are a genius! 🙂
Love it ! I just used some lace table clothes, from the dollar store, folded them over a rod for my kitchen windows, it looks great, and it cost me $3.00 + the rod, : )))
Awesome idea! I am trying to find cheap, creative ways to decorate windows for our office, located in a very old building with very tall windows (99") & can't wait to tell my manager about this. Thanks!!!
These look great! Can you see the hot glue dots from the front?
No, since it was actually a tablecloth the fabric was a bit thicker and you can't tell they are glued at all! 🙂
I inherited a ton of vintage tablecloths from my grandmother (and my husbands grandmother). It seems like such a shame to have them just sit there in the cabinet. I wanted to make some beautiful kitchen curtains, but I wasn't thrilled with the idea of cutting them or sewing them. You saved the day. Thank you!!!
I just inherited all of my grandmother's vintage tablecloths. It seems like such a shame to leave them in a cabinet. I wanted to make curtains, but didn't really want to cut them or sew on them….you have saved the day!!!! Thank you.
awesome!! so easy to do and such a great effect. glad i found this blog via pinterest. 🙂
This is awesome! Super creative and cute! Way to go!