Learning How to make curtains using burlap is probably the easiest and most inexpensive way to decorate a room in your home especially if you have a lot of windows. Curtain panels are expensive so why not make your own window treatments?
Our modern farmhouse family room at our old house had 10 large oversized windows and needless to say, purchasing curtains, custom or not, would have cost a pretty penny.
The curtain panels I wanted were a light brown and cost $55 a panel. Yikes! I decided to purchase burlap fabric in a natural color and if you know anything about burlap, it’s cheap! DIY burlap curtains are the best solution for filling a room with a lot of windows if you are trying to save money.
This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience.
How to make burlap curtains
It always amazes me how our burlap curtains trend on google year after year especially during this season. Looks like I am not the only one who loves the farmhouse transitional home feel. I have updated this post for 2021 providing the latest source links and tips.
Michael’s Crafts offers many coupons online so I printed one for 50% off . I paid $1.50 per yard with the coupon. I used 3 1/2 yards per curtain panel. Not only did the burlap add a great color to the room, the texture was the icing on the cake.
The burlap fabric provides a nice light filtering curtain panel.
Burlap Curtain Ideas
Burlap curtains add phenomenal texture to a space. Our family room is large and the burlap texture helps create warmth without leaving a heavy look around the windows.
If you wanted to line your curtains panels to block the sun, you could definitely do that too!
Each window has two burlap curtain panels.
Curtains made from burlap fabric are also perfect to create a farmhouse feel.
Buy slipcovered sectional chaise sofa
I love how the light brown burlap curtain panels look against the blue/green wall color.
The wall color is call Wythe Blue by Benjamin Moore.
So fresh and clean.
How to make curtain panels without sewing
So lets get started.
I found most of the items needed to make the burlap curtains at Michaels Crafts. You can buy these items though at just about any store.
Items needed:
Stitch Witchery to make a hem on the curtain panels
Curtain panel pins
Scissors to cut the curtain panels
Iron filled with water (for steam) to attach the stitch witchery to the burlap fabric
You will need to make sure that your iron is nice and hot and has a steam feature. I would suggest that you have a large area (like the floor) to work on.
Step 1
Simply fold a hem (I folded about 10 inches for deep pocket) and pin.
Step 2
Next, place your stitch witchery (bought at Michael’s Crafts) where you would normally sew a hem on the burlap fabric.
You may want to consider having a towel or large blanket under your burlap curtain panel to protect the carpet.
If you find that your burlap fabric curtain has an odor, be sure to read my post on how to eliminate burlap odor.
The stitch witchery really works well and the burlap fabric stuck great to it.
You can use the stitch witchery all around the sides if you want a hemmed look throughout your curtain panel. I chose to have a deep pocket top hem on my curtain panel, the edges frayed on the sides and a small hem on the bottom of the curtain panel.
It’s a matter of preference so go with what you like!
Here is a picture of the family room during Christmas.
These no sew curtain panels were so easy to make and look gorgeous!
In about 45 minutes, I made 10 burlap curtains for this room and the curtain panels look amazing!
If you are looking for a lighter colored burlap fabric curtain panel, be sure to check out our no sew “white” burlap curtain project embellished with twisted sisal polka dots.
We have burlap curtains hanging in two rooms now in our home. It’s such an easy and inexpensive way to add curtains that look great.
I remember when the photographers showed up for the This Old House magazine photoshoot (click here to see that post), they couldn’t believe the burlap curtains were made from raw burlap.
Curtains are expensive and DIY Burlap Curtains are cheap and inexpensive. 
Burlap Curtains alternatives
If you are not a fan of burlap curtains, you can purchase any type of fabric and follow this same process. I prefer fabric with some polyester and not 100%. You want to make sure that the fabric has a bit of texture to it and curtains hangs nicely.
If you don’t want to make your own curtain panels, these curtain panels are very similar to mine and very affordable!
If you are in the market for a white slipcovered chaise sectional sofa, this sectional is similar to mine in this picture. If you prefer a more traditional sectional, we also have this white sectional.
I have these curtain panels in our new family room (we moved to this Mediterranean house)
This tutorial of how to make curtains using burlap is I think, the best money saving project I have done so far.
Not only do the burlap curtains add great texture, character and color to the room, I think it gives the overall room the light and airy feeling I was going after.
The only downfall is you cannot wash burlap curtains but for the cost, I am happy to just shake the curtain panels outside a couple times a year.
You can see many more pictures of these curtains in our family room + “Fall Home Tour” post as well as how we added wide pine planks to the walls to create a modern cottage feel.
This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience.
Debbie reFresh says
I love your curtains! Yay! for no sew. The room looks awesome 🙂
Debbie
Jessica Bruno says
Thanks Debbie!
Val says
How well does the stitch witchery work? I’m always afraid of it coming apart.
Anne M says
I used some on a pair of pants I made into shorts about 15 yrs ago and they are still fused and doing great! iron on hem tape is great – only tip I have is make sure it’s really fused. once it is your good to go!
Jessica Bruno says
Hi Val, they have been hanging for almost a year and no issues! I don’t close them a lot so that may help but they do get opened and closed maybe once or twice a week but nothing major. They are very durable and the stitch witchery has worked great for me 🙂
Jane Petermann says
Hi Jessica,
I also have a lot of windows to do in our new home. I have worked with burlap before and I’m concerned about them fading quickly. Have you noticed any problems with fading yet? I suppose I could line them but that would up the cost and time involved.
Jane
Jessica Bruno says
Hi Jane, they have been hanging for almost a year and this room gets full sun all day. No issues 🙂
Karen in Texas says
Jessica – most burlap smells horrible – how did you get rid of the smell?
I love the curtains – they look great ! I am wanting to make some but just concerned that it would take forever before they didnt stink !!
(Love your blog!
Karen in Texas
Amber says
Karen… I sew alot with burlap (drapes, valances, pillows and table runners) and yep, Burlap is smelly at first but it dissipates rather quickly. Don’t wash it!! You will make it super fuzzy and it softens too much and gets wrinkled. After you sew and hang them, spray with febreeze or any other room freshener. I use linen spray for my pillows and runners and the burlap smell usually goes away quickly. Even on panels that I’ve just hung with no spray, it goes away in a couple of days. 🙂 Hope that helps!
Camila says
Hi,
Thank you for this very easy DIY tutorial. I loved it so much I did y right away for my house. I used natural color burlap for my dinette and kitchen. It looks so cute! And then I did white for my living room. I love the “homey yet vintage” look the curtains give a room. I’ve had them up for about a week but I’m finding fuss all over…the floor, bookshelves, clothes. I think I’m even gettig allergies or at least irritation from the fussy residue of the curtains. Is this usually a problem? Can I do something to stop them from shedding this fussy residue? Will it kid of wear off after sometime of use?
I didn’t wash them, I did steam Iron the ones in my kitchen.
I am devastated to think I might have to find another curtain alternative because these look so cute but my nose and throat are very itchy and I can’t think what else it can be but the fuss that I’ve been finding.
Any suggestions or ideas on what I can do?
Tessa N says
You can try using fabric starch. Starch, then iron the burlap and it should hold most of the fuzzies in place without damaging the burlap/making it fray.
Debra Ruffing says
How do you clean them? I always wash my burlap before using it. I have two kitties and the fuzzy stuff that drops from it can get in their paws and really irritate them. I do all my burlap cutting outside if weather permits. I love the drapes!
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you! I just lightly vacuum them once a month or so.
Jessica Bruno says
Thanks Karen!They only smelled a little for a couple days. I did spray them though with cold water (I pinned them with clothes pins to keep the crease look) so that may have helped get rid of the smell.
Paula Plowman says
I soaked mine in a gallon of vinegar then put water in the tub to just cover them then let them soak for a couple days moving them around a couple times. Then rinse I hung mine in the shower to rinse cause this stuff gets heavy when wet lol you could hang them outside and spray with the hose too but I made in January. Then let them hang to dry. Making sure to keep them as neat as possible the wrinkles made when they are wet are very hard to iron out. Then make curtain and hang. They will have a slight smell for bout a week but it goes away. I would not reccomend spraying any kind of air fressener on them. And yes they get darker as they are in the sun. Hope this helps
Jessica @ The Junk Nest says
These are just what I need! I just pinned this for reference! Thanks!
Thistle says
Love these curtains! What an easy and fun project! Pinning and scheduling. 🙂
Have a great day rock star!
karianne
Amber says
LOVE the look of your room!! Just found your blog via Thistlewood Farm. Can’t wait to check out more.
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you Amber!
Ruby says
Love them. Our Michaels does not sell fabric by the yard… but guessing I can find at Hobby Lobby or even Wal Mart… and fuse web is my friend so looks like I might actually be able to make this happen!
Sue says
The Michael’s near me doesn’t have material either, so I went to Hobby Lobby. I bought some white burlap to make curtains for my bedroom. I got it for $2.79 a yard but got 40% off showing the code on my iPhone! I can’t wait to get started! I’m going to just make the curtains today, but want to try doing that Sisal Roping project on your blog, That will add some texture to my room!
Jenny@thelavendermagnolia says
How timely. I just lost my job while my husband was in the middle of painting our dining room a whole new color. I had such dreams for my tiny little dining room! I desperately need new curtains and now I will give these a go. Right on my budget!
One question – are they shedding much?
Jenny
Jessica Bruno says
Hi Jenny, I haven’t had any trouble with shedding. I did NOT wash them though, they may shed if you wash them.
Kim says
Really cute!
Becca says
Love them … they look fabulous in your beautiful space! “No sew” is my kind of project!
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you Becca 🙂 I don’t mind sewing but when I can get away doing this, I do! ha
Lisa @ Diary of a {wannabe} Domestic Diva says
I LOVE THESE! I was thinking about going with some IKEA panels at $24/pair but I love burlap! The whole room is gorgeous!
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you Lisa!
Michelle says
These curtains are fabulous and just what my guest room needs! I just bought some coral bedding for it…
I am also loving the color on your walls! Do you recall what color/brand it is? It’s exactly what I’m looking for!
Jessica Bruno says
Hi, thank you! The blue color on the top wall is by Benjamin Moore and called Blue Wythe. Good luck with your project 🙂
Lauren says
I love these! I had wanted some in our family room when we moved in 2 years ago. I bought the fabric and when I started cutting realized that my daughter was allergic! Ugh! So, I used a different kind of utility fabric instead, kind of like a linen. I still prefer the look of burlap, though, and using stitch witchery is genius 🙂
Jessica Bruno says
Hi Lauren, I love stitch witchery 🙂 It works wonders!
katie says
Gorgeous (inexpensive) curtains!!!
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you Katie!
Chelsea says
I love these! I’m super excited to try them. What size did 3.5 yards make? I need mine to be 8.5 ft long so if I did a wide hem like yours how many yards per panel would you advise I get?
Jennifer says
Still one of my favorite living rooms…ever. And yay for affordable curtains! Love them!!
Debbie says
Love the look of the whole room, totally off the subject, what is the color of blue paint on walls? Thank you
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you! It’s Blue Wythe by Benjamin Mooore.
Sarah D says
Thanks to your inspiration- I went out and made these today. I went even further with the no sew and used the drapery clips instead of making pockets so all I had to to was cut the burlap. SO CHEAP! Thanks for the great idea.
Jessica Bruno says
Hey Sarah! That is great to hear! Yay! 🙂
Jodi says
I am all for no-sew projects so I might give this a try. Question, any ideas on a simple solution to block out more light? I LOVE the burlap look but I like to be able to block out the sun on hot summer days (and I hate when people can see in the windows at night!)
By the way, absolutely love this room!
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you! You could alway buy some inexpensive linen colored fabric (cotton/poly blend) at a fabric store and sew a liner to the burlap. You could even use old sheets to make a liner 🙂 Not sure if you sew or not but you could try the stitch witchery as well. Good luck! Glad you like the project!
Robin K says
Love this idea! I am redecorating my daughters room and its a western and horse theme. She has a red and white patchwork quilt and I think these would look great with the wall color and the bedding!!
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you Robin! I love horse themed rooms 🙂
Jamie Asper says
I LOVE your curtains and I adore burlap! I can’t sew so this is perfect! I may do this for my nursery that I’m working on now. Love, love, love what you’ve created!!
~ Jamie
Rhonda Copple says
Jessica, You have made this so easy. I am not a seamstree but I think even I can do this. Can’t wait to check out your blog……
Rhonda Copple says
Jessica, This is what I’ve been looking for – very casual drapes but they look just right in your room. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to check out more ideans on your blog. Rhonda
Elizabeth says
I love the sofa. Do you know who makes it? Thanks,
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you! I bought it at Jordan’s Furniture in Natick, Ma. I don’t know the manufacturer.
Diane says
Hello,
I’m lovin the burlap curtains. Now don’t think I’m crazy, but do you think they could be bleached to white. I would love to have these for a bedroom, or should I just buy a Ecru bedspread?
Jessica Bruno says
Thankyou! I don’t think I would bleach them. They would probably fall apart 🙁 They do sell different colors of burlap though in fact, I think they sell a white color? Try googling white burlap 🙂
stephanie says
could you please share the source of the burlap fabric you used? it seems there are many different weights and quality… which is hard to tell from online!
Jessica Bruno says
Hi Stephanie. I am not sure on the weight but I can tell you that I bought it at Joanne Fabrics (natural color) and it normally is $3/yard but I used one of the coupons which was 1/2 off. Our Joanne Fabrics nearby only sells one type of burlap so not sure if others have different weight or not in other stores.
stephanie says
thank you so much! im actually not too far from you (cape cod) and am going to make some for my new (first!) house! thank you so much for the reply. I love your blog, your style is amazing & you are blessed with a great family!
Jessica Bruno says
That is fantastic Stephanie! Send me a picture when they are done, I would love to see them! 🙂
amy says
Would using rit dye be too harsh on burlap?
Charlene says
I love the look. It’s so inexpensive and it looks great. It adds texture to the room and still brings in a lot of light. Great job. I think I’m going to try this for the spring
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you Charlene! 🙂
Christina Patek says
LOVE this! Curious what were the measurements of your windows?
Jessica Bruno says
Hi, the windows are 63″ long and 50″ wide.
Shelley says
Jessica,
Just a quick question….how do you get the burlap to bunch up towards the top? The burlap I”ve found at Hobby Lobby, is airy but flat and a bit stiff. Do I need to just iron them and they will look like yours do? Thank you!!!
Jessica Bruno says
Hi, My hem is about 6″ wide (deep pocket hem) and yes, I ironed my burlap. I also pinned them with clothes pins (on the inside near the window so you can’t see them) for a couple days and sprayed lightly with water. The water helped keep the crease. I removed the pins a couple days later and I had the crease look 🙂 You could always safety pin from the inside (nobody will see it) if you can’t get the burlap to stay the way you want it. Good luck!
Cari says
Super cute! Do you think I can stencil words on them?
Jessica Bruno says
I am not sure? Maybe with acrylic paint? I have never done that.
Paula Plowman says
yes you can I saw it on pinterest joanns sells it with print already on it and some stores have it in more colors blue green yellow etc
courtney says
your rug is so lovely. where is it from?!
Jessica Bruno says
Hi, it’s from overstock.com
Christina Marie says
Very nice curtains… But I have to admit I could not stop looking at your couch! I love it. May I ask where is it from?
Jessica Bruno says
ha 🙂 It is from Jordan’s Furniture in Natick, Ma
Lora says
Very cute curtains, but I LOVE the pillows! Please tell me you know the name of the fabric… 😉
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you! I think it’s Thomas Paul (Dalia) at fabrics.com but check my family room post, I know I put it in there 🙂 https://www.fourgenerationsoneroof.com/2012/02/family-room-before-after.html
Jennifer says
Hi, I love the burlap curtains and am going to try making my own — one question, do you happen to remember the width of the burlap you purchased or the width of each panel you made? Thanks!
Jessica Bruno says
Hi, I think it was about 52″ wide?
Michele says
Awesome! We’re moving in a couple of weeks, and I was JUST telling hubby that, after shower curtains for the new place, I wanted to buy curtains. I will have to try this!
Ginnie Eddinger says
Can you tell me what color paint you used on the living room wall? Thank you!
Jessica Bruno says
Hi, it’s Blue Wythe (Benjamin Moore) and White Dove (Benjamin Moore)
Amie says
I love this idea. If I am going to need to make 4 panels how long and how wide do the need to be?
Jessica Bruno says
The burlap typically comes in a 45 or 54″ width. The length depends on how long you want them. Measure how long you want them to be and add an additional 4″ inches on each end for hem. Take your measurements to the fabric store with you and the salesperson will tell you how many yards you need per panel 🙂 Good luck!
Linda says
I tried to do these curtains and they were not easy to do. I didn’t find the stitch witchery user friendly with the material. They also made a real mess with burlap fibers flying everywhere. If you do make them I would recccommend sewing them preferably outdoors.
Kathy says
For the curtains, did you use the entire width of the burlap for each individual panel? For example, if each panel was 3.5 yards long… did you use the whole width (45″ or 54″ across) of your burlap for that panel or did you cut that 3.5 yards down the middle to make 2 panels out of it?
NormaJean says
Just saw your gorgeous white burlap curtains with the sisal polkadots! They are amazing! Yo are amazing! Where do you come up with all these wonderfully creative ideas?
I’m a new “wannabe” blogger (lilacsandlemonade@blogspot.com). When I see creativity and talent like yours I begin to wonder what I think I’m attempting to do.
Keep up the good work! I love your blog!
Lauren @momhomeguide says
Love these! I also love the white burlap curtains you made. My family room has valences up, but there is nothing covering up our (not so great) metal blinds. Maybe I should make some white burlap curtains to cover up the blinds! It would be a cheap and easy fix! I might just embellish mine, too! I have lots of burlap twine left over from a fringed burlap table runner I recently made for a tutorial on my blog!
April says
Hi – Love the curtains…the whole room actually. Question: Did you remove the pins after you secured the hem with stitch witchery? Thanks.
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you. Yes, I removed the pins.
Kathleen says
Looks great! Just what I was looking for: instructions for creating no-sew burlap curtains. Thanks!
Tianna says
Hi!! I hope I’m not asking a repeat question but what is the name of the paint color in this room?? I love it!
T
Krista says
Love this. Heading to Joann’s in the am!!
How wide are your panels each?
Thanks for your amazing posts!
Jessica Bruno says
They are 45″ wide 🙂
Debi Roskam says
I love this idea! The colour is of the burlap would work perfectly with my furnishings. I would like to ask you though, where did you buy your sectional & area rug, as I do like this style. As well, the area rug is a welcoming change to my typical old world Persian. It’s very summery!
Any info would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Debi
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you! The rug is from overstock.com and the sectional is from Jordan’s Furniture in Natick, Ma. You can read all the details on our family room post 🙂 Thanks again! Glad you like it. https://www.fourgenerationsoneroof.com/2012/02/family-room-before-after.html
Tiffany says
Hi!
I absolutely LOVE your burlap curtains! I recently bought several yards of it and just might make some curtains for my new house…however, I was wondering if your burlap was the finer burlap, or the regular rough stuff?
Thanks!
Tiffany
Jessica Bruno says
It’s not the heavy duty stuff that they use to make bags ect.. I bought it in Joanne Fabrics in the Utility section and it’s normally $3 or so a yard. Look for a 40% off coupon though online , they usually have them 🙂
Hollydoo says
The only thing I would do differant is to make a small hem them a larger one so you have a little bit of a ruffle edge on the top of each panel, but they still look great.
Hollydoo
Marie says
Hi!
I was in style 39 yrs. ago!
When my husband was in school, and I was working full time, we did not have much money for window treatments. So, I made all of our window coverings out of burlap. I did lined the one’s in the bedroom. Everyone that came over to our Apt. just loved them. Glad to see that they are popular now! I was ahead of the times! 🙂
Marie
Darlene says
Love this idea! What kind of burlap did you use?
Jessica Bruno says
I used the standard burlap that Joanne Fabrics sells. It’s in the utility fabric section.
Breanna says
A friend of mine loves these, as do I and we were going to make them for her living room. She also loves the blue wall color though. Any chance you could share the color?
Great tutorial! Thanks.
Jessica Bruno says
Hi, the blue color is wythe blue by benjamin moore 🙂
Sandi Parker says
I saw this as a pin on Pinterest and I’m all over it – especially the no-sew part. You said you used 3 1/2 yards per panel. May I ask, how long is that? Is that a standard 84 inches? Thx – am totally psyched to do these!
Jessica Bruno says
They are about 94 inches long 🙂 Glad you like them and good luck. They are SOOOOO easy to make and cheap!
Heather says
Where did you get that type of burlap, I have been wanting burlap curtains but no where near where I live has it and when i try to look online there seem to be so many types, this is the exact type i want
Jessica Bruno says
The utilities section at Joanne fabrics
Carrie S. says
Your room is fantastic! I especially LOVE your white birds on the wall. Please share where you got those!!!
Brittany says
Love the curtains, but I’m a beginner. How do you figure out how many yards you need per panel?
Jessica Bruno says
There are 36″ in a yard of fabric so measure how long you want each panel to be and go from there. I always get 3 yards per panel so I have extra left over. You can do an 84″ or 96″ each panel with 3 yards.:)
Angel says
Hi,
I love the color of your living room wall. May I know the brand and name color you used?
Thank you. 🙂 love the curtains too!!
Jessica Bruno says
Thanks Angel! The color is Wythe Blue by Benjamin Moore and White Dove (on the bottom) by Benjamin Moore 🙂
Jill French says
I love your curtains. Love the whole look ! I would like to know where you got your sectional?
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you! The sectional is from Jordan’s furniture in Natick, Ma 🙂
Christine F says
These curtains are beautiful, I love them! I was wondering did you cut your panel in half? I did this project but I find that my one panel is huge! Help!
Jessica Bruno says
Hi, thank you! Nope, I left them full width. Our windows are huge so the full width (I think they were 45″) worked perfectly. You could cut off some of the width if you think they are to wide. 🙂
Crystal says
I LOVE the birds on your wall!
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you 🙂
Kasey says
I absolutely LOVE your burlap curtains, just what I have been looking for. Do you think it would be possible to sew a blackout curtain behind it?
Jessica Bruno says
I bet you could but it might make the burlap a bit darker. The blackout would help with fading as well. You could always buy the fabric and as long as you don’t cut it, they will usually take it back. Hold it up to the back of the burlap and just pin it and hang it up to see if you like the look.
Michelle says
I love the pic of your living room with the burlap curtains! Can you tell me also the name of the paint color on the walls & where you bought it? Love that shade of blue 🙂
Jessica Bruno says
It’s wythe blue by benjamin moore 🙂
Juley says
Hi! I am currently trying to use Stitch Witchery on burlap, but I can’t get it to stick. Any advice on how you ironed it? I’ve tried with a damp cloth, without a damp cloth, steaming it first all with no luck!
Thanks!
Jessica Bruno says
Hi, I had the iron filled with water and used the steam option while ironing the stitch witchery. Is it iron on stitch witchery? Mine stuck very easily. That is so strange it isn’t sticking?
Allie Marie says
For me I just needed to do it a lot longer than it suggested on the box. I also in a few spots doubled up the tape, by putting it on both sides and ironing them together. Hope that helps!
Grammie says
I buy burlap from Loves sold in the garden department that comes in 22′ rolls by 36″ wide for $10. I like this burlap way better than fabric store burlap because it is lighter weight and woven wide, looks like linen. I too have made simple sew burlap draperys for my family room and love the sheer look.
Grammie says
woops, LOWES!
Allie Marie says
Thank you for the tutorial! I just made some of my own for my breezeway area. I posted a link to your site on the DIY section of my website so others can make these cheap and easy curtains. Thanks again!
http://alliemarie26.wix.com/girlonahill#!crafts/c1ggn
Kristen Harris says
I love the curtains and also the paint color on your wall behind them. Will you please share the paint color?
Elizabeth says
How do you know what size to get? I am a first time DIY’er and i know if I bought curtains I would need the 83″ length (and than to wash and shrink them to be more of about a 81″ lenght) I will be making the bigger hem like you did.
Jessica Bruno says
Hi, there are 36″ in a yard so I would head to your local fabric store and purchase 3 yards per panel (so you would need 6 yards for 2 panels (1 window) ) and then hem or use the stitch witchery (like I did) to get the desired length. All fabric from a fabric store is sold by the yard and I’m sure the sales people at the store will help you :). Good luck !
Betty says
What color is your paint on these pics? So beautiful!
Jessica Bruno says
Wythe Blue and White Dove by Benjamin Moore. Thank you! 🙂
Christine says
Hello!
I’ve been reading about burlap curtains, and love the texture of them.
How have you prevented dry rot in these curtains? Natural fibers do eventually, of course, but after all that nice work, it’d be nice to forestall that happening.
And, what did you do for weight?
Thank you
Elizabeth says
Hey Jessica! I’m really struggling with my (first 2 of 4) DIY burlap curtains for my nautical living room. I don’t necessarily like how they turned out but am planning to leave them up (since the time and money have been invested). Would there be a way to show you a picture and you can give your advice as to what I should do with them to make them look better (let them hang, tie them back, shorten them, etc). Thanks!!!
Jessica Bruno says
sure, email them to jessica (at) fourgenerationsoneroof (dot) com 😉
Deana Smith says
I love your DIY burlap curtains…..i’m curious how wide was the burlap you used. I’ve seen it in 40” and 60”????? Just curious….thanks
Regards,
Deana Smith
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you! They are 40″ wide.
Tai says
I want to make some of these for my smaller kitchen Windows, can you tell me roughly how many yards of burlap you used ?
Amy says
I love this idea! Did/does the burlap shed and make a mess? I have kids who would constantly be messing with the curtains… 🙁
Kala says
Hey! I have never made curtains before. But this looks accomplishable! For the hem, can I just fold the burlap over once? Yours looks like it has a finished look before you sew. Does that make sense? I’m wondering if this is necessary. I don’t have a whole lot of fabric width to work with and don’t want to use extra inches. My window is 34.5″ vertically and my fabric is only 48″. Should I just fold over 3″ of burlap for the hem and have the curtain hang at the window bottom. My curtain rod hangs 5″ above my window.
Sorry for this crazy post. lol and Thank you in advance
Kala says
I just realized… are you using the width (my 48″) for the top of the curtains?
Jessica Bruno says
Yes, my width is 48″ and I actually didn’t fold over the ends, I liked the frayed look. I only folded down the top hem (no sew) and used the stitch witchery to make the hem.
Haley Jeffrey says
Love this idea!! Thank you for sharing!
Lisa DeSantiago says
I am so bummed. Im right in the middle of my living room and have spent the last 2 hours trying to get one panel up (I need 4 all together). I used the stitch witchery but can not get it to hold up. I applied it with the iron, let it cool down put when I put if onto the rod..it comes apart. I have tried it at least 5 times???
The rod (pvc) is 1″ and I did a 5″ pocket so there is enough room. What did I do wrong?
I would have attached a picture but I can’t find away to do that;'(
Jessica Bruno says
That is so strange. Mine have been hanging for almost 3 years now! Did you try using the steam part of your iron? Maybe try a different brand of stitch wichery?
Sarah Pace says
Such a pretty room .Can you tell me what wall color you have on the walls? i love it. Thanks
Jessica Bruno says
Hi, the wall color is Wythe Blue and white Dove by Benjamin Moore. Thanks!
Laura says
love these curtains! Also, love your tv stand! Any hints about where you got it? Thanks!
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you! I made the curtains from burlap and we made the TV stand 🙂
Deb says
you must be in the US because I checked out the cost of burlap here in Canada and I’m looking at $18-$24/ metre….very expensive same at Micheals….am I looking in the wrong place?
Jessica Bruno says
I am in the US and purchased from Joanne Fabrics. The normal cost is around 3-4$ per yard but I had a coupon that saved me a lot. Good luck, try ordering online?
Alletta says
These looks awesome!!
I have a couple of questions though.
1) Does stitch witchery work with other fabrics or just burlap?
2) Does the burlap keep a lot of sun out or is it purely for decoration?
Jessica Bruno says
I have never used it on other fabric drapes although I have used it to seal pillows so I am sure it would work. The drapes are still hanging almost 3+ years later and they don’t provide a dark room but I do close them if the sun is beaming in and creating a glare on the TV. They block the glare but don’t make the room dark. They are more like sheers.
Abby says
What burlap did you use from Michael’s? I can’t seem to find any that would be long enough for curtains!
Jessica Bruno says
The burlap is from Joanne Fabrics. You can also check http://www.onlinefabric.com / they have a great selection
Bethany says
Hi there! Love the tutorial and it’s simple enough for me. I’m actually trying it now and I can’t get the stitch witchery to stick to the burlap I purchased. Any thoughts?
Jessica Bruno says
Hi, I ironed my burlap first and used a really hot/steamy iron when applying the stitch witchery. My drapes are still hanging 3 years later and the stitch witchery has held wonderfully. Try using a hot steamy iron and let it sit for a couple seconds on the burlap and witchery and slowly iron. The other thing you could try is lightly spraying your burlap with a tiny bit of water then iron. I did that to get rid of the burlap odor. Maybe that will help too . Good luck!
Susan Goyings says
I would love to get instructions on making these curtains.
christina says
Hello, I just love this idea, for so many reasons. I don’t know how it is in the US but here in Belgium we have 2 kinds of burlap. The heavy one (400gr/m²) and the lighter version (240gr/m²). Do you think the light one will be good? It has a softer feel and I think the curtains will fall easier into nice folds. Or do I need the heavy one for the weight? And another question: is witch stitchery like a double-sided tape?
Thank you! Christina
Jessica Bruno says
The stitch witchery is not tape, it’s a fabric that sticks once you iron it on. I think a light weight burlap would be best. Good luck! 🙂
Sue says
I love your blog! I’m going to make the white burlap curtains with the sisal roping for my bedroom. It will give my room some texture and will go with my shabby chic theme I kind of have going! Thanks!
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you!;)
Katie says
Hi Jessica,
These curtains look wonderful! I’d like to do something similar, but can only find 47 inch wide burlap at JoAnn’s, which would require buying MUCH more burlap than I had hoped in order to make make 4 floor length panels. It appears that you purchased 96 inch wide burlap and then used 3 1/2 yards of that per panel? Am I missing something? Thank you for your help! 🙂
Katie
Tomelle says
I love your curtains! I am doing them! Also what brand is your sectional white couch?
Thanks!
Tomelle
Debra Ruffing says
I would like to know the brand of your sofa too. I am looking for new living room furniture.
Jessica Bruno says
Hi, the sofa came from a local furniture shop here in Massachusetts. I have linked to a similar one in our family room makeover. IF you are interested, here is our affiliate link too 🙂 http://rstyle.me/n/b48pydxqin . Here is the resource list too for this room https://www.fourgenerationsoneroof.com/2012/03/resource-list-for-our-family-room
eydie says
Jessica,
Your blog inspired me to make burlap curtains for my seaside home. I am using a sew method, however, notice the burlap sheds. Welcome any advice for stopping the shedding….
Jessica Bruno says
I actually sprayed mine lightly with water and then ironed. It helped cut down on the shred. Mine definitely shred in the beginning a little while I was working with it but once they were hung, they were fine. I bet they look great in you seaside home!!! Send a picture , would love to see 🙂
Toni says
These are pretty great drapes for no sew. Thanks for sharing and They are very elegant looking.
Jessica Bruno says
Thanks Toni! It’s a great and inexpensive way to make drapes 🙂
Kelly says
Love your website. Quick question: what color is the 2 drawer dresser next to the burlap lamp. Thanks, Kelly
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you! The dresser is from HomeGoods so I am not sure the exact color ::)
Kristina says
Hello, I was wondering if you have, or know of anyone who has dyed their burlap fabric, and how it turned out?
Ann-Siobhan says
HI. Could you lease tell me if you doubled the width of your window to get the drapes to fall like that? I’m new (a complete novice!) to sewing. Many thanks!
Jessica Bruno says
Hi, the curtain width (the fabric I bought) was about 55″ . My windows are large so I wanted a bit of a wider panel 🙂
Christi says
Thanks so much for the idea as I have two sets of french doors and can’t find burlap window panels for the life of me. Do you think the stichery will hold up to two ends/rods hung taut for the door panels?
Jessica Bruno says
It’s pretty sturdy and I had no problem with my staying in place for years!
Diana says
I have purchased burlap which was suppose to not have odor. It still does and will always be there
U can buy painters cotton drop cloths 9’ x 12’ for $20 each
And can be washed
Jessica Bruno says
That is a great idea with drop clothes! I actually wrote a post about the smell too and how I got rid of the smell here https://www.fourgenerationsoneroof.com/how-to-eliminate-burlap-curtain-odor/