How to Make Cafe Curtains in 2 hours

I've been wanting to make curtains for my kitchen nook for awhile now.  The problem is that I need curtains that provide privacy but also let in as much light as possible.  I love the idea of a french bistro cafe curtain, but was worried it would look too country instead of modern contemporary.  I found this look and was instantly smitten!

Here's my interpretation as I wanted the curtain to be recessed in the window as apposed to the rod on the outside of the frame.

I also left my blinds up at the top so I can pull the shades down at night.  These took me only 2 hours to complete and hang as I used a spring tension rod.

 (Uh, btw: taking photos from the inside of the house facing out into the sunny day is extremely challenging.  My camera kept darkening the pics!)





HOW TO MAKE CAFE CURTAINS:

SUPPLIES:

1. Suggested Fabric: sheers, light weight cotton, bleached muslin
2. Spring Tension Curtain Rod
3. Cafe Rings
4. Thread 

Wash your fabric before cutting to pre-shrink.


TOOLS:

1. Sewing Machine
2. Seam gauge or ruler
3. Yard stick
4. Iron

DETERMINING HOW MUCH FABRIC YOU NEED:

Length:
Measure your window's length and decide how long you would like your curtain.  Usually, cafe curtains are positioned at the middle length of the window, but it is not set in stone.  Add 2" for the top seam and 4" for the bottom seam.

Width:
To find the width needed,  measure your window's length and mutiply by 1.5.  You can also add 4" allowance for the side seams (1" on each end), but I did not as, I didn't want them too voluminous. 


CUTTING AND MARKING FABRIC:

 ONE PANEL

Length: Cut your fabric according to your measurements.  Finished length + 2" + 4".

Width: Cut fabric according to window width mutliplied by 1.5.  Optional: add 4" for side seams.  Cut fabric in half lengthwise into two pieces to make a set of cafe curtains for one window.

You should have 2 pieces of fabric similar to the diagram.




DIRECTIONS:

1. Use a seam gauge or ruler and fold down sides 1/2".  Press with iron.  Repeat with other side and second curtain.

2.  Fold down again 1/2" to hide raw edge. Press with iron.  Repeat. 

3.  Stitch close to folded edge.  Repeat. 

4.  Measure and fold Bottom edge 2", press.   Fold again 2", press, stitch.

Repeat with Top edge with a 1" allowance instead.

5.  Stitch closed the opening on sides for tops and bottoms.

6.  Give curtains a final press and clamp curtain clips in evenly spaced intervals.  Hang your new curtains and admire your awesomeness!







Now that I have the curtains, on to the next project!  I would love to complete the nook with this look. Wouldn't my new cafe curtains fit perfectly here, lol :)