This post will share how you can transform a vintage tablecloth with a few simple sewing steps into a farmhouse style, completely unique shower curtain.
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The thing that you have to know about vintage tablecloths is that they are often roughly showered curtain size. You also need to know that because you’ll be sewing the tabs (those fabric loops that connect to the rod) at whatever interval you want, you can make a tablecloth fit a shower.
You may have to hem, and that is ok.
The advantage of using a vintage tablecloth is that they are pre-washed and thus preshrunk, they are often inexpensive (though I have passed up many a gem printed with giant roses that were just a bit too much for my budget), and they are probably not being used as a tablecloth. Also, a tablecloth is already hemmed, most likely, which means your sewing project will be completed in no time.
In addition to a vintage tablecloth, you need double fold bias tape (which you probably can score for not that much at a second-hand store, or new via Amazon. This is a long strip of fabric that is folded hot-dog style twice, and the edges are treated so they won’t fray. It is a small price to pay for a really easy tab solution. You could absolutely use something like a hemp rope, gingham ribbon (melt the cut edges with a lighter carefully, just a touch) or you could make your own fabric tabs.
You will need:
Vintage tablecloth (that links to new and used ones on Amazon)
Use a shower curtain as a simple guide for marking where you will sew your tabs. If your table cloth is really wide, you might mark your marks 9 inches apart while the standard, store-bought shower curtain is probably spaced 6 inches. IT IS OKAY IF THIS HAPPENS. Your curtain will just be a bit more “ruffle-y” than standard. Who wants to be standard, anyway? Not me.
Use a pen or pencil to mark where you will sew your tabs.
My shower curtain was actually a bit narrow, as compared to standard, but I have a clear plastic shower curtain on the inside and it doesn’t make any difference.
The length of the tabs you cut from the double fold bias tape will be determined by how long you want/need the shower curtain to be, which of course is determined by the size of your tablecloth. I cut my tabs 8 inches, which made a 4-inch space between the shower rod and the hooks to the top the shower curtain. You could do twice that or more- think cafe curtain but in shower curtain form- and if you have a great tablecloth to use, I bet it would look amazing!
Use matching thread and a universal needle and remember to back stitch. Sew tabs along the top of your vintage shower curtain. Hang and admire!
See how mine is a touch narrow? Also, see how it doesn’t matter at all? Easy peasy, right?
Happy sewing, Wildflowers!
I know lots of you might be new to me; I’m Jenny and I am a huge fan of saving time and money by creating things at home for yourself.
I wanted to show you another super cute, lightening fast home decor project I created recently! How adorable is this burlap garland?
Read that post here!
If you want to learn how to sew, check out the courses HERE!
It’s beautiful! But is it water proof? I’d worry that it might attract mould over time and be a bit difficult to clean?
Great question! I use a plastic liner behind it but the curtain is 100% cotton and I want to try using it alone in the summer and see if it dries quickly in the bathroom. I’m trying to get rid of plastic, bit by bit. For now, it washes just fine in the washing machine!