Sofia Martinez
Sewing your own plastic shower curtain is a fun and simple DIY project that can save you time and money. With just a few basic materials and a sewing machine, you can create a custom curtain that perfectly fits your bathroom's style and dimensions. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to make your own shower curtain, from measuring and cutting the fabric to sewing on the hems and adding the necessary hardware for hanging. So, get ready to spruce up your bathroom with a unique and personalised touch!
Sewing a plastic shower curtain
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Fabric, matching thread, sewing machine, grommet kit or buttonhole foot |
| Fabric type | Any fabric used for window curtains; cotton or polyester |
| Fabric size | 5 yards of 45” or 54” fabric; or 2 ½ yards of 108” or 110” fabric |
| Fabric length | 74"-80" long, depending on the height of the shower rod |
| Fabric width | 74" wide |
| Fabric preparation | Cut fabric to be 12 inches longer than the height of the shower curtain; cut all pieces to this length; trim selvages; seam lengths together; press seam open; trim seamed piece to width |
| Hemming | Add 12" for top and bottom hems; use a simple turned hem technique; fold edges and iron; sew along the inside fold |
| Hanging | Use grommets or buttonholes; space 12 holes evenly about 6 inches apart; cut buttonholes open and insert hooks or rings |
| Liner | Add a separate vinyl or plastic liner; hang on the inside of the tub edge |
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$5.99 $6.99
What You'll Learn
Choosing the fabric
When choosing the fabric for your plastic shower curtain, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, standard shower curtains are typically 72" square, so you'll want to ensure your fabric is at least this wide to create the necessary dimensions. If you're using a patterned fabric, cut it so that the patterns match at the centre seam. You can join smaller pieces of fabric to create the required width, using French seams or by pressing the seam open and overcasting the edges to prevent fraying.
The type of fabric you choose is also important. While it doesn't have to be waterproof as you'll be adding a plastic liner, you may want to consider a lightweight fabric that dries quickly and doesn't require ironing after each use. A poly/cotton blend is a good option, and you can choose any colour or pattern you like! If your bathroom has limited lighting, consider a lighter colour to keep the space bright.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, decorator weights are a great choice and often come with coordinates for window treatments. You can also use fabric with a bold print, stripes, or a solid colour. Polyester is another suitable fabric for shower curtains, and you can adjust your iron setting accordingly.
Finally, consider the amount of fabric you'll need. A standard shower curtain typically requires 5 yards of 45" or 54" fabric. However, if you opt for a wider fabric, such as 108" or 110", you'll only need 2 1/2 yards. Keep in mind that you may need extra fabric if you're working with a print that requires matching.
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Cutting the fabric
First, you need to determine the required fabric size. Standard shower curtains are typically 72 inches square. However, if you want a longer curtain, you can cut your fabric to be 12 inches longer than the standard size. For example, if you want a curtain that is 84 inches long, cut your fabric to 96 inches in length. Don't forget to consider the hems and seam allowances when calculating the final dimensions.
When cutting the fabric, it is essential to match any patterns if you are using patterned fabric. Ensure that the patterns align at the center seam for a seamless look. If you are joining fabric panels, add an extra 1/2 inch to the width for the seam. Cut your fabric panels to the required length, usually around 80 to 88 inches, depending on your desired curtain length.
After cutting the fabric to the desired length, you will need to trim the selvages, which are the self-edges of the fabric. This step ensures that the fabric does not fray and creates a neat finish. Once trimmed, you can seam the lengths together, creating a continuous piece for your shower curtain.
Before moving on to the next steps, it is important to press the seam open and smoothen it out. You can use an iron to do this, which will help create a crisp and professional look. After pressing the seam, trim the seamed piece to the desired width. For a standard shower curtain, this would typically be around 74 to 80 inches wide.
Finally, you will create a simple turned hem to finish the edges of the shower curtain. For the side seams, turn the fabric edges under by 1 inch, and then turn them under again, pinning them in place. Repeat this process for the bottom seam. For the top seam, turn the fabric edges under by 3 inches, and then turn and pin, creating a larger hem allowance.
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Sewing the sides
Cutting the Fabric
First, you need to cut your fabric to the desired size. Standard shower curtains are typically 72 inches square. If you want a longer curtain, you can cut your fabric to 80-inch lengths, adding 8 inches to the height and 4 inches to the width for hems. Don't forget to consider the pattern of your fabric to ensure it matches at the center seam.
Preparing the Fabric
Place the right sides of the fabric together, matching any patterns. Sew a 1/4-inch seam along the selvage edge to join the two pieces. Trim the same amount off each side of the joined fabric so that it measures the desired width, typically around 76 inches.
Hemming the Sides
Now, you will create a turned hem for the sides. Turn the fabric edges of the sides under by 1 inch, then turn again and pin. You can iron the seams as you fold to keep the hem smooth, but this is optional. Sew along the inside fold on the wrong side of the fabric. Repeat this process for the bottom seam.
Top Seam and Buttonholes
For the top seam, turn the fabric edges under by 3 inches, then turn again and pin. Sew along the inside fold on the wrong side of the fabric, just like you did for the sides and bottom.
Finally, mark the placement of your buttonholes or grommets. Space them evenly, starting a couple of inches from the side and 1 inch from the top. Cut buttonholes open, insert the hooks or rings, and add the plastic lining. Your shower curtain is now ready to hang!
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Adding the lining
First, cut your fabric to size. For a standard curtain, the length should be 84 inches, but you can cut it shorter if you prefer. Cut all pieces to this length, and if you're matching up a pattern, ensure you do this before cutting. If you're seaming pieces together, you can either create two equal pieces or a centre panel with two side panels.
Next, take the width of your fabric and subtract it from the finished width. For a standard curtain, the width should be 74 inches, so add 1 inch for the hem and a 1/2 inch for the seam allowance. This will give you a total width of 10 and 1/2 inches per panel. If you want a stripe to be showing on your fabric, cut 1 inch for the side hem on one edge and a 1/2 inch for the seam allowance on the other.
Now you can sew the sides of the curtain. Place the right sides of the fabric together, matching any patterns. Sew a 1/4 inch seam along the selvage edge to join the two pieces. Cut the same amount off each side of the joined fabric panel so that it measures 76 inches wide. You can use a simple turned hem technique to finish the edges. Turn the fabric edges under 1 inch, then turn again and pin. Sew along the inside fold on the wrong side of the fabric. Repeat this process for the bottom seam.
For the top seam, you will create a double-folded hem. Fold the fabric under 4 inches and iron, then fold it up another 4 inches and iron again. Fold the corners under and pin across. Sew up the side, along the inner fold, and back down the other side.
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Hanging the curtain
Hanging your plastic shower curtain is a simple process. Once you've sewn your curtain, you can attach it to the rail or rod using either a grommet kit or buttonholes. If you opt for buttonholes, you will need to sew one on each mark, cut them open, and then insert the hooks or rings. You can use the same hooks as you would for a store-bought shower curtain.
If you decide to use a grommet kit, you will first need to mark the placement of the holes. Space 12 holes evenly, leaving about 6 inches between each one. Start a couple of inches in from the side and 1 inch from the top. Centre a grommet on the marks and trace around the inside of the barrel.
You will also need to attach a plastic liner to the wrong side of the curtain. This goes inside the tub edge, while the fabric curtain hangs outside. You can buy these liners cheaply—they are usually white and cost less than $3.
Finally, hang your new shower curtain!
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Frequently asked questions
Standard plastic shower curtains are 72" x 72".
You will need fabric, matching thread, a sewing machine, and either a grommet kit or a buttonhole foot for the sewing machine.
A standard shower curtain will take 5 yards of either 45" or 54" fabric. If you opt for a wider fabric, you will need only 2 1/2 yards.
Place the right sides of the fabric together, matching patterns if applicable, and sew a 1/4-inch seam along the selvage edge to join the two pieces.
You can use a simple turned hem technique. For the side seams, turn the fabric edges under 1 inch, then turn again and pin. Sew on the wrong side of the fabric along the inside fold.
