Brighten Your Kitchen With Charming Tie Up Curtains
Kitchens are often called the heart of the home. As spaces where families gather for meals and memories, it's crucial that kitchens feel warm, welcoming and full of charm. An easy way to infuse personality into your kitchen is with stylish tie up curtains made just for this active living space.
Tie up curtains add a touch of cottage-chic style with their gathered ruffled look. The included ties make it simple to adjust the curtains to let in more light or create a cozier feel. Read on to learn how tie up curtains can brighten up your kitchen!
Selecting the Perfect Tie Up Curtains for Your Kitchen
When looking for tie up kitchen curtains, the most important factors to consider are size, fabric and style. You'll want something that fits precisely in your window for the most attractive look. Check out these top tips for choosing tie up curtains for your kitchen:
Consider the Size and Shape of Your Windows
The success of your new curtains starts with precise measurements. Carefully gauge the height and width of each kitchen window where you plan to hang tie up curtains. Be sure to note if the windows are standard rectangles or feature unique shapes.
When measuring curtain fabric yardage, add at least 2-3 extra inches on all sides to allow room for shrinking and gathering. You can always hem curtains to size later, but it's tricky to add length once they are cut.
Choose Durable and Easy-to-Clean Fabrics
Kitchens are full of cooking splatters, steam from dishwashing and general messy wear and tear. Choose tie up curtain fabrics designed to handle the daily rigors of this active space.
Look for tightly woven cotton, linen or polyester blends which resist stains and release moisture easily. Check that your fabric choice is machine washable to make cleaning and maintenance a breeze.
Complement Your Existing Kitchen Decor
The pattern and color chosen for your tie up curtains provide the perfect opportunity to enhance your current kitchen design. Consider choosing hues and prints already featured in floor tiling, backsplashes or appliances.
Go for lively brights or calming neutrals. Choose classic checks and geometrics or quirky fruit prints. Just be sure the scale of the pattern suits the window size. Tiny prints can get lost on large expanses of fabric.
DIY Instructions for Sewing Tie Up Kitchen Curtains
The gathered billows of ruffled tie up curtains are deceptively easy to DIY. As long as you can sew straight lines, you can create this charming window treatment to add personality to your kitchen.
Gather Your Materials
Before heading to your sewing table, take inventory so you have everything needed:
- Pre-washed lightweight cotton, linen blend or polyester fabric
- All-purpose coordinating thread
- Sewing machine
- Curtain weights or other bottom weighting
- Metal grommets, hooks and curtain rods
- 1/2" to 1" ribbon, cording or decorative strapping for ties
Measure, Mark and Cut the Fabric
Using a fabric marker or chalk, mark curtain length and width on the fabric face, leaving several extra inches for hems and gathering capacity. Be sure to cut with the grain straight across the fabric bolt for best results.
For extra fullness, cut panels wider than the window and overlap them when hanging. This creates an ultra-billowy look.
Sew Side Hems and Top Casing
Finish the sides of the curtain panels with basic straight stitch hems using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. To add weight, insert curtain weights, chain or other heavy item into the bottom hem during stitching.
Make a 2-inch double fold at the upper edge to form a wide casing for the curtain rod. Stitch this channel neatly leaving openings at regular intervals for the tie-back straps to thread through later.
Add Ties and Gather the Fabric
Cut ribbon, cording or decorative strapping into segments that extend just below the top hemline to tie up the curtains. Use fabric glue or hem tape to neatly secure one end inside the top casing.
Gently pull the fabric toward the ties to create soft ruffled cascades. Space ties evenly across the panel, allowing permanent cute gathered texture.
Creative Ways to Style Your New Tie Up Curtains
Once your charming tie up curtains are styled on the window, there are endless options for arranging their cute gathered shape.
Tie Them Back Completely or Just Off Center
The true beauty of tie up curtains lies in their versatility. Leave them long and loose to filter light softly and frame the window for a romantic effect. For more luminosity, pull them off center into an asymmetrical gather.
Or go for the full open feel by tying the curtains back completely on both sides. This allows maximum light and view when prepping meals or washing up.
Layer With Sheers or Valances
Have bare windows above the kitchen sink or cooktop? Layer airy sheers behind your tie up curtains to maintain breezy visibility while deterring UV rays.
Fancy up your tie up curtains by mounting charming valances atop them. Contrasting patterns and colors peeking out add whimsical depth.
Mix and Match Tie Up Curtains in a Set
Who says all your tie up curtains must match? Choose two or three coordinating patterns in complementary hues to make a stunning statement.
Or opt for asymmetric window dressing by pairing a solid curtain with a print. This is an easy way to test drive bolder styles while keeping the overall look cohesive.
Tie up kitchen curtains instantly add warmth, texture and livability to one of home's most valued spaces. With the simple sewing skills and style ideas above, you are ready for a charming new kitchen reveal.
Look for durable, easy-care fabrics to stand up to cooking messes and moisture. Measure precisely, allowing bonus inches for a perfect custom fit. Have fun gathering the panels for a whimsical cottage look tailored to your windows and decor.