Upcycle Old Rags To Create One Of A Kind Curtains

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Think again before you toss out that worn-out t-shirt, frayed dish towel, or stained flannel shirt. Why not repurpose old clothing in your home and turn those pieces of fabric into one-of-a-kind curtains instead of sending them to the landfill? Upcycling old or thrifted rags is eco-friendly, but it can also be surprisingly stylish. You can use this DIY curtain in doorways and over windows, or as a closet door alternative that gives '70s vibes. This DIY curtain will fit great if your home's décor is inspired by boho, rustic, and even cottagecore aesthetics. It's a wonderful way to turn old scraps into something new and beautiful.

The best part is that you don't need any sewing skills to do this hack. The idea is to cut strips of fabric and attach them to each other using a simple knot to create the curtain. Because they are strands instead of a single panel, you can walk right through it like you would with a beaded curtain.

This DIY hack is incredibly budget-friendly. All you need is a pile of old fabrics, scissors, and something to use as a curtain rod. For that last part, you can use a MEXAU tension curtain rod for windows. These tension rods can be used in windows but also doorframes, and they don't require any drilling or gluing. You can also attach some wire to Adiil hanger hooks with a safety buckle if you'd like to attach the curtain outdoors, like on a porch for added privacy or shade. 

Start by cutting all your fabrics into strips. You'll need all of the strips to be approximately the same width, around two inches. The lengths can vary slightly, but you'll need them to be at least 10 to 15 inches-long. This is because each strip will be folded in half, so any shorter wouldn't give you enough length. You can choose to cut around the frayed and stained bits of fabric to only use the good parts.

The key to this hack is to learn how to knot the fabric. The good thing is, this hack uses one of the easiest types of knots to do: the cow hitch. Chances are, you do this knot all the time without even realizing it. Take your curtain rod and a piece of fabric. Fold the fabric in half to create a loop, place the loop over the rod, and pull the two loose ends through it. Repeat this step until the entire rod is covered. Then, tie new sections of fabric to the end of the ones you've attached to the rod using the same knot. Repeat this until you have enough length to cover the entire doorway or window. Cut the last sections so that they all end at the same place.

To make this hack even more stunning, add some charms and beads throughout the fabric. For example, you can attach iloveDIYbeads mixed antique silver charms to the fabric using safety pins or thread. You can even repurpose string lights usefully by wrapping some battery-operated ones around the rod or letting them dangle down along the fabric.