Turn A Popular Thrift Store Find Into A Decorative Curtain

If you haven't spent any time perusing the linens and crafting sections at the thrift store, you could be missing out on a popular thrift store find that could be just what you need for your next craft or upcycle project, like some unique curtains. New or vintage, doilies are a fun find, and there are plenty of creative ways to repurpose them, including using them as curtains. Whether you want whimsical curtains that let the light shine in, you're looking to add a little something extra, or you want to repair tears and cover stains on your favorite curtains, doilies are a great choice.

If you're using your collection of doilies to cover stains that you couldn't get out of your curtains, fix rips and tears, or add something different to your existing curtains, you'll only need a few of them to complete your project. If you're planning to make a complete curtain for a window or door, make sure you collect enough doilies to cover the project area. Taking measurements before you start shopping will help you determine what you need. You will need something to sew your doilies to your chosen curtain—hand-sew with thread or embroidery floss (especially if you want to add extra color to your curtains), or machine-sew them. And, of course, a measuring tape will help you ensure your curtains don't come out too long or too short.

There are a couple of things to consider as you're preparing your doilies for curtain making: do you want them all the same color, and do you care if there are gaps between them? If you want them all the same color, your doilies may need bleaching or dyeing. To make aged-looking doilies, you can stain them with coffee or tea to give them a more rustic look. You brew a pot of coffee or tea to soak them in, and let them soak for an hour or more. To help your natural dye stick, add one part vinegar to four parts water. You also want to wash your doilies before you stitch them together.

Lay your doilies out on an empty table or space on the floor, whether you're adding them to a curtain or creating one from scratch. Pin them however you want, and make sure they have the length and width you need. If you're hand sewing, you can leave your laid-out design where it is and start stitching the edges together, which may be the easiest way to finish a project like this. Using your sewing machine means moving your menagerie of pinned doilies and risking stitches going wonky, depending on how thin the doilies' edges are. If you're not attaching your doilies to a pre-existing, we suggest stitching some ribbon loops at the top of your curtain to make hanging your finished project on a curtain rod easy.