Replace A Plain Bathtub Curtain: The DIY That Adds Character

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

The bathtub or shower curtain functions as one of the largest pieces of decor in your space, often becoming the focal point for design. As such an important part of your bathroom decor, it could be a good idea to make it personable, fun, and quirky. Thankfully, TikTok is a great source for DIY hacks to make your shower curtain even more stylish. And one particular DIY caught our attention. Sydney Graham, known as @hisydgraham on TikTok, made a DIY patchwork shower curtain to add a fun touch to the bathroom. This crafted and stylish DIY shower curtain has a unique twist in that it also features playful scalloped edges. The DIYer chose to mimic the look of stained glass by using semi-transparent green, black, and cream fabric for a fun, almost checker-like print. The result is a gorgeous patchwork curtain with pink scalloped trim.

If you want to mimic this look, you could use nearly any fabric you prefer. But cotton, polyester, or a blend of the two could be ideal. Just keep in mind that not all fabrics are water-resistant. Though you could wash the finished DIY curtain in a special solution, like Nikwax Tech Wash, to make it waterproof. Or, just layer it in front of a waterproof liner, but be sure to wash the curtain regularly to avoid excess moisture.

Once you have a fabric but before you begin sewing any patchwork squares together, you'll need a game plan; that is, you'll want to jot down some measurements. Determine the size and scale of your patches based on the size of the overall shower curtain. A standard curtain measures 72 inches by 72 inches, and you'll need some extra length for seam allowance. Graham chose to make a 72-inch by 74-inch curtain and used an online graphic program to create the design, layout, and measurements for the patches. As a result of the specific pattern Graham chose, the larger squares were 7.75 inches, the smaller squares were 4.125 inches, and the rectangles were 7.75 inches tall and 4.125 inches wide. These measurements were made by also considering seam allowance.

Once you have your patch sizes, you can begin sewing them together. The goal is to sew the patches in straight rows that will be hung vertically when attached. After this step, Graham had 14 rows total. Then, all that's left is to attach the rows together to have one full curtain. This curtain DIY proves that you don't need a remodel to upgrade your bathroom. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that patchwork doesn't necessarily have a quilted back or lining. Because of this, seams would be noticeable upon completion. However, Graham resolved this by using a Serger machine instead of a traditional sewing machine.

To finish the sides, you can use bias tape or fabric. Graham chose to make scalloped edges by crafting a stencil to create uniform curves and then using a rotary cutter to make curved edges. Then, Graham sewed up the ends with the bias tape. Rather than making your own stencil, however, one commenter on Graham's video suggested using a curved sewing ruler or stencil to make the process smoother. You might also consider making your own bias tape, as Graham did. However, it could be simpler to purchase ½-inch bias tape for this project. 

Sewing buttonholes for hanging curtain hooks will be necessary for hanging this DIY patchwork piece, but a thin fabric could tear under the weight. To reinforce the fabric, add an extra layer of fabric with fabric interfacing to the top, roughly 3 inches in width. Sew it into your existing curtain before adding buttonholes. Lastly, to ensure everything looks smooth when hung, you may choose to iron your fabric to rid it of any wrinkles. The funky and colorful style of this curtain works well with a variety of decor schemes, from cottagecore to Memphis-inspired '80s designs. Offset the organic lines of the scalloped edge with a playful mirror like the Besdomus gold cloud mirror from Amazon.