https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/hide-a-cubby-curtain-skull-style • Posted by Queen of the Sidhe
Not all of us are able to live in the type of housing we actually wish. Some of us must find ways to "spruce" up our living environment so it is more presentable. This is a Cubby-Hole Curtain, that I made to hide the "cubby" that our air conditioner fits into during the late Spring and over Summer months. I hated the way the spot looked during the off seasons when the air conditioner wasn't installed, so I came up with this idea to hide it when guests are over, etc. I've gotten lots of complements on how well it turned out. My sewing machine was broken by my nephew, so the curtain was sewn by hand. A special note about this project: this can work to cover any unsightly "holes" or "cubbys" or serious flaws in the walls. You are only limited by the size of curtain rods out there- or if you wanted to get super detailed (and make "fairy curtains", etc. you can always use wooden dowels instead of curtain rods, with the little brass hooks (like you hang from the ceiling) to hold it in place. If you do that, than you can make them as small as you want. The cost for this project varies depending upon the size and style of curtain rod you purchase or make, as well as the type of material you choose, as well as the size of the area to be covered, for this project. Cost can very from approx $ 8 + depending on cost of materials. This project cost me right about $ 8. If you shop the clearance fabrics and remnanents sections, you can probably do it for cheaper.
Not all of us are able to live in the type of housing we actually wish. Some of us must find ways to "spruce" up our living environment so it is more presentable. This is a Cubby-Hole Curtain, that I made to hide the "cubby" that our air conditioner fits into during the late Spring and over Summer months. I hated the way the spot looked during the off seasons when the air conditioner wasn't installed, so I came up with this idea to hide it when guests are over, etc. I've gotten lots of complements on how well it turned out. My sewing machine was broken by my nephew, so the curtain was sewn by hand. A special note about this project: this can work to cover any unsightly "holes" or "cubbys" or serious flaws in the walls. You are only limited by the size of curtain rods out there- or if you wanted to get super detailed (and make "fairy curtains", etc. you can always use wooden dowels instead of curtain rods, with the little brass hooks (like you hang from the ceiling) to hold it in place. If you do that, than you can make them as small as you want. The cost for this project varies depending upon the size and style of curtain rod you purchase or make, as well as the type of material you choose, as well as the size of the area to be covered, for this project. Cost can very from approx $ 8 + depending on cost of materials. This project cost me right about $ 8. If you shop the clearance fabrics and remnanents sections, you can probably do it for cheaper.
Measure the area that you need covered. My area was quite large, so I needed 1 full yard of fabric. I highly recommend using cotton, or mostly cotton fabric, as its much easier to worth with and stands up to washing as needed. If the space you are measuring (this is an example) is 18" w X 24" l, then you will want to add a MINIMUM of 1-1/2" in width to each side, making it 21" w for the fabric cut. For the length, you are going to want to add 5" to the top, and a MINIMUM of 2" to the bottom, making the cut for the length of the fabric 31" minimum. I hope that makes sense.
After you have your fabric cut, you are going to want to "pin" the "hems" in for the curtain prior to sewing. You are going to fold TWICE, at least about 1/2" size folds, on each side. Pin to keep "hem" even. For the bottom hem, you are going to fold the fabric TWICE, at least about 1/2" size folds. Pin to keep "hem" even. For the top, this gets a little tricky, as this is where the curtain rod will fit through. There are 2 different ways you can make the top. You can sew a single line, which is how I made this curtain, OR you can sew a double line, there the rod will slide between the 2 lines, allowing some of the top most material to "bunch" as it sits on the curtain rod. Either way, you need to make a BIG fold at the top (main fold), folding it over by at least about 2-1/2", then do a slight fold, about 1/2" from the bottom fold. Pin in place. If you want 2 lines, then you are going to need to add another 1" to the first top fold.
Now you are ready to sew. Pick out a matching color thread (so the thread isn't very visible on the finished product.), thread your sewing needle, and start sewing. Do small "-" type stitches, about 1/4" (or the middle of the "hem" area) for the sides. Always sew directly in the middle of your hem seem, making sure to keep the stitches small, tight but not too tight, and even and straight. Sew all pinned "hem" seem areas.
Install your curtain rod. When ready to put your curtain on the rod, separate both pieces of the rod, and slight the larger of the 2 ends (the straight end, not the curved) through the top hem fold. When finished, put the rod back together, and hang on the hangers provided. Adjust curtain as needed for your viewing pleasure.