Make your own caravan curtains and bask in the glory every time you use your van.

I knew when we first picked up our used caravan, it needed some type of caravan makeover. The first item on the list was most definitely the curtains. The caravan curtains were hideous.

WHERE TO START? 

They were maroon. Not my cup o’ tea at all. They were stiffened and the block out lining was peeling so (thankfully) they needed to be replaced. The curtains are used for privacy across the both beds, two windows and the door. My search to find a replacement began and ended at IKEA. I could have made it easier on myself and purchased pre made block out curtains. All I would have needed to do was a simple hem on the sewing machine. If you are looking for a simple solution for your caravan makeover, that would be the best way to go.

Puchase pre made blockout curtains and nail your new look caravan curtains in an hour.

I wanted to create a different texture with our caravan curtains. I am a massive fan of linen. Linen is a super strong fiber, gets softer with time, is stronger than cotton, is non-allergenic and rejects bacteria. Linen contains natural silicon which protects against rotting, so my new curtains may outlast the van! The manufacture of linen uses five times less water than the cotton manufacturing process, so it is better for our environment and one of our most precious resources. From this project, I learnt it is easier to sew than cotton.

Although it was a more expensive way to do it, I went for a grey linen fabric and pre made block out liner curtains. I would have liked to have used white linen but I needed to be realistic. This is an off road van and we will be taking it all around Australia. This means dirt. Brown dirt, grey dirt and red dirt. And we have children. Need I say more?

DIY CURTAINS FROM SCRATCH.

Let me tell you, I am a complete beginner on the sewing machine. I have to use youtube tutorials often on how to thread the bobbin. I don’t have an expensive machine. You really can do this yourself and save your cash for other important things.

Firstly, I removed all of the curtains and pelmets from the van so that I could use them as a template. I then measured and cut the linen fabric one curtain at a time, so that I wouldn’t confuse myself. I allowed a 10cm buffer all around to ensure a neat 1cm hem and to allow for shrinkage.

Next, I focused on attaching the header tape across the top of the linen curtain. As the linen is so stiff, it made it so easy to simply fold and pin into place. Lastly, I did a simple hem on the sides and bottom of our new curtains.

I then started on the ready made block out liner curtain. I laid the completed linen curtain on the table and put the liner on top. This made it easier to cut the liner to the correct dimensions for each individual curtain. I made a 10cm allowance for the hem and shrinkage. The liner curtain already had the header tape sewn in by the manufacturer, so that saved a heap of time. To ensure the liner is not visible from the front of the linen curtain, I made sure it was 1cm smaller all around than the linen curtain.

Next, simply attach the liner to the curtain with the provided plastic hooks.

Lastly, thread metal curtain hooks onto the curtain and onto your track and it’s all done.

The new grey linen curtains are being used for bed privacy and the door.

USE ROLLER BLINDS INSTEAD OF CURTAINS.

The two windows received IKEA grey block out roller blinds. Adam customised the width to our windows. To trim the width, you will need to measure & cut the metal tube at the top and the wooden flat dowel at the end. After measuring and drawing a line with a ruler on the plastic coated fabric, you then cut it neatly with scissors.

 

 

Instructions for trimming the blinds are simple to follow and come with the blinds.

Command hooks are used so they will stay in place while travelling.

For the curtain project, you will need

a measuring tape

fabric chalk or similar

curtain heading tape

your chosen fabric

curtain hooks

Pre made curtain liner packet

cotton/polyester thread

a basic sewing machine.

For the roller blinds you will need

a pencil

measuring tape/ruler

scissors

hack saw

drill

appropriate screws for your wall.

Want more inspiration for your caravan makeover? You can read about how I transformed a mattress into a caravan seat on the blog.

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