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Bathroom Makeover Day 19 & 20: How To Make An Extra Long Shower Curtain With Pleated Ruffle Accents

Last Updated on January 7, 2016 by Kristi Linauer

The last piece of my bathroom makeover puzzle is now finished and in place, so today I’ll show you how to make this extra long shower curtain with the pleated ruffle (pluffle 🙂 ) accents.

How To Make An Extra Long Shower Curtain With Pleated Ruffle Accents

The main part of the shower curtain is actually a queen size flat sheet.  Since most fabrics are 60″ wide at most, and a standard shower curtain is 70″ to 72″ wide, a queen size sheet seemed like the best option, and I just happened to have an extra one on hand.

I wanted the finished curtain to be 70 inches wide and 90 inches long, with a 12-inch accent band at the top, so I cut the sheet to 74 inches wide by 81 inches long.  That allowed for two inches at the bottom for a hem, two inches in each side for a hem, and one inch at the top for a seam where it would join the accent fabric.

Along the bottom edge, I turned the fabric up one inch, and then turned it up another inch, and pinned and ironed the hem in place.

How to make a shower curtain using a queen size sheet

TIP:  Don’t use any of the pre-sewn hems in the sheets!!  Cut those off and start over.  Sheets are sewn in so quickly, in such mass quantities, and the hems are always puckered and pulled.  If you try to use those on your shower curtain, it will never hang straight, and I guarantee you’ll be disappointed with the results.

Next I cut strips of the accent fabric for the pleated ruffles.  I cut them 7 1/4 inches wide.  The size of my pleated ruffles was determined by the width of the stripes, but of course, you can make them smaller or bigger.

DIY shower curtain with pleated ruffles

Then I turned the fabric with the right side down, and turned up the long side and ironed in the crease.

How to make a shower curtain with pleated ruffles

Then I turned down the smaller side and ironed in the crease.

DIY ruffled shower curtain

Next, I measured up from the bottom of the main fabric 2 inches, and placed the strip of yellow fabric on top with the small flap of fabric on back towards the top.  Then I measured over about three inches from the side, and pinned in a small 1/4-inch pleat.

Make a ruffle shower curtain

I continued making 1/4-inch pleats every 2 1/2 inches, pinning them in as I went.

DIY white shower curtain with yellow ruffles

I pinned two rows of pleats in before I sewed them on.  I just stitched right on top of the pleated ruffle about 1/2-inch from the top.

How to make a ruffled shower curtain

**TIP:  If you do this project, I highly suggest pinning one row at a time, and sewing it on before pinning the next row.  Also, since you have to sew with the pleats and not against the pleats, it’s much easier if you pin the pleats the opposite way I did mine.  I wish I had thought that through before spending an hour and a half pinning pleats.  🙂

After I sewed on the four rows of pleats, I started on the top of the shower curtain.  I cut two strips of the accent fabric about 24 inches wide, and sewed them together end to end (since the fabric was only 60 inches wide, and the shower curtain was 70 inches wide).  Then I sewed the band to the top of the white fabric with a 1-inch seam.

Next, I measured up from that seam 12 inches, and folded the fabric to the back, pinned it in place, and ironed in the crease.  Then I measured down five inches and trimmed off the excess fabric.

DIY shower curtain tutorial

Next I unpinned the fabric, unfolded the fabric, and refolded it so that the raw edge of the fabric was right along the ironed-in crease.

How to make a ruffled shower curtain

Then I re-folded it along the ironed in crease, and stitched along the bottom.  This gave me a 2 1/2-inch header along the top, with three layers of fabric, which is ideal for inserting grommets (or extra large eyelets, which is what I actually used).

How to make a ruffled shower curtain

I used my shower curtain liner as a guide to mark the spacing of the grommets with pins.

To insert the grommet…

  1. I used the barrel of the eyelet to mark the size of the circle,
  2. Cut out the circle with scissors,
  3. Placed the eyelet, with the barrel pointed up, onto the tool base*,
  4. With the right side of the fabric facing down, inserted the barrel of the eyelet through the hole,
  5. Placed the smaller piece, with the “teeth” towards the fabric, over the barrel of the eyelet, and
  6. Used the metal eyelet setting tool* and a hammer to flatten and join the two pieces.

(*If you don’t have these tools, be sure that you purchase the eyelet package that includes the tools, available at JoAnn Fabrics and other fabric/craft stores.)

How to use grommet tool

TIP:  Don’t hold the tool with your fingers when hammering!!  You have to whack at that thing pretty hard to get the eyelet set properly and securely, and if your hammer glances off the tool and hits your finger, you’ll be in a world of hurt.  Ask me how I know.  🙂  I suggest using a big pair of pliers to hold the tool in place while whacking away with the hammer.

Grommets (extra large eyelets) on DIY shower curtain

With the eyelets set, the only thing left to do was hem the sides of the curtain.  I did that just like I did the bottom edge — fold 1 inch towards the back of the curtain, then fold another inch, pin, press, and sew.

Make an extra long shower cutain with pleated ruffles - tutorial

I personally think this would look great on windows, too.  I’d actually love to see two of these used as drapery panels!  Who wants to volunteer for that and then send me pictures?!  😀

And now that my shower curtain is done, my bathroom is finished!  It did end up taking me 20 working days, which was my goal from the beginning.  I can’t wait to show you the full before and after tomorrow!

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52 Comments

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  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Tina
    March 11, 2013 at 9:15 am

    Love it! The shower curtain looks great!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lori
    March 11, 2013 at 9:21 am

    Oh that is awesome!! I love it!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Cathy R
    March 11, 2013 at 9:27 am

    Thanks for posting…you’re soooo talented. This is absolutely beautiful!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Cindy Robertson
    March 11, 2013 at 9:37 am

    I love, love, LOVE THIS! When I saw your earlier post this weekend, I went to my local fabric store and bought supplies to make valances in this style. So excited to read your directions this morning! They are so clear and concise. Anxious to get started, but it may be a few days before I’m able to. Thank you for sharing this cute project!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Cim Allen
    March 11, 2013 at 9:47 am

    That is amazing !! Seriously, is there anything you can’t do 🙂 I want to be you when I grow up .. LOL You are so talented .. love your blog !

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Susan M.
    March 11, 2013 at 9:51 am

    I have been “hounding” your site all weekend as well as visiting twice earlier this a.m. to see if you had finished within your timeline and of course, to see which direction you chose for the shower curtain (just couldn’t wait until the post came through my email tomorrow). Third time’s a charm I guess cause here it is and of course you didn’t disappoint! Love the interpretation of the PB ruffles — you go Girl! I have made many a curtain liner and a few shower curtains from sheets… can’t beat the price!

    I’m inspired to make one for my granddaughters’ bathroom and have a couple of questions before I get started: Did you add magnets or weights to the hem? Or perhaps not necessary since the pluffle adds additional weight? If you were to make again, would you do a 4″ drapery hem vs the 1″ hem?

    Excited to see tomorrow’s reveal and to hear which room is next to receive your “Midas” touch!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Anat
    March 11, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    Bravo Kristi, it’s gorgeous!!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kelly Palmer
    March 11, 2013 at 1:50 pm

    So pretty! Now I can’t wait to follow the next room that you tackle 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Shelley
    March 11, 2013 at 2:44 pm

    Awesome!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sue
    March 11, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    Another wonderful project in the shower curtain! It looks amazing and with the extra height, it makes your bathroom shower area appear larger. Please have a ‘before and after’ post with all of the things you’ve done. Job well done. Can’t wait to see what you decided to tackle next. : )

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kimberly ~Serendipity Refined
    March 11, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    That’s probably the cutest shower curtain that I’ve seen in a year! LOVE it! Can’t wait for the reveal!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Nicki
    March 11, 2013 at 7:35 pm

    Yay! You finished! It looks awesome! Now go celebrate. I wish I could call just one room in my house finished.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    DM
    March 11, 2013 at 9:17 pm

    Beautiful. Nice Jo

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    DM
    March 11, 2013 at 9:17 pm

    Beautiful. Nice Job

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Diane | An Extraordinary Day
    March 11, 2013 at 9:36 pm

    Love. Love. Love. your new shower curtain.
    I am pinning this. And yes…it would make a terrific drape/curtain too.
    You are the girl!! Love your determination and your creativity.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Traci (@beneathmyheart)
    March 11, 2013 at 10:04 pm

    Love it, Kristi!
    Pinning and sharing! 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    SheilaG @ Plum Doodles
    March 11, 2013 at 10:35 pm

    Looks wonderful, Kristi. I have used twin sheets for a shower curtain, cut to length- the width was close enough. Can you tell I’m not particularly particular? 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Karen
    March 12, 2013 at 2:55 am

    it does look great, Kristi – well done! and that’s a compliment from the girl who nomally doesn’t like ruffles 🙂 but I have a question concerning the fabric: Dom’t you worry that the curtain will get soaked daily and thus lose its good look quickly? I might be behind fashion or time, but I thought shower curtains should be made from a material such as plastic or at least primed against damp in order to actually keep the water away from the bathroom and dry better themselves. Please enlighten me, because then a whole new world in shower curtains might open up to me!!

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Gilmer Gal
      March 12, 2013 at 11:02 am

      I’m betting Kristi has an inexpensive shower liner behind that gorgeous curtain! I love how the details are on this project. Not fussy ruffles, but nice sleek accents that make it so great. I am so impressed! Anxiously awaiting the big “reveal” tomorrow so I can start my bathroom!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kim
    March 12, 2013 at 7:39 am

    Beautiful job! I enjoy watching your creativity flourish with each project. Your choice of colors and technique are well thought out. If I were to make this, I would probably put the ruffle detail at the top where it can be seen. A modification for a house full of boys!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Guerrina
    March 12, 2013 at 8:09 am

    Beautiful, Kristi and looks wonderful in your new bath!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lisa T
    March 12, 2013 at 8:36 am

    It looks great! I agree, it would look great as drapes, too!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jaclyn
    March 12, 2013 at 9:45 am

    Wonderful…you did good…love the colors & all the work you put into it 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Robin
    March 12, 2013 at 11:23 am

    You r such a talented person!!! Awesome!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Christy @ Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer
    March 12, 2013 at 1:25 pm

    This turned out so cute!!! I have been following along during your whole project and I think this is my favorite! Although its tough to beat that mirror! Well done:)
    XO,
    Christy

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    suzanne
    March 12, 2013 at 3:10 pm

    Really good job!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Charlotte
    March 13, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    You dun gooooood, Kristi . . . . REAL goooood !

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jill
    March 16, 2013 at 11:55 am

    Do you take orders? I can’t possibly make this myself, but sure would love to have one!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jordan
    March 19, 2013 at 4:45 pm

    This is gorgeous! I love it.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Pam
    March 22, 2013 at 11:00 am

    I love this, great job!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Top 5 DIY Interior Decor Projects « M&J Blog
    April 4, 2013 at 8:01 am

    […] Addicted2Decorating […]

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Essential DIY Tools – Sewing Machine
    April 4, 2013 at 9:58 am

    […] of course, the fanciest shower curtain I’ve ever made was for my own bathroom […]

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    20-Day Small Bathroom Makeover – Before and After
    May 24, 2013 at 9:28 am

    […] shower curtain with the pleated ruffles was made from a queen size bed sheet, and accented with yellow striped fabric that was provided by […]

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Thoughts On Starting Over…Completely
    May 29, 2013 at 9:39 am

    […] example, the pleated shower curtain that is in my bathroom is probably the nicest shower curtain that I’ve personally ever […]

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    bbrunophotography
    August 8, 2013 at 9:34 pm

    Kristi, here’s the thing. The reason I love your blog is because you give such clear, precise steps for each project–and toss in pictures, too. This shower curtain is just darling. I love your creative spirit! Keep ’em coming!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Christin
    September 2, 2013 at 8:22 pm

    I just made one of these and am working on my second! I am making two curtains for the same shower …cute idea from Pinterest! A short cut that my mother in law and I did was buy a 2 pack of curtain panels for the windows instead of the sheet so that there was already a place for the shower rod! We cut the top of and measured and sewed the cute patterned piece between the top and the rest of the curtain! Any ways super cute … Thanks for tutorial!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    How To Change The Décor Of Your Bathroom With A Simple DIY Shower Curtain - 15 Ideas
    October 7, 2013 at 11:53 am

    […] If you want to add a few ruffles to your shower curtain but don’t want them to take over the whole design, you can just sew a few one at the bottom. Three of four rows should be enough.{found on addicted2decorating}. […]

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    susan m too.
    October 7, 2013 at 8:44 pm

    Loved this shower curtain, I also think it would make a great window curtain. Im considering doing it in a toile with 2 different size ticking stripes for the pluffles. ( love that term btw). As a seamstress for 20 some years I know how much work is involved but the results are so amazing I think its worth it. I also think it would be nice done all in muslin, maybe with the pluffles (there it is again lol) and top band tea stained.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Shannon
    January 1, 2014 at 1:49 pm

    Absolutely LOVE it!!! Want to try this as a curtain in my nook. Could you tell me where you found the yellow material?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sandy
    January 1, 2014 at 3:20 pm

    Hi all,
    Love this beautiful shower curtain, but I’m still not clear on whether you used some kind of water resistant liner. Maybe someone could clear that up.
    Thank you

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Glenda
    January 1, 2014 at 4:20 pm

    If you used vynel flooring flipped over to paint on what stops it from curling up on the edges?
    Looks great!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Coryelle
    January 1, 2014 at 5:17 pm

    Beautiful!! I’m curious about the liner – is it on a seperate rod? Where does one buy a 90″ liner ?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi Linauer
      January 1, 2014 at 9:19 pm

      Yep, there’s another rod behind the one on which the decorative curtain is hanging. You can find extra long liners at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    April S
    January 6, 2014 at 9:59 am

    My daughter loves this shower curtain!! We will be shopping later in the week for fabric accents. About how much fabric did it require for the pleats?
    Your projects are absolutely amazing and inspiring. I have great plans on paper for areas of my house, but i am terrified of trying to build them myself. Your blog and your finished furniture is inspiring…especially knowing you did them alone.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Rachel Bell
    January 9, 2014 at 5:29 pm

    Wow these are great! I love the colors and fabric you chose to use for this Shower Curtain.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Carol
    January 16, 2014 at 2:56 pm

    I wish I could sew because I would LOVE to use this idea to make drapes for my family room. Maybe I can find someone to create it with. Surely I know someone that can sew! Such a cute idea!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Karen
    April 2, 2015 at 7:44 am

    Thank you for posting this wonderful project. I just made one for myself, in blue/green hues. It is possibly the nicest thing I have ever made!
    I used both solid and pattern fabrics for the pleat fabrics and right away realized the patterned fabrics were easier to work with. The pattern masked the pin marks and just overall they are more forgiving of life’s little imperfections.
    Love the sheet idea, makes perfect sense, but I wound up buying some neutral fabric with a subtle chevron pattern for the main curtain. I used the chevrons for lining things up so I never really had to measure anything. Didn’t even plan to do that, it just worked out.
    Thanks again. I have just recently discovered the world of etsy and the bounty of creative ideas on sites like this. It’s so fun to have something totally unique and not mass-marketed to millions.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Nancy Pond
    December 4, 2016 at 4:01 pm

    Where do you get the hotel liners you use? The one you said doesn’t mildew?