If you'd like to bring a romantic, old-fashioned look into your home, you might like to learn more about Priscilla curtains. We've searched the web for the best information about these ruffly curtains and collected it right here in this article for you. Get ready to give your windows an upgrade!
Priscilla curtains are a style of extra-wide curtain with a frilly, romantic look particularly suited to rustic, French, shabby chic, and country-style decor. Typically white and made from a lacy or sheer material, they have a ruffle that runs along the inner edge and bottom of the curtain. They are hung on a double curtain rod to create an overlap on the top half and are then bound with curtain tiebacks to create a flounced silhouette.
Now you know the basics of Priscilla curtains, but you most likely have other questions about them. No worries - we've answered all of the most commonly asked questions right here! Keep reading to learn more.
How Do You Measure For Priscilla Curtains?
To ensure that your new Priscilla curtains drape perfectly, you'll need to make a few measurements. First, measure the width of your window frame. Each of the two curtain panels needs to be at least twice the width of the window to create the billowy look for which these curtains are known. It's actually better for the curtains to be a little bit too wide than not wide enough. This measurement also tells you how your double curtain rod or pair of curtain rods need to be.
Next, measure the length of the window to find out how long your curtains need to be. Priscilla curtains can hang just past the bottom of the windowsill or they can be long enough to brush the floor - it's up to you!
Click here to view these Priscilla curtains on Amazon.
How Do You Hang Priscilla Curtains?
First, install your curtain rods. You can either install a specially made double rod or just attach two separate rods. One rod should be longer than the other, and the rods should be installed side-by-side, allowing the curtains to hang next to each other. Next, attach the tiebacks to the wall about halfway up the window.
After your curtain rods and tiebacks are attached, it's time to hang the curtains! Slip one curtain onto each rod and then adjust them so that they're hanging one directly in front of the other. Make sure they're gathered evenly and adjust the ruffles to hang smoothly.
Now it's time to make the magic happen. Gather each side of the curtain and tie the tieback around each one to create that distinctive Priscilla curtain look. You can play around with the way the curtains drape by tugging them so they're a little bit looser at the middle edge. Look at some pictures of other Priscilla curtains for inspiration.
Click here to view these curtain rods on Amazon.
How Can I Make Priscilla Curtains?
Although you can buy Priscilla curtains at most stores that sell home goods, you can also easily make them yourself from an existing pair of extra-wide curtains. All you need is some basic sewing skills, fabric or lace that matches the curtains, scissors, an iron, and a sewing machine!
- Measure the length and width of your curtains and then use these measurements to cut two strips from the matching fabric. One strip should be the length of the curtain + one half the length + 10" and the other should be the width of the curtain + one half the length + 10". Both should be 8" wide.
- Lay the strips of fabric together to form an "L" shape, right sides facing together, and then sew in a diagonal line from right to left on the overlapping fabric to connect the two pieces. Trim off the excess triangle of fabric.
- Fold the outer edge of the strips of fabric in 1/2" and then fold them again to create a hem. Use the iron to press the folds and add pins to hold them in place. Use your sewing machine to sew the hem in place.
- Set your sewing machine to its longest stitch and sew along the edge of the fabric that doesn't have a hem about 1/2" in from the edge. Don't fasten the threads at the end. Pull them to create gathers and to make the strip the correct length to match the length of the curtain. Fasten the threads when you're happy with the gathers.
- Now it's time to attach your ruffle! Lay the ruffle on top of the curtain, right sides facing together, and pin it in place. Sew it in place with your sewing machine 1/2" in from the edge. Press the seam open with your iron, being careful to not disturb the ruffles.
- Repeat this process for the other curtain. Voila, you have a pair of Priscilla curtains! Follow the directions above to hang them up.
Be sure to check out our articles 12 Shabby Chic Bedding Sets for a Gorgeous Bedroom and The Rustic Home Decor Guide [Inc. Pictures and Interior Design Ideas] for even more ideas on how to style your Priscilla curtains.