The Shabby Creek Cottage

Hundreds of ideas for creative ways to eat, make & decorate!

Easy DIY French Script Curtains

Easy DIY French script curtains add such flair to a space. With a little fabric and paint, you can get this look for about $5 (especially if you use a coupon at the fabric store)- which is a killer deal, huh? This project is super quick, you can make a set in under half an hour.
DIY French Script Curtains
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To make French script curtains you will need:

  • White Muslin (about 2/3 a yard of 108 width)
  • Washable Paint {Click here for the paint I used}
  • Thin Brush
  • Yard Stick
  • Paper Towels
  • Tape
  • Sewing Machine + Thread
  • Iron
  • Printed Words (you can use an online translator to turn a phrase to French)

I used muslin, which is about $5 a yard at Walmart. The great thing about muslin is, it’s 108 inches wide, which is double the normal fabric width. I used 1/2 yard, which made two curtains, with lots left over.

I ripped the fabric 18 inches wide and 36 inches long. I did not sew the seams, because I wanted frayed edges. All fraying and beautiful… I turned 4 inches down for a hem.

Related links:

How to Perfectly Hem Curtains

Make Your Own Grommet Top Curtains

DIY Easy Lined Curtains

 

Run a simple stitch across the top, so that there is a pocket for the rod, using that 4 inch turn down – you can do less of a pocket, but I have a thick rod.

Next, use an online translator to change your quote from English to French. Mine says “A house is built of bricks and beams, a home is made of love and dreams.” I printed it out on regular paper, using a downloaded font, using a 150 point font. Once printed out, tape them down to a flat surface in the pattern that you want to create. You will also need to tape your fabric down to the surface, on top of the print outs.

A long, skinny brush is the best kind to use for this project. The strokes closely mimic the old quill writing, which adds character. I used air brush paint, but you could use any fabric paint.

The particular brush I used was a #1 liner – long thin bristles.


Use one hand to slightly stretch the fabric, to make it smooth so the brush will glide easier.

After a few practice strokes, it’s easy to learn to move the brush to trace the print.

Once finished, let the fabric dry, then lay wax paper over the painted image, put paper towels on top, then heat set it with an iron for about 20 seconds on each spot. I do it a small area at a time.

Once finished, hang your curtains, then stand back and pretend you are in the south of France!

 

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Comments

  11. Wow… love it.
    Did you see Cote de Texas’ post on that fab hotel in Capetown that had beautiful script handpainted on all the fabric i.e. upholstery, draperies etc.
    It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.
    After this project of yours, I think you’re ready to tackle some silk drapes ala Cape Grace!!!
    ~xo
    Terri

    Reply

  28. hmmm… 108″ wide, you say?? 🙂 This has me thinking…. I need to go grab my tape measure, I think you’ve just sparked another ‘future’ project! (oh, yes.. there IS a rolling list!)
    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  43. What an incredible idea! Lovely..just lovely! Loved the sweet sentiments too! Your site is just the best, I enjoy visiting so much! Blessings, joy and sunshine, Terri from Dimples & Dragonflies

    Reply

  48. All I can say to all the posts is DITTO! I think in my kitchen on a pale, pale yellow a recipe in French would be so cute! Thanks a lot!

    Reply

  62. Great tutorial, even though I’m sure I’d buy some panels and then paint.

    I haven’t tried that paint yet. I love trying out new products. When I worked at a craft store, I always got to experiment. So fun!

    I’ve highlighted your great project on my blog today. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

  66. Genius idea. Love it. I live in Quebec Canada so I can hopefully find lots of sayings. I already have one:
    Ma vie sans toi est comme un jardin sans ses roses. My life without you is like a garden without flowers.
    I have always loved that quote. If you want to use this quote please verify my spelling first.

    Reply

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