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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
*This post contains affiliate links*

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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Filed Under: DIY

About Gina Luker

Gina Luker is a writer, photographer and lover of all things quirky. She's usually found with a drill in one hand and a cocktail in the other while blogging along the way. She's addicted to coffee, polka dots, rock stars, Instagram, and everything aqua.

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Comments

  1. Melissa @ The Inspired Room says

    February 2, 2010 at 12:50 am

    Sooo (sew?) cute!

    Reply
  2. pk @ Room Remix says

    February 2, 2010 at 1:26 am

    You clever, clever girl! I love them.

    Reply
  3. The White Farmhouse says

    February 2, 2010 at 1:27 am

    You are so clever! Love the look! I know what you mean about the French thingy too. I would be like Gomez on the Adams Family when Morticia speaks french!

    Reply
  4. Rene says

    February 2, 2010 at 1:31 am

    Beautiful! Thank you for sharing how you did it.

    Reply
  5. Amber @ Two Nuts in a Shell says

    February 2, 2010 at 1:55 am

    This is an adorable idea! You could truly use any language you wanted. Although, how do you iron over the wax paper? Wax side down or up?

    Reply
  6. Amy {The Red Chair Blog} says

    February 2, 2010 at 1:58 am

    Ooh la la! Love ’em!!

    Reply
  7. Cindy says

    February 2, 2010 at 1:59 am

    Very, VERY nice. I love these!!! I have burlap and will give it a try. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  8. Tricia says

    February 2, 2010 at 2:01 am

    Love it! What a fun idea to personalize your curtains. You’re such a smarty, Gina. 😉

    Reply
  9. Kate @ That's What Living Is To Me says

    February 2, 2010 at 2:05 am

    C’est tres bien!

    Reply
  10. Tammy at Tattered and Timeless says

    February 2, 2010 at 2:09 am

    Great job..you have the patience to paint by hand..I am in awe of you.
    tammy

    Reply
  11. La Dolfina says

    February 2, 2010 at 2:11 am

    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
  12. Sandy says

    February 2, 2010 at 2:11 am

    Great ideal and a great job. Thanks for sharing.
    Sandy

    Reply
  13. sissie says

    February 2, 2010 at 2:22 am

    Thanks for the how to. I really love anything french as well. The writing on the fabric is so special and you did an excellent job.

    Sissie

    Reply
  14. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    February 2, 2010 at 2:27 am

    Wow! These look high end. Love them. Thanks for sharing the idea and the directions. laurie

    Reply
  15. Marsha (Sassy Mini Dolls) says

    February 2, 2010 at 2:27 am

    This is totally cool!! Me too, into the french shabby chic thing!!

    ((Hugs)0
    Marsha

    Reply
  16. Ana's House Dressing says

    February 2, 2010 at 2:35 am

    I love the script and the fact that you traced it by hand instead of just using iron on…so much more personal and handmade.

    Blessings,
    Ana

    Reply
  17. Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage says

    February 2, 2010 at 2:39 am

    Thanks everyone!
    Amber – iron it with the wax side down, with the paper towel on top to protect your iron. It seals the paint in and makes it last through YEARS of washings.

    Reply
  18. Sylvia says

    February 2, 2010 at 2:58 am

    Very creative and unique – you are so smart.
    Sylvia

    Reply
  19. Delightful Dwelling says

    February 2, 2010 at 2:59 am

    I love it, how pretty! What a neat saying you chose too.

    Reply
  20. One Cheap B*tch says

    February 2, 2010 at 2:59 am

    I want these! I’m with you – anything French makes my heart melt! =)

    Reply
  21. bec4 says

    February 2, 2010 at 3:04 am

    Wow super fabulous–I might try to do a shower curtain this way!

    Reply
  22. Beth says

    February 2, 2010 at 3:11 am

    Lovely!

    Reply
  23. Heidi says

    February 2, 2010 at 3:28 am

    Wow, that looks great. Thanks for the tips, I will try this sometime!
    have a great week.
    XO
    Heidi – Heart and Home

    Reply
  24. Julie Johnson says

    February 2, 2010 at 3:31 am

    Such a fantastic idea! I may be trying it for my vintage recipe curtain in my kitchen.
    Julie- It’s the Little Things

    Reply
  25. Hattie says

    February 2, 2010 at 3:33 am

    Very classy! I wish my Wally world sold fabric!

    Reply
  26. Stephanie says

    February 2, 2010 at 3:35 am

    Absolutely love it!!

    Reply
  27. Millie says

    February 2, 2010 at 3:36 am

    I love this. What a great idea and the phrase too. I also love all things French.

    Reply
  28. ~ RM says

    February 2, 2010 at 3:58 am

    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
  29. elizabeth says

    February 2, 2010 at 4:17 am

    C’est tres bon!

    Reply
  30. Dee@FrenchBleuVintage says

    February 2, 2010 at 4:23 am

    OMG!!!! You are my hero!! Love that idea. thanks

    Reply
  31. Shannon says

    February 2, 2010 at 4:50 am

    These are so cute, what a great idea!

    Reply
  32. Tales From My Empty Nest says

    February 2, 2010 at 4:51 am

    These curtains are precious!!! You are so creative. This idea would work great for pillows. I love the French words. Love & blessings from NC!

    Reply
  33. Ashleigh says

    February 2, 2010 at 5:03 am

    Okay, this is genius! I have a french inspired bedroom this would be perfect for.

    Reply
  34. Aimee says

    February 2, 2010 at 5:10 am

    How gorgeous!!! It is so beautiful…

    Reply
  35. Jenni @ nest to keep says

    February 2, 2010 at 5:39 am

    This is such a inspired idea! Thanks so much for showing us how you did it! 🙂

    Reply
  36. Marianne@Songbird says

    February 2, 2010 at 6:49 am

    What a very nice idea! Your curtains look lovely.

    Reply
  37. Thankfully Thrifty says

    February 2, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    Very cute! I have some curtains just like that… maybe I should try!

    Reply
  38. Jessi @ Yankee Belle Home says

    February 2, 2010 at 2:55 pm

    Gorgeous! And what patience you must have to paint/trace the lettering. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  39. tales from an oc cottage says

    February 2, 2010 at 2:56 pm

    Tres fab!

    m ^..^

    Reply
  40. Lizzy says

    February 2, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    That is so clever! I might try this sometime! 🙂

    Reply
  41. Katie says

    February 2, 2010 at 4:15 pm

    LOVE it!!

    Reply
  42. Craig, Blair and Turbo Skousen says

    February 2, 2010 at 4:31 pm

    Those are adorable!!

    Reply
  43. Terri Smith says

    February 2, 2010 at 5:26 pm

    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
  44. Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says

    February 2, 2010 at 5:26 pm

    You have done it again….and why did I not know about the wax paper trick????

    Reply
  45. Denise says

    February 2, 2010 at 5:43 pm

    Love them! They look like something you’d find on the Ballard site!

    Reply
  46. VÄr sekelskiftesdröm says

    February 2, 2010 at 6:16 pm

    Thanks for the tips, very creative. Its personal and handmade. One juste got to love it.
    Best regards Anette

    Reply
  47. Robin says

    February 2, 2010 at 6:50 pm

    Adorable, love this idea. Thanks for showing us how to do it.

    Reply
  48. C.J. says

    February 3, 2010 at 1:35 am

    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
  49. Embellish-Vintage Home Embellishments says

    February 3, 2010 at 3:41 am

    Soooo impressive. I only wish I had such a steady hand!

    Reply
  50. sweetjeanette says

    February 3, 2010 at 6:01 am

    Absolutely awesome!!! I love that. Thanks for sharing your technique!

    Sweet Jeanette

    Reply
  51. Adele says

    February 3, 2010 at 11:45 am

    Brilliant curtain idea, I love hand lettering.
    Adele

    Reply
  52. Lei says

    February 4, 2010 at 2:16 am

    They turned out lovely!

    Reply
  53. Paula Grace Designs says

    February 4, 2010 at 3:06 am

    Very hip! They turned out fabulous.
    Paula Grace ~

    Reply
  54. barbequethministry says

    February 5, 2010 at 10:43 pm

    I LOVE this idea. Can’t wait to try it!
    Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  55. Kerrie says

    February 7, 2010 at 1:16 pm

    Beautiful idea! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  56. Amber says

    February 8, 2010 at 7:46 am

    I adore this idea and your tips are so helpful. Your curtains turned out just lovely. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  57. The Floppy Cow says

    February 11, 2010 at 7:27 pm

    Simply marvelous! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  58. MaryJanes and Galoshes says

    February 12, 2010 at 9:37 pm

    Just found your blog, love these! I’m so making my own!

    Reply
  59. Brittney says

    March 9, 2010 at 2:54 pm

    I love the quote-in english or french!

    Reply
  60. Sarah Robbins says

    March 10, 2010 at 3:32 am

    Love, love, love this! Will it make you mad if I totally copy you?!

    Reply
  61. Olivia~ says

    May 15, 2010 at 9:01 pm

    OOOOOHhhhhhh I love this idea! If only I can get my dear hubby to hook up the printer! Please stop by for a visit!
    Hugs,
    Olivia

    Reply
  62. Colleen @ MuralMaker&More says

    June 15, 2010 at 4:47 pm

    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
  63. Attempting Aloha says

    April 27, 2011 at 8:38 pm

    Great idea! I love these!

    aloha,
    charlie

    Reply
  64. Inspire Me Heather says

    June 17, 2011 at 11:17 am

    These are just too sweet! Really… I featured this in my project curtains post too today, well done!

    Reply
  65. Jenny says

    August 18, 2013 at 9:51 pm

    C’est genial! May I ask what font you used? I’ve been looking for something just like that!

    Reply
  66. Barbara says

    June 17, 2014 at 4:51 pm

    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
  67. Barbara says

    June 17, 2014 at 4:52 pm

    Thanks for sharing your ideas!!!

    Reply
  68. rahel says

    October 15, 2014 at 11:54 pm

    hi gina!!
    love the idea!! which font did you use? i love it!!

    Reply
    • Gina Luker says

      October 21, 2014 at 12:29 pm

      http://www.dafont.com/jane-austen.font

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Drexel Hack #4: Camouflaged Consumables | Adaptation House says:
    February 2, 2015 at 7:54 am

    […] had planned on doing something cool like one of these ombre fabric painting or writing techniques, but for now at least they are up! If I do make more of an art piece out of them, I’ll be […]

    Reply

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ARE YOU A FARMHOUSE FAN?
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