How to Make a Complete Bath Ensemble
You’ll need about 12 to 14 yards, depending upon the set you’ll make. It’s always wise to launder the fabric once to prevent shrinkage after you’ve sewn the ensemble. Press fabric, if necessary, and lay on table, right sides together.
To cut the shower curtain cover, which is one piece that goes outside of the plastic curtain, measure from rod to hem of where you want the curtain to go, plus measure the width of the shower encasement. Double the measurement for the width then draw that measurement onto the cloth. To the length, add seven inches onto the measurement to allow for pocket rod and hem. This piece can be made to match the rest of the ensemble or can be a coordinating color or pattern.
After cutting the piece pin the side hems by folding over one inch, then one inch again. Hem. Pin rod pocket in place by folding the top edge over an inch, then three inches. Allow extra if your rod is larger than that. Also pin the hem by folding the bottom edge over an inch then two inches. Hem and back-tack the roc pocket and the bottom hem.
To make the ruffled curtains that go on the outside of the one-piece curtain measure from the rod pocket to about 6″ above the floor. Allow 9 extra inches for rod pocket and hem. Use the width measurement, doubled, for the curtains. Draw these measurements onto the cloth and cut this piece twice. If you want the curtains to be extremely full and gathered, use three times the width measurement for each piece.
Pin each piece at the side hems by folding over one inch, then one inch again. Hem. Pin the rod pocket by first folding the top edge over an inch, then four inches. Hem the bottom edge of this fold, then go back to the top edge and top-stitch about an inch from the edge. This will put a small ruffle at the top of the rod pocket. If you’d like the ruffle to be larger across the top edge, allow for that when cutting. Hem the bottom by turning under one inch, then three more.
If you’d like a valance that stretches across the two front curtains it needs to be attached before hanging. Cut the valance two or three times the width of the tub encasement (depending upon how full you want it to be), and cut about 12″ from top to hem. Hem the ends of the valance, which are the sides. Hem the bottom of the valance by turning over one inch, then one more inch, before sewing. Fold under a half-inch then hem the top, at the very edge, all the way across, stopping in the center to attach the second curtain to the valance. This makes a set of two curtains, that can be pulled back with tie-backs, along with a valance that goes across the top.
A tub skirt is optional but gives a beautiful look to the ensemble. Make a skirt that hangs on “C” hooks and hides the front part of the tub. Measure the length of the tub and allow twice that measurement for gathering. Measure the height of the tub and allow an extra four inches for the elastic and hem. Hem the ends of the tub skirt by folding over an inch, then an one more inch before stitching. To put in the elastic fold the top edge of the fabric under one inch. Lay the quarter-inch elastic in place, then fold the fabric over it, one inch. Use a zig-zag stitch to secure the elastic, pulling the elastic a slight bit while stitching. Hem the skirt by folding the bottom edge under one inch then one inch again before stitching.
Make tie-backs to hold the curtains open and show the tub skirt and inside curtain. Cut the tie backs 28″ long and 6″ wide. Cut four of these pieces. Place two pieces, with right sides together, under the presser foot and sew three sides. Turn right side out and stitch the last side shut. Do the same to the second set of tie-back pieces. This will give you two tie-backs for your curtains. Use an eyelet at the end of each piece to hook on a “C” hook and hold the curtains open.
Extra things can be added to the basic ensemble, such as lace edging, ribbon enhancements or ruffle sets to the inner sides of the front set. You’ll have a lot of pride when you’ve finished making the set – as well you should have. Now let’s talk kitchen curtains….
