Make these beautiful Pottery Barn-inspired relaxed cottage-style ticking stripe curtains for a fraction of the cost. I just love the look of ticking stripe and with a quick stroll through google, I found these beautiful ticking strip tassel curtains from Pottery Barn. I didn’t want to spend the money so I set out to make my own! In this post, Simple Curtains DIY (Pottery Barn Inspired) I take you through the process and help you save a bundle!

pottery barns ticking stripe curtain
a side view of my version of the ticking stripe curtains with tassels

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About these Simple DIY Curtains

I love the look of ticking stripe fabric and wanted to bring this French country cottage-style fabric into our living room. We have a white slipcovered couch and neutral off-white walls so I knew this soft gray and white stripe fabric would work well. The original idea came from the Pottery Barn Emily and Meritt Ticking Stripe window treatments (which sadly are no longer available). I knew I could make my own and while doing so save a few dollars! While this post focuses on using ticking stripe fabric you may want to use a different fabric that works with your style. You can follow the same process outlined below and come up with your own unique curtains.

Finding the Right Ticking Stripe Fabric

I purchased the 10 yards of the Gray and Ivory Cotton Duck Ticking Stripe Fabric that I needed to make the striped curtains at Joann Fabrics and got to work.

ticking stripe, fabric, tassels on a jute rug

Working with the Ticking Fabric

When I tried the fabric up against the window to view the ticking stripe fabric, I found the right side of the ticking stripe to be a bit too dark for my taste. I felt they actually looked a tad “muddy” (if that makes sense). I had the great idea to flip the fabric over so the main panel of the curtains would show the back of the fabric. This drastically softened the pattern while still showing the ticking stripes. I then folded the top header over revealing the actual right side of the ticking stripe, now I love the contrast! With the back side of the fabric showing, the fabric appears faded which in turn inflates the cottage look I was going for.

ticking stripe curtains with tassels.

How to Measure for These DIY Curtains

For each panel, I used the width of the fabric as it came (54″ wide). To figure the total curtain length of each panel, using a tape measure I measured the curtain rod to the floor. I then allowed for extra fabric ( 17″ in total ) to allow for a bottom and top hem allowance (2 X’s 1/2 inch), and the folded-over header (12 inches) with enough left so they would be long enough to puddle on the floor (4 inches). I love the look of floor length and the relaxed look of the curtain gathered on the floor.

cottage style living room decor, ticking stripe curtains that are pottery barn inspired.

Sewing the Curtain Panels

Onto the sewing part! My sewing machine is one of those basic machines, nothing fancy but gets the job done! With my iron and ironing board, I first ironed the hems. I then sewed a straight stitch along all 4 sides of each panel. The bottom edge and side seams had the same seam allowance all around (1 1/2″). I did not hide the rough edge when sewing (as pictured). In part, because I knew I was going for a more informal look and partly – if I’m being completely honest – I’m a bit of a lazy seamstress. For a more formal and finished look, you could use lining fabric on these curtains.

No Sew Option: Not one for sewing curtains? No problem! You could easily make these DIY curtains by cutting the raw edges of the fabric and fraying them as I did in my DIY lavender sachet post. It would take some patience but the frayed edge would be a fun look to this already relaxed fabric.

sewing the fabric.

How to DIY Tassels

Using kitchen string I made these tassels and added the beads. Initially, when I hung the panels on these farmhouse rods, I found that tassels would get lost in the folds. I realized that if I could somehow shorten the width of the top of the curtain I would be able to see the full detail of the tassels. I did not want to cut the width and lose the loose relaxed cottage look so I decided to sew 3 box pleats across the top. Then I sewed the tassels (video here) to the 3 box pleats as well as the two ends of the top of the curtain making 5 points to hang the curtains from. The tassels are not only for decorative purposes they are also what I used to hang the curtains.

close up of box pleat with tassel.

Choosing the Right Curtain Rods

I had my mind set on a white wooden decorative rod and found these rods at Bed Bath a Beyond. To choose the right size I measured the width of each window and decided how much of an extension (how far you want the rods to extend beyond the casing) I wanted. Our white farmhouse living room has two smaller windows so I always extend well beyond the casing (at least 12″) and the majority of the curtain panel covers the wall. This makes the windows seem larger than they are and as a bonus, it also lets more natural light in.

Design Tip: To make windows appear larger it is important to hang your curtain rods higher than the top window casing and to extend the curtains beyond the side window casings. With the curtains outlined in this post, you can see that the rod sits 8″ above the top casing and only a small portion of the curtain panel covers the side casing and window. The majority of the fabric is against the wall, not the window.

Variations and Considerations

Other Ticking Stripe Projects For Your Home: For a cottage farmhouse look or French Country style you can’t go wrong with ticking stripe fabric. You could add some charm to your living room by making some throw pillows using ticking fabric. You could also sew a DIY ticking stripe shower curtain using button holes to thread the shower curtain rings through. A beautiful ticking stripe bed skirt with a gorgeous white coverlet would be beautiful in a bedroom. Cover your dining room chairs in a beautiful blue and white ticking stripe fabric for a nautical look. This timeless fabric is so versatile!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the curtain panels lined?

I did not line these panels for a few reasons:
1. I wanted them to have a true relaxed casual look. I was concerned that the panels would look too stiff if they were lined.
2. The majority of the curtain panel covers the wall with just a small amount covering the actual window.
3. These curtains are more decorative than functional in this space.

Do you close the curtains at night?

I do not. Our home is set back from the road and the curtains serve more as decorative than functional. You certainly could close them as long as the tassel loops are on the inside of the curtain rod brackets. If you are making curtains for a bedroom you could add blackout fabric as your curtain lining to make blackout curtains. Another option for privacy is to pair these curtains with blinds or roman shades and/or sheer curtains hung with a tension rod.

What other types of fabrics can I use for DIY curtains?

Choose curtain fabric that you love and that goes with the look of your room and you will surely end up with beautiful curtains. The important thing is that you choose a fabric that works with your style. Consider lighter fabric for dark spaces and bold patterns for spaces that call for color.

Is there a no-sew option for these curtains?

Even though these curtains require only basic sewing skills not everyone has a sewing machine or is inclined to sew, I get it! You can still make your own DIY curtains given two options:
1. You leave your edges raw and unfinished for a casual, perhaps boho look.
2. You use fabric that is already hemmed like bed sheets (specifically a flat sheet), a tablecloth, or a drop cloth. All of these options have finished edges and with a rod and clip rings you are good to go!
For a great no-sew option I recommend you visit my DIY Drop Cloth Curtains with a Twist (No Rods, No Sewing Required) post. drop cloth curtains

Where can I buy ticking stripe fabric?

There are lots of online fabric store options. I purchased my striped fabric at Joann’s stores. I’ll include a few options below.

hydrangea on a coffee table. cottage style living room with curtains in the background.

I really love how they turned out. I’ve received so many messages saying they like mine better! Sorry PB – but I kinda have to agree! Also pictured in this space is my arrangement which sits on Layering Vintage Frames on a Wall between the curtains.

Thanks for visiting my blog today for this Simple Curtains DIY (Pottery Barn Inspired) post! Hopefully, you found this curtain tutorial helpful and you are ready to make your own curtains. Making your own is a great way to save money and perhaps it’s the best way to take an idea and put your own spin on it. For another easy project for window coverings be sure to visit my no-sew, DIY Drop Cloth Curtains with a Twist (No Rods, No Sewing Required)

For more easy DIY curtains please visit my window treatment board on Pinterest.

Keep creating friends!

my signiture. a black and white drawing of me with a coffee cup.

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4 Comments

  1. I absolutely love these curtains! I agree that they are much more attractive and more expensive looking than PB’s. I will definitely be trying this out as I’ve been noodling around with just what to do with my LR windows. I’ll also be following you from now on to see what other beautiful things you come up with… thank you, Pam

  2. New to your blog today….retired Teacher/RN living in Southern CA. I see one line on your face…I can relate…I have 2 or 3!!

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