Mix and match curtains this spring using tie-dye

Pastel touches to a traditional white curtain give it some personality

We all have that box of mismatched items that we throw into a closet and forget about until we have to pack up and move again. It usually comes in the form of a tangled pile of cords and cables, a box of outgrown clothing that never gets donated or a collection of knickknacks.

For me, it’s a pile of fabric. I’m not even sure how it started, but it was probably around the time a 1960s Singer sewing machine came into my life. At some point, a set of dorm-room Ikea curtains were thrown into the pile and were forgotten about. After I moved into my current apartment, I realized that I had yet to put up curtains and didn’t want to invest in more fabric when I already had so much to work with. Out came the pairs of $5 white cotton curtains.

I ended up choosing a few colours already echoed in my living room.

Paloma, a dusty pink colour, matches my walls perfectly.

Provence and Greek Blue fulfilled the analogous colour palette, while keeping the calming atmosphere of the space — it was designed to feel like Argentina’s Ushuaia, commonly known as End of the World.

Normally, when people think of tie-dye, their minds go to the bold patterns of the 1960s. Those styles are certainly achievable, but hardly necessary.

For this project, I just added some pastel touches to a traditional white curtain to give it some personality.

YOU WILL NEED:

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Paloma, Provence and Greek Blue Containers for mixing Mixing stick Twine

Step 1: Find your fabric

Begin by finding the base for your curtains. You can purchase fabric panels if you have the sewing know-how or pick up some inexpensive cotton curtains from your local home and decor store. Fold them in half lengthwise then widthwise. If they’re still too unwieldy, fold them until they’re a workable size.

Step 4: Dip dye your curtains

Take your tied-up curtains and dip them in your paint mixtures however you like.

Step 2: Tie it up

Here comes the “tie” part of the tie-dying process. Bunch up your fabric and tie it how you like. Different spacing and tying methods will yield different patterns and results.

Step 5: Wring and dry

Wring out the curtains out and hang to dry either in your bathroom or outside, so you don’t get dye drips. You can use a dryer but be careful since some fabrics will shrink.

Step 3: Prepare the paint

Dilute your paint in water — the less water, the stronger the colour will be. If you’re unsure of the colour, test with a piece of fabric to see the outcome. I made my solution very weak; I used one tablespoon (15 mL) of paint per litre of water. You can make your concoction of colours as pale or as strong as you like.

Step 6: Hang and enjoy

Once dry, hang your new curtains and enjoy!