
Pop-up camper curtains are a great way to add a personal touch to your camper. You can make your own curtains with basic sewing skills and lightweight cotton fabric. You can also buy ready-made curtains from various online stores. If you're feeling creative, you can even sew fabric on top of your existing curtains for a unique look.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Materials | Cotton duck cloth fabric, blackout liner, Waverly Paisley Prism Twill in Latte, clear Command Hooks, drapery rings, c-clips, plastic epoxy, clear hair elastics, curtain tie-backs, etc. |
Tools | Sewing machine, belt sander, sandpaper, etc. |
Techniques | Sewing, gluing, etc. |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fabric
Fabric Type
Select a fabric that is durable and suitable for the varying conditions your camper will endure. Cotton, polyester, and canvas are popular choices for pop-up camper valances. Cotton is breathable and easy to work with, but it may not be as durable as other options. Polyester is known for its strength and resistance to stretching and shrinking, making it a good choice for long-lasting valances. Canvas is a sturdy and durable option that is often used for outdoor applications. It is important to consider the weight of the fabric as well; a heavier fabric will provide more insulation but will also add bulk when folding up your camper.
Fabric Weight and Thickness
The weight and thickness of the fabric will impact the overall look and functionality of your valance. A heavier fabric will provide more insulation, blocking out light and helping to regulate the temperature inside your camper. However, thicker fabrics can be more challenging to work with and will add bulk when folding up your camper, so consider the space constraints as well. Thinner fabrics are easier to work with and will result in a lighter and more airy valance.
Fabric Pattern and Colour
The pattern and colour of the fabric will have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic of your camper. Consider the existing colours and patterns in your camper's interior, and choose a valance fabric that complements or contrasts tastefully with these elements. Keep in mind that lighter colours and smaller patterns are less likely to show dirt and stains, which is an important consideration for a space that may experience high levels of traffic and activity.
Fabric Width
The width of the fabric will determine the fullness and gather of your valance. A wider fabric will create a fuller look with more folds and volume. If you prefer a simpler, more streamlined look, a narrower fabric will create a valance with less volume. Keep in mind that the width of the fabric should also accommodate the specific measurements of your camper's valance track to ensure a proper fit.
Fabric Treatment
Consider the treatment of the fabric to enhance its functionality and durability. For example, you may want to treat the fabric with a water-resistant coating to protect against moisture, or opt for a fabric with built-in UV protection to prevent fading over time. Additionally, look for fabrics that are mildew-resistant, as your camper will likely be exposed to varying levels of humidity.
Fabric Cost
Fabric costs can vary widely depending on the type, quality, and quantity required. It is important to set a budget and consider the cost per yard or metre of the fabric. Keep in mind that you may need additional supplies, such as thread, lining, and hardware, so factor those expenses into your overall budget as well.
Fabric Availability
Ensure that the fabric you choose is readily available, especially if you anticipate needing to make repairs or replacements in the future. Opting for a readily available fabric will make it easier to obtain matching fabric for future projects. Additionally, consider purchasing slightly more fabric than you need for your valance to allow for potential mistakes or future repairs.
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Measuring and cutting the fabric
Next, decide on the height of your valances. The standard height for valances is usually between 12 and 15 inches. Once you have decided on the height, add an extra 1/2 inch to this measurement to allow for a double fold hem at the bottom and sides, and an extra 2 inches for the top hem. This will be the final height of your fabric strips.
Cut your fabric according to the measurements you have taken. For each valance panel, you will need a strip of fabric that is the desired length by the final height. For example, if your track is 10 feet long and you want 13-inch valances, you will need a 15-foot-long by 15-inch-high strip of fabric for each panel.
It is important to note that you may need to adjust these measurements depending on the specific model of your pop-up camper. Always measure twice to ensure accuracy before cutting your fabric. Additionally, it is a good idea to leave a little extra fabric on each side, just in case you need to make any adjustments later.
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Sewing the fabric
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Fabric
First, you need to measure the sections of your valance track and cut a strip of fabric that is 13 inches high. To determine the length of each panel, multiply the measurement of the valance track by 1.5. For example, if you have a 10-foot valance track, cut a 15-foot-long by 13-inch-high panel.
Step 2: Hem the Fabric
Next, add a 1/2-inch double fold hem to the bottom and sides of the fabric and a 2-inch hem to the top. This will give your valance a neat and finished look.
Step 3: Gather the Fabric
To gather the valance panel, make a 1-inch casing about an inch from the top of the panel. Then, cut a piece of 3/4-inch elastic to the desired length (for a 10-foot panel, use 10 feet of elastic). Thread the elastic through the casing and secure it at both ends. This will create a gathered effect at the top of your valance.
Step 4: Attach the Glide Tape
If your camper has a curtain track, you will need to attach glide tape to the back of the valance panels. Sew the glide tape over the casing, making sure to sew through the casing and not just the elastic. This will help the valance keep its shape and prevent sagging over time.
Step 5: Add Elastic Loops
Finally, add small elastic loops at each end of the valance. These loops will be used to secure the valance to the ends of the curtain track or to hooks if your camper does not have a track.
Step 6: Hang the Valance
To hang the valance, slide the glide tape clips along the valance track and secure the elastic loops at each end. If your camper does not have a track, you can use Velcro or staples to attach the valance to the ceiling.
Tips:
- If you want to incorporate a pattern or color into your valance, you can purchase fabric with a fun print or add a strip of coordinating fabric to the top or bottom of your valance.
- You can also make curtain tie-backs with leftover valance fabric to tie everything together.
- When sewing the fabric, use a sewing machine or sew by hand with a needle and thread.
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Attaching the curtain tabs
Option 1: Reusing the Old Plastic Tabs
- Take the old curtains down and label them in alphabetical order. Take pictures of the old curtains as a reference for the new ones.
- Cut the plastic tabs from the old curtains, being careful not to damage them. Sand the surface of the tabs to roughen them up and improve adhesion.
- Using plastic epoxy, attach small clear Command Hooks to each tab. Offset the hook on the tabs that will serve as stoppers at each end of the track.
- Once the epoxy is dry, thread the tabs onto the curtain track, stapling a stopper at each end. Ensure that all but the stopper clips slide freely.
- Sew small drapery rings onto the tops of the new curtain panels.
- Loop a drapery ring over each Command hook. The curtains should now be set up!
Option 2: Using Airstream Drape Carriers
- Measure your old curtain and add an inch to each side. Cut one piece of new curtain fabric and one piece of blackout fabric.
- Sew the two pieces of fabric together, with the right sides facing each other, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Leave a six-inch opening at the bottom.
- Turn the fabric right sides out through the opening, push out the corners, and stitch it closed.
- Press the seams and sew around the rectangle again, about 1/4 inch from the edge, to finish.
- Attach the Airstream Drape Carriers to the new curtains, using the old curtain as a reference for placement.
- Sew the tabs to the new curtains and attach the same letter for easy installation.
Option 3: Sewing the Tabs Directly
- Measure and cut the new curtain fabric based on your old curtain, adding an inch to each side.
- Sew the curtain tabs onto the new curtain panels, using your old curtain as a reference for placement.
- Attach the curtains to the track, sliding the tabs into the glider hooks.
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Installing the curtains
Now that you have your curtains ready, it is time to hang them up! There are several ways to hang curtains in a pop-up camper. You can use the hook and ring method, or you can use curtain tracks and tabs.
Using the hook and ring method
If you want to use the hook and ring method, you will need to attach small clear Command Hooks to the c-clips on the curtain track. First, rough up the surface of the c-clip with sandpaper to help the hook adhere to the clip. Then, attach the Command Hook to the c-clip using plastic epoxy. Once the epoxy is dry, thread the c-clips onto the curtain track and staple a stopper at each end. All but the stopper clips should slide freely on the track.
To hang the curtains, sew small drapery rings across the tops of the panels. You can find these at any fabric store. Now, all you have to do is loop a drapery ring over each hook, and you’re set! You can remove your curtains for cleaning, and they will still slide open and closed easily.
Using curtain tracks and tabs
If you want to use curtain tracks and tabs, you will need to attach the tabs to the curtains. You can sew the tabs on by hand or with a machine. If you are using a machine, use a thicker needle, such as an upholstery needle, and drill the holes in the tabs a little larger to accommodate the needle. Sew the tabs onto the curtains, using the old curtains as a reference for spacing.
Once the tabs are attached, you can hang the curtains on the track. Start by labelling your old curtains and taking pictures, so you know where each curtain goes. Then, attach the same letter to the new curtain for easy installation.
Attaching the valances
If you are also installing valances, you will need to attach them to the valance track. You can use the same method as the curtains and attach tabs to the valances, or you can use glide tape. Sew the glide tape to the back of the valances, right over the casing. This will help the valance keep its shape. You can also add a small elastic loop at each end of the valance to help secure it when it is hung in the camper.
If your camper does not have a valance track, you can attach the valance to the ceiling with Velcro. Attach the hook side of the Velcro to the camper and sew the loop side onto the valances.
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Frequently asked questions
Lightweight cotton is a good choice for pop-up camper curtains. You can also use flat sheets as your fabric.
You can attach the curtains using a hook and ring method. You can also use drapery rings, or sew-in curtain tabs.
It is not necessary, but a blackout liner can help keep the camper darker in the morning, provide more privacy, and keep the heat at bay.