DIY Patio Curtains Using Fabric Dye

9 Materials
$20
Easy
A few weeks ago, on one of the first beautiful days we had this spring, I was sitting on the back patio working on my laptop. I was enjoying the sunshine on our covered patio (thanks daylight savings!) when the sun dropped below the edge of our patio roof but was still above our back wall. There's a sweet spot, when the sun is setting that it shines RIGHT in your eyes if you are sitting on the patio. It was at that moment I came up with the idea to add a curtain to our patio. DIY patio curtains fit perfectly with this month's challenge since it gave me a chance to try fabric dye for the first time.
My original idea was to dye the patio curtains with an ombre effect. I figured if I slowly pulled the fabric out of the dye, it would make the ombre effect since the fabric left in the longest would be the darkest. UNFORTUNATELY, this was a DIY FAIL!
While the final product didn't turn out how I wanted, it was not a complete waste. It's not like I ruined the fabric; it is still dyed and actually has a neat look to it. I realize my problem was the amount of fabric I used (I tried dying the entire drop cloth instead of cutting the curtain out first).
So while this didn't work for me, I still recommend trying the steps below to see if you can achieve the ever elusive OMBRE!
To see the full tutorial please head to my blog! amber-oliver.com
Suggested materials:
  • Canvas Drop Cloth
  • Shower Curtian Liner
  • Fabric Dye
See all materials
Amber Oliver
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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2 of 3 comments
  • Joyce Bell Joyce Bell on Feb 23, 2017
    I used a shower curtain for mine☺
  • Sci79090846 Sci79090846 on Mar 28, 2023

    I like the idea of using a shower curtain for my balcony that faces the street. This way it’s cheaper and weather tallerant.

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