Adding Pom Pom Trim To Your Curtains

Adding pom pom trim to your existing curtain panels is a great way to add a little cottage style charm to your decor. And it's easier than you think.

Sew or no sew, it's a DIY you can complete in under an hour and I've got all the tips.

When it comes to decorating, I'm a little bit of a paradox.

Once I decide on a room design, I stick with it for a long time.

In some cases, decades long.

However, I also enjoy changing my decor. Sometimes on a weekly or even daily basis.

Now that might sound a little nutty, but decorating brings me joy. It's my passion and my home is my palette.

Plus, I find the creative processes involved in making home decor crafts to be very relaxing.

So how do I manage to change things up frequently, without really changing them all?

Well, my kitchen, is a great example, it looks mainly the same as it did 20+ years ago, when we added the room. 

Same tables, cabinets, countertop, bisque appliances, paint colors and the same flooring.

But. It looks totally different, due to a few tiny swaps. 

Including the red curtain panels I made in the fall of 2020.


Before that, I'd had valances on the windows. Lots of valances over the years, but never panels. And once I added them, I was smitten.

They totally changed the look of the room. It was more sophisticated and polished. I loved the clean and simple lines and all that delicious fabric.

I'm a wee bit obsessed with fabric when it comes to home decor. 

Although, this week, I found myself ready for a change. 

Oh don't get me wrong, I wasn't going to ditch the panels, I just wanted to add a little extra pop. Finish the edges by adding a charming trim.

The new family room was decked out in it and the view from there peeks into the kitchen. So it felt natural, almost necessary, to carry them into the dining nook.

And I was able to grab several yards of red ball fringe from JoAnn's on sale for a song.

How To Add Pom Pom Fringe To Curtain Panels

Ok, this is how I added my pom pom trim. Keep in mind, as I've mentioned many times before, I was not classically trained (if that's even a thing) when it comes to crafting.

I have some basic 8th grade home ec skills, but overall, I do things the "Kim" way... and it works, but it may not be the "right" way. Just saying.

My supplies:

• Pom pom fringe
• Scissors
• Plastic sewing clips
• Sewing machine
• Fusible web tape and iron (if you don't sew)
• Measuring tape - this 2 pack is awesome
• Thread - I only use this kind

Step 1. Measure 

Before I started, I measured the length of each curtain panel to determine how much trim I'd need. I only wanted to add trim to the inside seams of my curtains, but you could add it to both side and/ or the bottom if you like.

Step 2. Pin Trim To Curtains

Since my curtains were already hanging up, I decided to use their position to my advantage.

I decided to clip the trim onto the curtain panel edges, while they were still on the rod, instead of removing them, measuring them, and the trim, and then pinning/ clipping them all together on another surface.

Too much work.


This was a simpler process.

I simply clipped the pom pom trim to the edge of the panels, from top to bottom.


A little design comment here. I placed my pom pom trim behind the panels. Traditionally, that decorative strip would go in front. Or it would be nestled between the seams to hide. 

Since my panels were already made, that wasn't an option.

I do add it to the front sometimes, but in the kitchen, with these bold checks, I didn't want to add another prominent line of color. 

I was craving a dainty accent. Of course, you can place yours wherever it makes you smile.

Step 3. Cut Excess Trim

When I'd pinned/ clipped the trim in place, I snipped the excess off at the bottom.  I did leave about an inch extra, in case...well, in case.

I didn't need it, but it was nice to have.

Step 4. Mark Your Pleats

Now it was time to take the panels off the rod.

Speaking of, you can catch a glimpse of my painted curtain rod center bracket in this picture. 

See..it almost disappears, even close up.

I really liked where my original ring clips were placed and I didn't want to play around with the pleats again when I went to hang the curtain panels back up.

So I made sure to mark where each ring clip was placed with a sewing clip.


It made the process of hanging them back up so much easier. 

Step 5. Attach Pom Poms

Time to sew.


For that, I used my handy dandy sewing machine. Lately, it's been behaving.

Perhaps, because I've learned a few tricks on how to use it properly, but either way, it was quick.

I stitched the trim on from the front side of the fabric, rather than the back, since I wanted to make sure I could only see the pom poms.

Again, I did my way.


That did make sewing two of the panels a little awkward, since I had to jam the fabric in a tight spot to stitch, but I went slow and it worked out fine.

If you don't sew, see my tips below.

All told it took me about an hour to complete 4 panels. 

But. So worth it.


Do you remember the before?


Not a big change. 

And yet, there's a huge difference. It's a classic case of the decorating magic is in the details.

I just can't get enough of the view. Especially from the family room.


It flows seamlessly. 

And now the kitchen is complete, because of a few pom poms I bought on sale for a few dollars.

Well, at least until next week when I make another change.

You know it's coming.

😉

A few pom pom sewing tips:

• You can add them to anything, handmade or store bought.
  
  Pillow cases and covers, store bought curtains, clip curtains you've made from sheets or tablecloths, sink skirts, jeans, tote bags, table runners, Christmas tree skirts, stockings. You get the idea.
  
  
• You can iron them on. You don't need to use a machine. I recommend using fusible web like I did on my chair (also called hemming tape) over fabric glue, but be mindful that they'll wash better if sewn on.
  
  
• You can add them on the front of your fabric for a bold look or behind for a more subtle accent. You can also hide the trim strip in between seams, for example on a pillow or valance.
  
  
• In general, I like sewing clips over pins.
  
  I don't pinch myself as much, they're easier to reposition and remove when sewing on a machine. When adding trim, all of this is especially true. I highly recommend them.

Happy Decorating!!