Introduction
Add a playful dash of fun to any kids’ room or a cartoon-loving space with this charming crochet curtain pattern. The eye-catching design brings two iconic cartoon characters—a gray cat and a brown mouse—peeking playfully from cream-colored curtains, complete with cheerful yellow cheese wedge appliqués scattered throughout. The whimsical curtain top features a wavy border, and the matching bottom edge and tiebacks tie the whole look together with a neat pop of blue trim.
This curtain is not just visually delightful; it’s also tactile and textural, inviting little hands to explore the surface. The combination of soft, plush appliqué characters and the structured background make it an engaging addition to any room. Whether you want statement window treatments for a nursery, playroom, or themed party, this curtain pattern delivers both personality and coziness. Crocheting this curtain is sure to bring smiles to your home and is a conversation starter for guests. Best of all, you’ll love seeing how thrilled the children are with their favorite characters brought to life in fiber!
Project Overview
This curtain set is worked in several sections: the main body panels (constructed in rows), a separate ruffled/wavy valance (also in rows), blue border trims, character appliqués (crocheted separately and sewn on), cheese wedge appliqués, and optional ties for gathering the curtains. Each primary motif (cat and mouse) is built up from layered pieces for facial features and color work. The entire project is assembled at the end for a clean, finished presentation.
Skill Level
Intermediate. While most of the curtain uses basic stitches, the complexity lies in shaping and layering the character appliqués, managing color changes, and assembling small parts.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic or cotton is ideal for durability and easy care.
- Main Color (Cream): ~900g (32 oz)—for the curtain panels and background
- Blue/Gray: ~250g (9 oz)—for the bottom and valance trim, and parts of the cat
- Medium Gray: ~100g (3.5 oz)—for the cat’s body
- Pink: ~50g (1.7 oz)—for ears, mouth
- Yellow/Gold: ~80g (2.8 oz)—for cheese wedges and cat’s eyes
- White: ~50g (1.7oz)—for facial details
- Brown: ~90g (3 oz)—for mouse body
- Black: ~40g (1.4 oz)—for outlining, face features
- Green: Small amount—for the cat’s eye color
- Hook: 4.5 mm (US 7) for most sections. Use 3.5 mm (E) for small appliqué details if desired.
- Tapestry needle: For sewing and weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers: Useful for marking placement on large panels
- Measuring tape
Finished Size
Each curtain panel measures approximately 110 cm tall by 65 cm wide (43″ x 25.5″). The valance is about 20 cm high (8″). You can adjust the overall size by lengthening or shortening the panel rows or increasing/decreasing the number of starting stitches for width. For larger or smaller windows, adjust the initial foundation chain and the number of rows proportionally.
Gauge
Approximate gauge: 15 stitches and 14 rows = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4″) in single crochet with 4.5 mm hook. Be sure to check your gauge—altering tension will change finished dimensions. With uneven gauge, your panels may be misaligned or not cover the window as desired.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- inc – 2 sc in one stitch (increase)
- dec – single crochet decrease (sc2tog)
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- RS/WS – right side/wrong side
Pattern Notes
- All panels and the valance are worked in turned rows of single crochet unless otherwise stated.
- Chain 1 at the beginning of a row does not count as a stitch; always work the first sc in the first st.
- Appliqués are worked in pieces and sewn onto the main panels after assembly.
- Mark panel sections for accurate positioning of character appliqués before sewing.
- To change color: work the last yarn-over of the final stitch before a color change with the new color.
- Use the RS (right side) for sew-on appliqués for best definition.
- Stitch markers help to keep your count even and pieces in place while sewing.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Main Curtain Panels (Make 2)
- Foundation: With cream, ch 98 (or a multiple matching your window width; the actual width after blocking should be ~65 cm / 25.5″).
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (97 sts). Ch 1, turn.
- Rows 2-154: Sc in each st across (97 sts). Ch 1, turn. This creates a tall rectangle (~110 cm / 43″).
- Rows 155-160: Switch to blue/gray. Sc across in each st (this is the bottom border).
- Fasten off and weave in ends.
Scalloped Bottom Edge
- With blue/gray yarn, rejoin at the bottom edge.
- *Skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st, skip 1 st, sl st in next st*; repeat across for a wavy effect. Fasten off.
Valance
- Foundation: With cream, ch 146 (for length ~100 cm / 39.5″; adjust to fit window width).
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch and across (145 sts). Ch 1, turn.
- Rows 2-26: Sc across (145 sts). Ch 1, turn. (Height ~20 cm / 8″).
- Rows 27-30: Switch to blue/gray for last 4 rows, sc across for border.
- Final Row (Scallop): As with bottom border: *Skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st, skip 1 st, sl st in next st*; repeat across. Fasten off.
Hanging Tabs (Optional, Make 8):
- With blue/gray, ch 16.
- Sc in 2nd ch and across (15 sts). Ch 1, turn.
- Sc in each st, ch 1, turn. Repeat for 6 rows total. Fasten off.
Sew tabs evenly to top edge of valance for rod insertion.
Cat and Mouse Character Appliqués
Work each part in separate pieces, then sew together and attach to panels.
- Cat Head (make 1 in gray):
- Make a magic ring (MR), 6 sc in MR. Pull tight, join with sl st. (6 sts)
- Round 2: 2 sc in each st around (12 sts)
- Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next* around (18)
- Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next* around (24)
- Continue increasing evenly to reach ~15 cm / 6″ diameter. Fasten off.
- Cat Face Details:
- White muzzle ovals, pink nose and ear insides, eyes in yellow with green irises (crochet small ovals), black for outlines, and embroider whiskers. Ears are half circles in gray and pink.
- Assemble pieces on RS of head using tapestry needle, referencing placement in photo.
- Cat Body:
- Work an oval in gray using sc increases. Make approx. 14 rows, increasing by 8 sc per row on the long sides. Attach paw shapes (small ovals in white) as separate appliqués.
- Mouse Head (make 1 in brown):
- Work as for cat, but to a slightly smaller diameter (~13 cm / 5″).
- Ear shapes are circles and half-ovals in brown and pink, sewn slightly overlapping together. Add embroidered facial details in white and black.
- Mouse Body:
- Work a smaller oval in brown, joining a skinny sausage for the tail. Make small ovals for hands and feet.
Cheese Appliqués (Make 10-14)
- With yellow, ch 1, work MR, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, sl st in ring to form a triangle. Finish off, weave in.
- Optional: Embroider small holes in brown or orange for a Swiss cheese look.
Tiebacks (Make 2)
- With blue/gray, ch 46.
- Sc in 2nd ch and across. Ch 1, turn. Repeat for 6 rows to create a sturdy strip (~25 cm / 10″ long).
- Sew a cheese appliqué to each tieback for decoration.
Assembly and Finishing
Lay the curtain panels flat (RS up). Arrange and pin the cat and mouse appliqué pieces as shown in the image—cat on the left panel, mouse on the right. Take care to place faces peeking from the inside panel edge, overlapping paws or hands at the curtain edge. Use a tapestry needle and matching yarn or invisible sewing thread to neatly whipstitch all appliqués in place. Double-check placement so facial expressions remain friendly and fun.
Sew cheese wedge appliqués randomly but evenly on main panels and valance, as pictured. Attach the blue scallop borders securely, ensuring smooth, even edges. If using hanging tabs, evenly space and sew to the valance top. Weave in all ends. Block each section lightly with steaming, using a pressing cloth to avoid flattening texture. Hang the curtains and adjust folds evenly with tiebacks. Finalize shaping of characters and cheese for a lively, 3D effect.
Customization Ideas
- Colors: Switch up background or trim colors to match your room’s palette—pastels for nurseries, brights for playrooms.
- Characters: Swap in other cartoon or animal faces your child loves, adjusting color choices accordingly.
- Motifs: Add stars, hearts, or numbers alongside cheese wedges for extra personalization.
- Yarn: Use plush or variegated yarns for added texture, or lightweight cotton for an airier drape.
- Uses: Create smaller panels for cabinet doors, or adapt the design for wall hangings or baby blankets.
Troubleshooting
- Curling panels: Ensure your starting chain is loose; block finished panels for a flat drape.
- Uneven edges: Count stitches regularly—missed increases or decreases can distort the rectangle.
- Panels too large/small: Adjust foundation chain and rows before starting second panel; match your gauge.
- Loose color changes: Securely fasten new yarn with several stitches and weave in all tails for durability and neatness.
- Wobbly appliqués: Pin pieces in place securely before stitching; use more stitches around edges for stability.
- Uneven tension: Practice with a small swatch in your chosen yarn/hook combo before main panels.
Care Instructions
Machine wash separately on gentle cycle in cold water using mild detergent. Lay flat to dry or reshape panels while damp and hang to air dry. Avoid wringing or high heat. If ironing is necessary for appliqués, use the lowest setting and a press cloth.
Final Notes
Enjoy bringing your favorite characters to life! Remember to double check stitch counts every few rows and adjust your tension as needed. Use the finished photo as a guide for arranging and assembling appliqués for the most playful and accurate look. Have fun personalizing this joyful crochet curtain for your special space!
