| Decorative Window Treatments |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-104 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
Q: We have just moved into a new home, and I have sticker shock from window treatments. I'd like to avoid paying a fortune but have never tried making them myself. Can Nancy help?
A: (Nancy Golden, Ask DIY Decorating expert). The key to finding an inexpensive window treatment is to stay at home and make your own! One simple treatment that's easy to do consists of squares of fabric draped over a curtain rod, and perhaps attached at the bottom with a tassel. Here's what you do. Materials (for a three-panel window treatment for a 36-inch window):
Four 20" x 20" squares of fabric such as chambray (plus seam allowance)
Two 25" x 25" squares of fabric such as chambray (plus seam allowance)
Contrasting border material that's 8"-10" longer than the sum of the borders on the 20" squares (2" x 80") and about 8" wide
Contrasting border material that's 8"-10" longer than the sum of the borders on the 25" square (100") and about 8" wide
Scissors
Pins
Sewing machine
Tassels or covered buttons (optional)
- Pair like-sized pieces of material together and sew the right sides together, leaving an opening so you can turn the right sides out.
Working smarter : Consider plain material for your squares and/or borders, so you don't have to spend a lot of time matching patterns. - Clip the corners on the diagonal, close to the seam (figure A), before turning the right sides out again. This will prevent the corners from bunching up. Also use a seam ripper or a pencil to poke the corners out (figure B).
- Cut the border material to the proper length for each square -- the sum of the borders plus 8 or 10 inches, which you'll use to form the faux miters.
- Sew the right sides of the border material together, forming a tube and leaving an opening to turn the right sides out again. Sew up the opening.
- Pin the appropriate border around the edge of each square, allowing it to overlap the outside edge by about a quarter of an inch and folding it at the corners so that the patterns match and it looks like a mitered edge (figure C). Sew the borders onto the squares.
- Hang the treatment on a decorative curtain rod. First hang the smaller two squares on the outside edges, folded over with the points down. Then overlap the largest square on top, in the middle, also folded over with its points down.
- To hold the squares together at the bottom, attach a decorative tassel or button.
Buyer's guide: If you'd like to match the decorative button to a pattern you already have, buy a covered-button kit at a fabric store and cover the buttons with fabric scraps from this or another project. This window-treatment idea can stretch to suit your fancy and your skill level. It works just as well with one or two squares -- you just need to eyeball your window and material to determine what you'd like. And if you'd like to simplify the project, iron on fuse ribbon instead of sewing a border. Or sew some ribbon on top of the border. More questions for Nancy:
Q: I have a decorative daybed that does not need a dust ruffle. I bought a comforter set and have a dust ruffle left over. My friends say I can use this for a window treatment. Please show me how!
A : You can use it for a valance, but if it's more than 15 inches long, you should fold it up a little. You can also layer it over an upholstered cornice, or use it to trim upholstered pillows.
Q: I would like to dress up my kitchen window but I can't find any coordinating fabric that matches my kitchen or tablecloths. Any ideas?
A: Why not go out and buy some dishtowels? Hang them over a rod and pin them in the back. They don't even need to match -- you can mix plaids, florals and stripes.
Q Do you have any suggestions on recycling things for window hardware?
A: Absolutely. For a little boy's room, try hot-gluing some baseballs or golf balls to an inexpensive curtain rod. Or for a little girl's room, consider doing the same with ballet slippers. Web site resources for window treatments: WindowVisions.net/Products Alternative Windows About.com Curtains and Window Treatments page DecorateWaverly.com How to Make a Decorative Drapery page Lowe's How to Decorate a Window page Books: Window Treatments
by Singer Reference Library
Cowles Creative Publishing (1997)
Currently known as Creative Publishing International
5900 Green Oak Dr.
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Phone: 612-988-0256
Fax: 612-988-0201
Window Treatments: Over 20 Practical Projects for Curtains & Blinds
by Alison Jenkins
Lorenz Books (1998)
An imprint of Anness Publishing, Inc.
27 West 20th St.
New York, NY 10011
Phone: 800-354-9657
Fax: 212-807-6813
Great Window Treatments
by Claire Martens
1997 Sterling Publishing, Inc.
387 Park Ave. South
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-532-7160
Fax: 212-213-2495
| 
)
)
)
)
