Now here's something Matt and I agree upon: There's nothing better than a drapery treatment that can be made without sewing.
Not that I have a problem with sewing, but I'm just as lazy I mean eager as the next person to save some time and effort so there's more time to play.
In fact, I have all sorts of no-sew window treatments up my sleeve, but this one has always been a favorite. It's actually a window topper, and it looks great over sheers, miniblinds or pleated shades. Here's all you'll need.
Materials:
1-inch by 4-inch pine board (cut to the width of the window casing)
Two 3-inch "L" brackets
Drywall screws
Staple gun and staples
2d penny nails
Iron
Ironing board
Iron-on adhesive tape for windows narrower than 44 inches
Fabric cut the length of the window plus 6 inches, cut the width a minimum of 8 inches wider than window (so a regular 54-inch decorator fabric would fit a window up to 46 inches wide)
Step 1: Pressing the issue
First, press your fabric flat. It won't look very attractive if your folds are wrinkled.
Step 2: A cut above
For windows less than 44 inches wide, you will want to trim the width of your fabric to your window width plus 12 inches. If you are using a stripe, it's best to cut equal amounts off both sides of the fabric so the stripes will match. In this case, you will need to turn over the raw edges to create a 1-inch side seam.
Hold the side seams in place with iron-on adhesive tape. While you're at it, iron in a small 1-inch hem at the bottom. Your finished fabric should measure 4 inches longer than your window and 8 inches wider.
Step 3: All aboard
Next, center the top of the fabric on the 4-inch side of the 1-inch by 4-inch board. Approximately 4 inches should overhang on each end. Staple across the fabric until you feel it will be secure. Then, holding the board up, but still in that flat position, wrap the extra fabric around the short edges of the board and slightly to the back if necessary. Fold the fabric onto the top of the board and staple it into place.
Step 4: Fan fold
Place the topper, face down, on the floor or a large surface with the 1-inch by 4-inch board leaning against the wall. Starting at the bottom of the fabric, fold the bottom up about 3 1/2 inches, having the wrong sides of the fabric together. Then fold back toward yourself in the opposite direction. Continue folding in this fan-fold fashion until you meet up with the board. Make sure all of the folds are even. Tack the material to the board in the center of both the board and material, using the nails.
Step 5: Tada
Now, gather all your friends as you pick up the board, and allow the material to hang down into place (striped fabric will form a soft curve of connecting stripes). Just dress the folds a bit, then set the topper aside to install the "L" brackets.
Step 6: Attaching the brackets
Mount the "L" brackets evenly above the window so that they just touch the top of the window molding. Place the pine board with the fabric attached on top of the "L" brackets, center it and screw them into the underside of the 1-inch by 4-inch board.
I think I like no-sew projects best because Matt helps me out. It's so much more fun to work on something with a partner. Why not call up some of your friends and have a fun afternoon making toppers for everyone?
Although I can't seem to get Matt to agree that it's a good idea, I'm sure some of you out there can appreciate what I'm talking about. In any case, try a no-sew project I promise you'll love it.
Shari Hiller writes this column with Matt Fox. They co-host the Home & Garden Television show "Room by Room." For more information, visit www.hgtv.com.
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