Tutorial - Balloon Shades Part two

These went back up in the same spot, out of the same fabric as before. So why bother? Well, they didn't actually close before. That really bothered me. Now (thanks to a very sweet sister who donated the impossible to find discontinued fabric) they do!

So here's the rest of the directions.

When we last left off, you had made a box, finished on four sides. This box is 2.5 times the width of your window, plus the length from the ceiling to the bottom of the floor.

Lay the box on the floor and do some marking in pencil (very lightly.)

If you want three swags (as in the photo) you are going to have four columns of rings. Two will be 1" from the outside egde. To get the measurements for the other two:

1. Measure the width of the fabric box, subtract 2 inches.
2. Divide this number by 3.

Sew rings 7 - 10 " apart (the same for each one) from the top of the box to the bottom of the box 1" from the edge.

Next, take the measurement found in number 2 and measure from the ring at the top right. make a small pencil mark.
Sew the next set of rings, parallel to the other two columns, equal distance from the first columns.

Start the fourth column of rings, the same distance (found in number 2) from the other columns. This will give you four columns of rings, equally spaced on the back.

Now, calculate the amount of cording needed. Standing by the window, visually choose a comfortable distance from the floor for the pull chord to end. Mark this spot with a small piece of painters tape. Let's call this spot Point B.

1. Measurement 1: Length of finished shade + Measurement from top of shade to Point B = ________ (C)
2. Measurement from above X 4 = _____ (D)
3. Measurement from left side of shade to far right hand column of rings = ______ (E)
4. Measurement from left side of shade to third column of rings = _______(F)
5. Measurement from left side of shade to second column of rings = _____(G)
6. Total yards of cord needed = D + E + F + G / 36.

I always add a little extra so I can braid the cord.

Next section, how to hang the shade and run the cord.

Tutorial - Making balloon shades

I should probably start this post by saying that she had balloon shades already, made by the queen bee, Grandma K.

That's always a tough act to follow.

At the time though we only had enough fabric to make faux shades-not actual shades. (Never choose a discontinued pattern!) So..a remake was in order. These will come all the way down, and block out some light.

1st step: Measure the window width, multiply by 2.5.
2nd step: Measure the final drape height, add 4 inches. For me this includes the height from the top of the ceiling to the window. If you are hanging yours lower-- please read all of the directions prior to starting, you will need to do a few things differently.

Now the fun part. Make a panel of fabric that matches these dimensions.

Here, I've made a lining panel, the same dimensions of the fabric panel, and serged where they meet on what will be the top of the shade. Next I'm applying shirring tape. (This is available wherever drapery makings are sold, at most fabric stores.)

Note: If you are not hanging yours starting at the ceiling, you will finish the top differently. For the method I am using, the top is not going to show...

I chose a 4 string shirring tape, as I want lots of gathering.

I then sewed the tape to the top of the two stacked panels of fabric. I sew between each pulling thread. (Be careful not to catch the thread.) If you haven't made drapes before, it isn't necessary to stitch at a stitch length you would use for garments, go ahead and lengthen your stitch to 3.0 or even 3.5.

The sides of the panels are finished by bringing the outside fabric (the fabric that will show inside the room) in a foldover hem, and stitched with the lining fabric underneath.
Is is necessary to line them??? Yes. Wash behind your ears, eat you veggies, line your drapes. Enough said.

Next part to follow...