Main fabric: mid- to lightweight home decor or outdoor fabric, (width+4") X (length+12")
1" diameter wood dowel, (width-1") long
Four 3/8" wood dowels, (width-1") long
Four 3/8" screw eyes
Twelve 1/2" plastic rings
Nylon shade cord (approx. length X 8)
Basic sewing supplies
Drill for screw eyes (optional)
Lining fabric (optional), (width-3") X (length+6")
DIRECTIONS:
NOTE: Supplies and directions are for 1 shade.
Prepare the shade panel:
Cut one piece (width+4") X (length+12").
Hem long sides by pressing raw edges under 1/2", then again by 1 1/2" and sew. Panel width should now measure the desired finished width.
Hem the top edge by pressing raw edge under 1/2", then again by 2 1/2" and sew. Ends should be left open to form a tube a dowel can be inserted into.
Hem the bottom edge by pressing the raw edge under 1/2", then again by 1 1/2" and sew. Ends should be left open to form a tube a dowel can be inserted into.
Create channels for dowels:
Calculate the distance between channels by dividing the length by 3 1/2. The measurement for the distance from the hem to first channel will be half of the number calculated. As the shade is raised, the upper sections will fold in half, so the first section is a half measurement to match the other sections when the curtain is closed.
For example, a 56" long curtain divided by 3 1/2 results in channels spaced 16" apart with the bottom channel located 8" from the hem.
Using the measurements calculated above, mark the placement of the channels on both sides of the curtain panel with pins.
Fold the panel right sides together at the first channel marking. The fold should sit at the pin placement and the amount folded up should be equal across the width of the panel.
Pin along the fold to keep the channel line straight.
Stitch the channel using 1" seam allowance from the fold. Leave ends open for inserting the dowel.
Repeat for remaining channel placements.
Install shade header:
Inset the 1" diameter dowel into the top pocket of the curtain panel. Center the dowel with about 1/2" on each side. If desired, use a needle and thread to whip stitch the pocket closed.
On the wrong side, mark the placement of the 4 screw eyes along the top dowel: 1" in from either end and then evenly spaced for the other two.
For narrower curtains, 2 or 3 screw eyes may be appropriate. Screw eyes should be about 12"-18" apart.
Screw the screw eyes through the fabric into the dowel as marked. If needed, use a drill to make a small pilot hole before inserting the screw eye.
Install rings for shade cord:
The shade cording will run through plastic rings sewn to the dowel channels down the panel. Rings align vertically with the screw eyes.
Using screw eye placement as a guide, mark the location of each plastic ring along the dowel channels.
Using a needle and double thread, securely stitch the rings to the fold of the dowel channel.
Insert dowels into channels and bottom hem. If desired, hand-stitch the openings closed.
Install shade cord:
Lay shade flat with wrong side facing up.
Determine what side you want the shade pull cord to end up.
Starting at the opposite side, securely tie the end of the nylon cord to the bottom ring.
Feed the cord up through the rings in that row and into the screw eye. Pass the cord through the other screw eyes. Cut cord leaving at least 3' free.
Repeat steps for each remaining row of rings, passing the cord through one less screw eye each row, so that all cords end up together on one side.
Adjust cords so they are even. Knot ends together.
Install shade in window as desired for the window style and construction. Install a hook to the side of the window to secure the cord when the shade is drawn open.
To make a lined curtain panel
Cut one-piece main fabric (width+4") X (length+12").
Cut one-piece lining fabric (width-3") X (length+6").
Hem the bottom edges of both the main fabric and lining by pressing the raw edge under 1/2", then again by 1 1/2" and sew.
Attach the lining to the curtain at the sides by matching and pinning the side edges right sides together. The lining is shorter than the main fabric, the top of the lining should start 3" below the top of the main fabric and end at about the top of the main fabric hem. The width of the main fabric is wider than the lining and will gap with the excess fabric at this step - this is okay.
Sew side lengths together as pinned.
Turn panel right side out. Main fabric should wrap around the sides forming a border around the lining. Center the lining on the panel and press. Top stitch sides if desired.
Hem the top edge by pressing raw edge under 1/2", then again by 2 1/2" and sew. Ends should be left open to form a tube a dowel can be inserted into.
Finish the bottom edge by inserting a 3/8" diameter dowel into the bottom channel. Center the dowel on the panel.
Finish raw edges below the lining at the bottom of the panel by tucking ends in; either at an angle to form a mitered edge, or just by tucking raw edge under by 1/2". Whip stitch closed.
Continue with shade construction, treating the panel as one piece when adding dowel channels.