How to Build a Temporary Bed Canopy Using Curtain Shears

Use curtain sheers for a light, airy bed canopy.

Combine the lightweight, airy fabric of sheer window panels with the functionality and ease-of-use of a readymade embroidery hoop to create a simple yet beautiful bed canopy. The panels come with finished edges and a rod pocket, saving you from hours in front of a sewing a sewing machine, and because the raw materials are inexpensive compared to the cost of a custom, professionally sewn canopy, this is a smart option if you want to try out the look of a canopy bed without making a huge investment.

Things You'll Need

• Iron
• Ironing board
• 63-inch sheer window curtains with rod pockets, 4 to 6 panels
• 18-inch wooden embroidery hoop
• 2-1/2 yards white cord
• Scissors
• Large wooden bead
• 3/8-inch metal pot hook

Instructions

1. Remove the sheer panels from their packaging, and iron them on a warm setting to remove wrinkles and creases.

2. Turn the screw on the outer ring of the embroidery hook until it comes out completely. Place the smaller, inner ring to the side. You won't be using it for this project. You now have one ring with a small opening at the top.

3. Thread one side of the hoop opening through the rod pocket of each of the sheer panels, and work the panels around the hoop as you work until they cover the hoops surface. For a fuller canopy, add more panels and bunch them around the hoop.

4. Insert the screw back into the hoop's tightening mechanism, and tighten it until it is set firmly in place. Adjust the panels so that one of them covers the tightening mechanism.

5. Cut white cord into four equal lengths. Tie one end of each cord to the embroidery hoop at the top, bottom, left and right. Place each cord between two panels, secure each one with a knot and then adjust the panels to cover the knots.

6. Gather the other ends of the four white cords in one hand and make a knot with them about 6 inches above the embroidery hoop. Feed the remaining cords through the center hole of a large wooden bead.

7. Loop the cords to create a way to hang the canopy. Tie the loop with a knot flush with the top of the wooden bead to hold the bead in place.

8. Screw a pot hook into the ceiling at the head of the bed, and hang your canopy from it. Adjust the panels so there is a split in the front center. Gently place the bottom of the right-hand panels to the right of the bed and the left-hand panels to the left of the bed. Place the remaining panels behind the bed's headboard.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a hot glue gun to add decorate touches to your canopy. Silk flowers, beads and tasseled fringe are fun embellishments.

• Thin fabrics, like sheer curtain panels, catch fire easily. Look for panels that are made from flame-retardant fabrics. Flame-retardant products will include that information on their labels.

References

• Sewing.org: Sheer Bed Canopy
• Iowa State University Extension: Facts About Fabric Flammability