How to Figure Yardage for a Balloon Shade

Extra yardage may be needed to match up repeating fabric patterns.

Dressing up your windows with balloon shades may seem like an almost impossible chore to tackle unless you know how to measure for the correct amount of yardage needed for the window valance. Making a balloon shade that drapes properly depends on the proportions of fabric used. Your tape measure will be your best friend for this project.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Measure the width of the window. Multiply the width measurement by 2.5. This will give you the width of fabric needed for the balloon shade. Fabric comes in widths measured in inches.

2. Measure the length of the window and add 1 1/2 inches for the top and bottom seam allowances. This will give the length of fabric needed for the shade.

3. Figure the yardage needed by dividing the length measurement by 36. Lengths of fabric are usually cut in yardage. If you need a width of fabric wider than the fabric is manufactured, you can purchase another length of yardage and seam them together.

4. Use the same width and length measurements for the outer shade fabric and the lining fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• Both fabrics should be lightweight.

References

• M Fay; Yardage; Variety Balloon Shades
• Interior Mall; Window Covering Yardage Chart; Balloon Shades