How to Make a Padded Bed Canopy

A padded canopy takes on the shape of a curved frame.

A thin canopy has an airy effect, as if it would fly away in a slight breeze. This effect works in a casual setting, but not in a traditional room. Pad the top of the canopy with a layer of quilt batting to give it a more substantial look by reducing the amount of light that shines through the fabric. The padding adds just enough weight to keep the canopy in place without damaging the frame.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Fabric
• Quilt batting
• Lining fabric
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Iron
• Pins

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the canopy frame. Lay the tape on the top of the frame so you are measuring along any curves in the frame.

2. Add 1 1/2 inches to the measurements and cut a piece of the canopy fabric this size. Also cut a piece of both the quilt batting and the lining this size.

3. Double the length measurement and cut two pieces of the canopy fabric this length and 15 inches wide. Cut two more 15-inch-wide pieces that are double the width measurement. These four pieces will be the ruffled drops, the parts of the canopy that hang down on the sides and ends of the frame.

4. Lay the drops on a flat surface right side up and fold them in half lengthwise. Set a sewing machine to sew a straight stitch with a standard stitch length. Sew along both short edges on all four drops. Turn the drops right side out and iron them.

5. Set the machine to sew a straight stitch with a long stitch length. Sew two seams along the side of the drops opposite the fold. Sew the first seam 5/8 of an inch from the edge, and sew the second 3/8 of an inch from the edge.

6. Lay the canopy top right side up on a flat surface. Pull up the basting threads on one long drop to make a ruffle equal to the length of a long edge of the canopy top. Adjust the gathers evenly. Pin the ruffle to the top with the gathered edge even with the side and the folded edge pointing toward the middle. Sew the ruffle in place by stitching between the gathered seams with a straight stitch and a long stitch length. Attach the other three drops in the same way. Pin the folded edges of the ruffled drops to the center of the canopy top to hold them out of the way.

7. Lay the canopy out flat with the ruffles on top. Place the lining right side down on top of the ruffles, with all edges even. Place the batting on top of the lining and pin the edges to hold the fabric in place.

8. Set the machine to sew a straight stitch with a standard stitch length. Starting on a short side, 2 feet from the corner, sew through all layers of fabric 1/2 inch from the edge. When you reach the corner, stop with the needle down in the fabric, raise the pressure foot, turn the corner, lower the pressure foot and continue sewing. Sew along all the edges, turning all the corners in the same way. Stop 2 feet from your starting point.

9. Clip the corners of the seam allowance at a 45-degree angle. The seam allowance is the fabric that extends beyond the seam. Cut close to the seam without cutting the seam.

10. Turn the canopy right side out and pull the ruffles out to make the corners square. Sew the opening closed by hand or machine.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a canopy with flat, padded drops by cutting the drops the same length as the sides and ends of the top. Cut a layer of batting the same length and half as wide as each drop, then place it over the folded pieces before you sew the ends together.