Do it Yourself Fabric Treatment for an Arch Window Covering
An arched window treatment provides a sophisticated focal point to a room and can make a window look larger than it really is. If the window treatment is placed higher than the window so the bottom of the arch just covers the top of the window, the window immediately looks larger. Although arched window treatments look difficult and professional, they are actually quite simple to make. This window treatment covers just the top of the window and is shaped like a rectangle, but the bottom edge curves up into an arch. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Decorator fabric
- Fabric for lining
- Coordinating thread
- Needle for hand sewing
- Sewing pins
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Curtain rod
Instructions
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1
Measure the space you want the window treatment to cover. In most cases, the upper edge of an arched window treatment should be at least 12 inches above the top of the window. Depending on the height of the wall, it could be much higher. The window treatment should also extend at least 6 inches beyond the right and left sides of the window. Decide on the dimensions for your window treatment, and write this information down.
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2
Spread your decorator fabric out on the floor. Add 1 inch to the dimensions you previously decided on, and cut your fabric into a rectangle that matches your adjusted dimensions. This extra inch gives you room for a seam allowance. It may help to use a ruler and draw the rectangle directly onto your fabric with a pencil before you cut.
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3
Decide on the shape of your arch. For this step, it may be helpful to have a helper or two hold your fabric up in its correct position so you can visualize the arch on the window. When you have a good idea of what you want the arch to look like, fold your fabric in half and draw half of the arch on the folded rectangle. This way, your arch will be perfectly symmetrical when you cut it out. Unfold your fabric and make small adjustments in the shape as necessary.
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4
Using your arch as a pattern, cut a piece of lining fabric in the exact shape and size as your arch. This will be the lining for your window treatment. Place the lining and the decorator fabric right sides together, matching all sides perfectly. Pin the two pieces of fabric together along the edges. Place pins about 3 to 4 inches apart.
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5
Use your sewing machine to sew a 1/2-inch seam all along the arched edge. Go slowly to ensure that your curve is nice and even. After you've finished the seam, use scissors to cut little notches out of the seam allowance. These notches will help the seam to lie flat after you iron it.
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6
Keeping the fabric right sides together, sew up the two ends of the window treatment. Remove all pins, and turn the window treatment right sides out. Use your iron to carefully press the seams to create a crisp, tailored look. Now all edges except for the top should look finished.
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Keeping the right sides out, pin the two layers of the top edge together. Use a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine to bind the two edges together for a more finished look.
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8
Fold the top edge down toward the lining side of the window treatment to form a casing for the curtain rod to fit through. Pin the edge and put the curtain rod through the casing to make sure the casing is large enough before you actually sew. Make adjustments if necessary. Sew a straight line across the window treatment to form the casing.
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9
Install the curtain rod above the window. Slide the new arched window treatment on to the curtain rod.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose large prints for a dramatic look and solid colors for a more conservative look.
