How to Make Quilted Window Shades

You are probably losing a lot of heat at night through exposed windows, even if you have double-glazing. You can easily amend this situation by making your own set of quilted window shades to cover any sized window you have. You will need to find quilting fabric, which is usually carried in craft and sewing stores. You will know that it is quilting fabric because it will have a layer of printed cotton on top and a muslin backing, with a layer of filling sandwiched between.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Quilting fabric
• Polyester batting
• 4 mm polyethylene
• Muslin
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Fabric hook and loop fasteners
• Staple gun

Instructions

1. Measure the size of the window you will be covering. Use a measuring tape to find the height and width of the window, adding 2 inches to each for seam allowances.

2. Cut one piece each of quilting fabric, polyester batting, 4-mm polyethylene and muslin to the measurements of the window. Use scissors to make clean, straight cuts in the fabrics.

3. Lay the quilting fabric on a table, right side up with the muslin on top of it, right side down. The right sides of the fabrics should be facing each other. Place the batting and polyethylene on top of the other fabrics. Make sure all the edges are lined up.

4. Sew the material closed along three sides and part of the fourth with your sewing machine. Sew the fourth side closed, leaving 4 inches open.

5. Turn the fabric inside out by pulling it out through the opening on the fourth edge. Make sure you push the corners out when you turn it, so the fabric is the correct shape. Slip stitch the 4-inch opening closed. All the sides should be sewn closed.

6. Sew a length of the soft side of a piece of fabric hook-and-loop fastener along the top, horizontal edge of the backside of the shade and halfway down the vertical sides. The hook-and-loop fastener should look like an "n."

7. Use the staple gun to staple the stiff side of the Velcro along the window frame so it matches up with the Velcro on the shade.

Tips & Warnings

• You can push the loose lower half of the shade up inside the attached upper part during the day when you want to let in some light.

• Do not leave the shades on for extended periods of time without checking occasionally for condensation. This can turn to mold if left unchecked.

References

• Mother Earth News: Homemade Thermal Shade
• Bella Online: Cheap Heating