How to Sew a Canopy for a Twin Size Bed

A canopy can add a dreamy feel to a bed.

Putting a canopy over a bed adds a sense of romance and magic to a bedroom and also lends a feeling of privacy to the bed space itself. Canopies evoke the memories of days past, when having curtains around your bed was more common. Fortunately it is a simple project to complete for any room. Canopies can be made to drape around the head of the bed or envelop the entire bed. Choose whatever best compliments your room design plans.

Things You'll Need

• 7 to 10 1/2 yards of lightweight fabric of your choice for two or three hanging panels
• 18-inch-diameter embroidery hoop
• Scissors
• Measuring tape or yardstick
• Straight pins
• Fray Check
• 1/2-inch double-sided tape
• 2 1/2 yards white or neutral-colored cord
• 1-inch-diameter bead with large hole
• Sewing machine
• Thread to match the color of your fabric
• Iron
• 3/8-inch pot hook
• Drill
• Drywall anchor

Instructions

Constructing the Canopy

1. Decide whether you would like two or three panels of fabric hanging down from your finished canopy.

2. Cut either two or three 108-inch-long pieces of fabric for the hanging panels.

3. Cut one 20-inch-diameter circle from the fabric. You can use the embroidery hoop as a template and measure 1 inch away from the edge of the hoop.

4. Zigzag stitch around the edge of the circle to prevent the fabric from fraying. An alternative is to apply Fray-Check, a commercially available sealant that prevents fraying, to the cut edge of the circle.

5. Separate the two pieces of the embroidery hoop. Set the outside one aside.

6. Apply double-sided tape to the outside rim of the inside hoop.

7. Stretch the circle of fabric over the inside hoop. Stretch the fabric across the hoop first and press the fabric down onto the double-sided tape. Then stretch the fabric perpendicular to the first stretch and press the fabric down onto the double-sided tape. Stick a pin in the fabric at each of these spots to mark the "quarters" of the circle. Continue to gently stretch and press the rest of the fabric onto the double-sided tape so that the fabric is stretched taut across the embroidery hoop.

8. Add the hanging cords. Cut the cord into four 20-inch pieces. Put a single knot at the bottom of each piece of cord. Tape or burn both edges to prevent fraying. Pin each piece of cord to the fabric at the points you marked off as quarters of the circle, with the pins you used as markers. Make sure the knots on the cords hang just below the bottom of the embroidery hoop.

9. Hem the panels. Fold the bottom edge of each panel over 1/2 inch, twice and topstitch. Do the same for the top edge.

10. Make a gathering pocket. Lay out the fabric right side down. Fold 1 inch of fabric over. Tuck 1/4 inch of this fold under to make a folded hem. Press the fold. Stitch a seam 3/4 inch from the edge of the fold. Repeat this for each panel.

11. Add a ruffle to each panel. Cut two or three (depending on how many panels you are using) 10-inch-long pieces of fabric. Fold one width-wise (cut) end of the fabric over 1/4 inch, twice. Topstitch to make a hem. Lay the raw width-wise edge of the fabric, right side down, across the gathering pocket of the large panel, with the length of the ruffle going up from the top (gathering pocket) of the panel. Stitch the ruffle on, on top of the seam you stitched for the hem. Fold the ruffle down so that it is hanging below the gathering pocket. Press the top of the ruffle so that it will hang down straight.

12. Unscrew the outside piece of the embroidery hoop.

13. Apply double-sided tape to the inside rim of the outside piece of the embroidery hoop.

14. Thread the panels onto the outside piece of the embroidery hoop so that the seam of the gathering pocket is at the top edge of the embroidery hoop and the ruffle is hanging down.

15. Spread the gathering of the panels evenly around the embroidery hoop so when the canopy is suspended, the fabric will fall as you want it to. Press the fabric to the double sided tape on the inside of the embroidery hoop.

16. Assemble the canopy. Screw the outside piece of embroidery hoop together, leaving it fairly loose. Slide outer piece of embroidery hoop, with panels attached, over the inside piece of embroidery hoop, with the circle cover and cords. The right side of the fabric should be face up. Thread the cords through the outside piece of embroidery hoop so that they hang over the top and are free to move around. Tighten the outside piece of the embroidery hoop to secure the canopy structure.

Hanging the Canopy

1. Make the hanger. Push the four pieces of cord through the bead. Tie a single knot at the end of all four pieces of cord. Cut a separate piece of cord 9 inches long. Double it over and push the fold up through the bead so that there is a loop coming out at the top of the bead where the knots are tied. Tie knots at each end of the folded cord at the bottom of the bead. Pull down on the four hanging cords and up on the looped cord to tighten the hanger and confirm that the cords won't slip through the bead.

2. Drill a hole in the ceiling where you want to suspend the canopy. Drill into a stud if possible, otherwise use a drywall anchor to ensure that the hook remains secure.

3. Hang the canopy from the loop of cord.

4. Arrange the panels according to your preference.

5. Shorten the hanger if necessary by pulling on the two knots at the bottom of the bead and tying additional knots to make the hanger the length you want it to be.

Tips & Warnings

• Use sheer fabric, gauze or tulle for a light, airy feel to your canopy.

• Double layer your panels with two different colors of light fabric for a richer color scheme.

• Use a medium-weight silk or rayon for a warmer, more dramatic effect.

• Embellish the edges of the panels with fringe or beaded trim for a splendid design.

References

• Sewing: Home Decor Projects; Sheer Bed Canopy
• Country Living: DIY Canopy Bed