Project

Sheer Canopy Bed Curtains

This serene cabana can be all yours, all summer. Just cut panels of fluttery Indian cotton, hem the top and bottom edges, and stitch on twill tape for ties.

gray and white striped four-poster bed with canopy panels

Photography: Lennart Weibull

Source: Martha Stewart Living, July/August 2020

Introduction

Learn how to make canopy bed curtains; once you have the steps down, this serene cabana can be all yours, all summer. For more ideas, scroll through our entire collection of sheer fabric projects and other sewing projects for the home.

materials

Measuring tape

Sheer cotton fabric (approximately 5 yards for a twin bed) (B&J Fabrics Indian-Cotton Sheer Stripe #74564669, 44" wide, $16 per yd., bandjfabrics.com)

Clothing iron

Sewing machine and supplies

Twill tape, 3/4 inch wide (Purl Soho Cotton Twill Tape, 3/4", $1.25 a yd., purlsoho.com)

Ceiling-mounted brackets (optional) (Umbra Metal Ceiling-Mounted Brackets, in Black, $18 for 2, homedepot.com)

steps

Measure the distance between the floor and the top bar of the bed, or the ceiling if using brackets. Add two inches (to allow for top and bottom hems), and cut two panels of fabric to that length. (Cut edges will be the top and bottom; selvage edges, the sides.) Fold top edge of one panel under by 1/2 inch; press with iron. Fold under by 1/2 inch again, pin, and stitch across. Repeat for bottom hem and remaining panel.
Cut five 18-inch pieces of twill tape. Fold each in half, to nine-inch lengths, and pin at folds to top edge of fabric at both ends and at one-quarter, center, and three-quarters points. Stitch twill tape in place. Repeat to add ties to remaining panel. If using ceiling-mounted brackets, install per manufacturer instructions. Tie panels onto top bar of bed or curtain rod.