Drapery Topper How-To

Hello, there!  I'm back from my Michigan trip and had a wonderful time (even though the event was sad, it was not unexpected).  Sometime this week, I'll give you some of the inside story of what I was up to, either as a blog post, or on my FB page.  Don't forget to "Like" me if you don't, already.

Now onto finishing what I started when I left you last week, the directions for how I added the topper, plus 1-inch, to my premade drapery panels. 

While I was finishing up the second panel, I brought you along with me so you can try this yourself at home.  You will need premade drapery panels and your choice of topper fabric, mine is 20" long, and optional fringe.

Measure your accent fabric and cut it at least 2" longer than your panel.  In my case, The panels were about 51", so I used the entire width of my fabric.

1. Serge or otherwise finish all four edges of your topper fabric.
2. Turn under sides to equal the same width measurement as your finished panel.  You can press and/or hem.  I just pressed them, since the fabric has a nice weight to it.
3. Sew your trim over the top of the bottom serged edge (I used a wide zig-zag stitch.)
4. Since I wanted to add an inch to the top of my panel, I folded the top of my topper fabric over 1 1/2" inches, then pinned the panel down one inch from the top of the topper piece, creating a 1/2" overlap.

Sew the panel to the topper (not shown) close to the panel edge.  Hang on your rod with clips.

Approximate cost breakdown:  Lined drapery Panels $25; topper fabric $25; fringe $15, Total cost for custom window treatments:  $65.

Other options:  If you are not much of a sewer, you could also adjust the hem only or lower the drapery rod by 1".  If you like the topper idea, you could always just add some fabric (without the additional inch) to window treatments you already have and for which you want a new look.   (To address a comment on my previous drapery post:  I don't consider this a lot of work, since I've been sewing since I was 10 yrs. old.  I'd much rather zip these up then spend time shopping for the "perfect" window treatment!)



I'm joining these ladies: