How to Make Window Treatments to Block Out the Sun

An easy way to save energy is by keeping the heat outside and cool air inside of your home. Sun can fade your furniture and carpets so it is necessary to block out the sun that shines through the windows. Making your own sun-blocking window treatments can save you money. There are several window treatments available that keep the sun out and reduce heat in the house.

Items needed:

• Fabric


• Curtain rods


• Screwdriver


• Sewing machine


• Needle and thread


• Pins


• Stuffing material


• Newspaper


• Plastic bags


• Pillow stuffing


• Quilt batting
  
  

Instructions:

1. Measure two inches above the window and measure completely to the floor and add 18 inches. Measure from four inches wider than the window on each side and double the number for your width.


2. Choose the fabric to use for the window treatment. Make sure that you get enough material according to your measurements.


3. Lay one piece of the material lengthwise face up. Lay the second piece directly on top, facing downward. Line the fabrics together. Sew a 1/4 inch seam on the right edge to join the pieces together to form one panel. Sew a 1/4 inch seam around the left, bottom and right side.


4. Lay your panel face down and turn a 8-inch fold on the top. Sew a 1/4 inch seam all the way along the edge of your fold. Measure two inches toward the top of the panel from your first seam and sew a second seam all the way across.


5. Install your curtain rods to the wall. Place the curtain rods between the two seams at the top of your panel. Stuff the section above the rod with your selected stuffings such as plastic bags, pillow stuffing, quilt batting or newspapers.


6. Hang your rod on the holders and push your panels completely to the wall on each side. Fold the stuffed area over the top of the rod to touch the wall behind it. Arrange the top stuffing of the panel as needed to block incoming light.