OrangeCountytest: burlap

Remember a few weeks ago when I told you I was starting a new project? Remember, I shared these two inspiration posts for the love of burlap and color pop: coral.

Well, after a lot of trial and error, I am finally finished.

Before

After

I wanted to add a pop of color to the dining room and freshen the draperies up.
I love the texture and color of natural burlap. I felt the added texture was just what I needed to spruce things up a bit.

Here is how I did it:

(disclaimer: I in no way shape or form consider myself an expert at sewing anything. I stumbled my way through this process and if I can do it anyone can do it :))

1) Determine the amount of fabric needed (I used the formula from Simple Sewing by Lotta Jansdotter).

This is the formula I used.

Number of Panels:
a. Measure the width of the rod.
b. Add 4 1/2" (for two 2" side hems with 1/4" turn under)
c. Divide by the usable fabric width.
d. Round up to the nearest whole number for the number of full-width panels.

Length:
a. Measure from the top edge of the rode to the desired length.
b. Add 4 1/4" for the top hem and rod pocket (I did not use a rod pocket, I attached with clips)
c. Add 4 1/4" for bottom hem.

I definitely did not stick to these numbers, I mainly used the formula to determine how many yards of fabric I needed.

2) After buying 10 yards of burlap (I bought mine from Wal-Mart at 2.99 a yard). I cut the fabric into 4 panels (this provided the width I needed to cover my window at 1.5 times fullness.)

3. Pin panels and sew.

I laid the two panels out side by side, made sure the edges were straight, pinned them together, and sewed the panels together an 1/8" from the edge.

4. Pin and sew the top hem.

I used a double hem on the top of the panel. I did not have to measure for the rod pocket, as I used drapery clips to attach the panels to the rod.

I folded the fabric over 1/4" and ironed. The second hem I folded the fabric over 3/4" and ironed. I then stitched the panel 1/2" from the top.

Originally, I planned on stenciling the drapes with an Ikat stencil I had made.

I had taped off the drapes to keep my stencil straight, and had stenciled two rows. I was really excited about them...and then, I hung them up.

Unfortunately, because I was using them as drapes (and you can see through burlap) the stencil pattern appeared washed out in the day light. So....onto plan B.

I found some pretty coral fabric at Hancock fabrics on clearance for $1.00 a yard. I decided to add a coral border to the sides and bottom of the drapes.

5. Cut the coral fabric.

I wanted a 6" border of coral on the sides and bottom of the panels. I cut six 7 1/4" strips of coral fabric.

Four strips I cut to the length of my drapes plus an extra 1" on top.

Two strips I cut to the width of my drapes plus an extra 1/2" on either side.

6. Fold and Hem the side border pieces.

Side 1: fold 1/4" iron and hem 1/8" in from the edge (this side will be attached to the front of the drape, you will not see the backside)

Side 2: fold 1/4" iron and hem 1/8", then fold 1/2" iron (do not hem, it will be wrapped around the edge of the drape and attached to the backside)

Repeat with remaining 3 side pieces.

7. Fold and Hem bottom border.

Top edge: Fold fabric over 1/2" and iron.

Bottom edge: Fold 1/4" iron, fold again 3/4" iron and hem using 1/2" seam.

8. Lay the border out.

9. Tape. (This step may be completely useless, but it worked for me).

After fighting with these drapes for as long as I did, I did not want to screw up at the end. I wanted to make sure the border was straight on the panel.

To do this I measured the width of my border and taped along the seam of my burlap panel, keeping the tape straight. I taped down the full length of the panel. I felt this would ensure my border would be attached to the panel straight.

10. Attach the side borders.

I used hemming tape to attach the side and bottom borders to the panel. I was nervous about trying to sew them on to the drapery panel straight.

Side Panels:

Side 1: (this piece is the one you folded 1/4" iron and hem 1/8" in):
Side 2: (this piece is the one you folded 1/4" iron and hem 1/8", then fold 1/2" iron)

Lay the fabric border (side 1) against the edge of the taped border, make sure the fabric is flat and even all the way down the curtain panel. Run at piece of hemming tape down the length of the panel (under the border) and iron the two pieces together.

Repeat this step along the outside border of the fabric. Your border will now be hemmed in two places.

You should still have the 1/2" fold on side 2 free. Wrap the 1/2" fold around the edge of the burlap panel and hem with hemming tape. This will give the drapes a nice, finished edge.

Bottom Border attachment:

To attach the bottom border, I hung the drapes and pinned the border to the panel so that the bottom border was just touching the floor. Skimming the floor, gives the drapes a tailored appearance.

I then laid them out flat, marked where to add the hemming tape and taped the border panel to the drapery panel.

Voila...