How to Make Country Tie-Up Shades

A simple country shade can block or show light while adding to the country feel of your home. A tie-up shade raises and lowers without difficulty and is made without elaborate instructions or complicated mechanisms. While you can use any kind of fabric for your shades, selecting a gingham, floral or novelty print featuring farm animals can enhance your country decorating scheme.

• 1

  Measure the width of your window inside the casing from one side to the other. Add 1 inch to this measurement for your fabric width. Cut a 2-by-4-inch board to the exact width inside the window.

• 2

  Measure the length of the window from the bottom to the top inside the casing. Add 4 inches to this measurement for your fabric length.

• 3

  Purchase two pieces of fabric equal to the width and length needed from steps 1 and 2 for each window. If you have more than one window to decorate then buy enough fabric to dress each of the windows with the same fabric.

• 4

  Purchase the same fabric or a coordinating fabric for your ties. Each tie fabric should measure twice the length of the window plus 1 foot by 9 inches wide. A standard tie-up shade needs two ties, but narrow windows 18 inches wide or smaller may only need one tie.

• 5

  Pair your two shade fabrics together with the right sides facing in. Pin the edges together all the way around. Sew a ½-inch seam along three sides, leaving one of the width sides unsewn.

• 6

  Turn the fabric right side out through the opening and press with an iron to crease the edges. Align the rough, open edge of the fabric over your 2-by-4 along the 4-inch width of the board. Use a staple gun to attach the fabric to the board with the remaining length of fabric hanging off to one side.

• 7

  Make each tie by folding the tie fabric in half lengthwise with the right side facing in. Sew with a ½-inch seam down the long side of the tie and one short side, leaving the other short side open. Turn the tie right side out through the opening, press with an iron and sew the opening closed.

• 8

  Drape the ties over the shade perpendicular to the board with half the length of the ties falling on each side of the board. Space the ties evenly apart at least 6 inches in from the edge of the board. Staple through the ties to attach them to the board along the 4-inch width.

• 9

  Set the board into the window casing with the fabric portion hanging down in front of it so the board is not visible from inside the room. The ties should hang down on both sides of the board. Push the board all the way to the top of the frame to sandwich the stapled portions of fabric and ties between the window and the board.

• 10

  Nail through the board and into the casing every 6 to 8 inches to mount the board to the window. Roll up or gather the shade with an accordion fold to the height you want it. Tie the coordinating halves of the ties together to hold the shade in place, adding a bow if desired.