flatpaneltopper.pdf

One of the first no-sew treatments I ever made was this simple flat panel topper. I was in my home office hung over two windows that already had wooden slat blinds.  Since, I’ve used this design over sheers and even full drapery, just choose your fabric accordingly.  The topper needs to be as heavy in weight as the fabric it is going over. It does create that layered look that I talk about so often but it doesn’t add a lot of bulk to a window. Of course, if you like, it’s very nice alone as well.

Measure the window:
Start by measuring your window.  The window I’m making my flat panel topper for is 32” wide at the outside dimension – outside of trim to outside of trim.  I will add 2” to that dimension for my final width so the topper will extend past the trim by an inch on each side.  Generally you mount window coverings 4” above the window trim.  A window topper like this one should cover about 1/3 of the window which will be 17” in our case.  So, the front of the topper will be 21” long.
 

Materials List:

• Fabric of your choice
• Iron on interfacing
• Iron on hem tape
• Co-coordinating braid or trim
• A tassel if you like
• Fabric glue
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Pins
• Cutting mat
• Rotary cutter

Instructions:

1. First, cut your fabric and interfacing.  Using my measurements as a guide, we want to make this topper 34” wide so it extends a bit over the trim (at 32”)  and 21” long plus an overlap for the rod pocket of 4”, so we’ll cut a rectangle out of our fabric a couple inches larger than our finished size of 34” wide by 25” long.  Then cut the same size piece of iron on interfacing.

2. Next, iron the interfacing to the fabric.  The interfacing helps make the fabric sturdier and more opaque. To add it to the fabric, put the shiny side (or the glue) to the back side of your fabric.  Heat the iron to the wool setting and start in the middle of the panel and work out to the edges holding the iron in place for 10 seconds.  Don’t slide the iron, pick it up and move it.

3. Now create a template for the bottom edge of your topper and cut out the design.  My template is made out of paper towels because it is inexpensive and easy to cut.  Fold it in half and draw your design and then cut it out so both sides are the same.  Make sure the template is the same width as your finished topper.

4. Place the template on the lower edge of your panel, trace it and cut it out.  Don’t forget you will have to cut the side out at this point to the finished width of your topper.  This SHOULD be the finished width of your template as well.

5. Time to create the rod pocket.  Fold over the top edge of the topper (the 4” you added previously) and hold it in place using iron on hem tape.  Put iron on wool setting and iron using a pressing cloth.

6. Gluing on the trim is next. Using  Fabri-Tac, add the trim and tassel if desired to decorate and then hang!

The completed topper can add so much color and pattern to a room, even becoming a focal point if you like.  And why not, it’s pretty to look at, it’s functional and it was a lot easier than anyone would think!

Shari

 
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