A Very Simple, No-Sew, Window Treatment

This simple, no-sew window treatment project began with the decision to use a canvas drop cloth instead of fabric. I've obviously been inspired by all the ways this material has been used recently in blogland and I picked up two as there is another project using this canvas that I hope to begin next week. While I'll be washing the canvas for that project, here I chose not to wash the canvas to take advantage of the stiffness of the material. 

While at Home Depot I also had a thin strip of MDF trim cut down to 28 inches, the width of the window. This will be used to mount the window treatment at the top of the window casing. The rest of the supplies I had on hand: grosgrain ribbon, stitch witchery, fabric glue and velcro, which I actually didn't end up using. I'll talk about that in a moment.

The window measures 28" x 52", so I cut the canvas into a 30" x 54" piece, leaving room for one inch seam allowances on all sides.

The finished edges were created by turning the canvas under one inch, inserting a length of stitch witchery and pressing the seams closed with an iron. 

Next the canvas was turned over and the chocolate brown grosgrain ribbon was attached along the edges. This was done by simply placing the stitch witchery under the ribbon, lining up both approximately 1/2 inch from the edges and pressing into place with an iron.

The corners were the hardest part. A small piece of stitch witchery was cut and placed between the layers of ribbon at the fold to create a flush surface at the two corners.

After applying the trim the canvas was laid out a flat surface and a fold created 52" up from the bottom edge. Fabric glue was then applied to the strip of MDF...

...and the top edge of the canvas was pressed onto the glue. After letting this set for a few minutes, two screws were attached to the underside of the strip.

Finally the treatment was installed at the inside the window frame with the screws. Super easy, fast and best, the whole project cost less than $10. Now this is a bargain window solution!

I had considered a more complicated application of the ribbon, but simple seemed best!

The ribbon brings the colors and lines of the painted pattern over to the other side of this small space.

Originally the idea was to place velcro at a couple points on the backside of the canvas, allowing the treatment to have the option of  being folded up. But realistically the canvas is sheer enough to allow a lot of light through, so I doubt there will ever be a need to raise the shade. In another location where you might want this option, little pieces of velcro could be a great solution.

After the window treatment was hung I was standing at the bathroom vanity and caught a glimpse of it reflected in the mirrors, and tried to capture this effect in a photo. I love how the simple ribbon detail on the window relates back to the line of trim on the bedskirt, as well as the fabric on the headboard and chairs in the bathroom. They all relate in a way that makes the design of the three spaces feel cohesive. Not bad...I'm happy!