Directions for Putting a Canopy Bed Together
- For this bed canopy, you won't need a needle and a thread, but fabric of your choice, an 18 inch quilting hoop, a hook and some ribbon. The fabric is an important choice since it will be the focal point of the room. Tulle or netting gives the bed canopy a light, romantic look, velvet is more formal, patterned fabric can look old-fashioned and period, like the patterns of William Morris. Whatever you choose, make sure you get at least 12 yards.
- The hook that will work well for this will be chandelier hook, which is available at any hardware store. Position the hook on the ceiling over the middle of the bed, or a little toward the foot.
- Find the midpoint of the fabric lengthwise, then find the midpoint in either the top or bottom half. Gather the fabric at this point until you can wrap your fingers about it. Tie a ribbon around the fabric (at the point where you are holding it), and tie a double knot.
- Take apart the quilting hoop by loosening the screw that holds the two hoops together. Lift up the fabric by the ribbon, and put the smaller of the two hoops underneath the fabric. Arrange the fabric so the middle of the hoop is directly beneath the ribbon. Put the top ring on top of the fabric, keeping the ribbon in the middle, and squeeze the two rings together, trapping the fabric between them. Arrange the fabric inside the hoops so it's evenly arranged around them, then tighten the screw so they won't come apart.
- Lift the fabric by the ribbon and tie it around the hook. Tie a secure knot, but one that you can undo should you wish to take down the bed canopy or wash the fabric. Arrange the fabric so that it hangs as you like around the back and sides of the bed. During the day you can tie back the sides with ribbon, then let it hang down at night.