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DIY Privacy Liner for Bamboo Roman Shades

August 31, 2015

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Make a privacy liner for a bamboo roman shades. It's a super easy and inexpensive DIY that will double as a room darkener.

Check out the steps.

DIY privacy liner for bamboo roman shades

So this weekend I tackled what I thought would be a very easy DIY.

I was wrong. I added a privacy liner to bamboo roman shades.

While it was not terribly technical, on the Exquisitely Unremarkable scale, it was more time consuming than I thought it would be.

I like quick projects.

Of course, in the end, it worked out perfectly.

The room is dark and private.

I'm just exhausted.

A few weeks ago, my daughter decided that her pink room was no longer in vogue and we've been working on the update ever since.

She's opted for a neutral, earthly boho look, which includes these really cool, espresso colored bamboo matchstick blinds.

They are super pretty...

Brown roman shade on window in bedroom

...and, as you can see, completely useless when it comes to privacy.

It was like having a piece of gauze covering the window.

We could see right through them, especially at night, when it was dark outside and light in the room. Yes, we actually went outside and checked.

It was not the optimal covering for a teenage girl's bedroom, or frankly, anyone's bedroom.

No big deal. The salesman said that the sell liners. Turns out, they do. They are about $25 each, they are white and also see-through. Ugh. Not going to work.

But mom, I love these! I am not returning them. Can't you please fix them? You can. I know you can.

Yes. I can. I'll figure it out.

Because that's what moms do, right?

So I hit the internet and found a DIY that I thought I could use as a guide. Of course, my blinds are little bit different and required a few extra steps, but I did figure it out. It just took me a while.

On a Sunday afternoon.

With the pool calling.

Anyway.

How To Make A Privacy Liner For A Roman Shade



The steps were simple, it just took a bit of time.

DIY Privacy Liner For A Bamboo Matchstick Shade

1. Choose your fabric


I didn't have to buy any special privacy liner fabric. I simply chose a dark brown polyester blend that moved well, so it wouldn't bunch up when we raised or lowered the shade.

It was also a heavy enough weight to provide a bit of insulation.

2. Remove the strings and their fabric covering 


I placed my blind on the table. I needed a pretty big and flat space to work on.

Bamboo roman shade on a table

My brand had strings that were threaded through a decorative covering and then laced onto a metal loop.

Hand grabbing string of Roman Shade

I had to untie the string and then remove the fabric covering so I could access the thin string on its own.

3. Attach the fabric liner


Then I grabbed my fabric and cut it to fit the blind. I left about a half inch all the way around to maintain a bit of that wispy look my daughter liked so much.

Hand holding string of roman shade

I used a hot glue gun to secure the fabric to the top of the blind.

I needed to access the strings, so poked a hole in the fabric to pull the string through.

Brown fabric with string pulled through

And I repeated the process on the other side.

Back of roman shade with room darkening fabric on blind

4. Placing the rings


Nest up, I get the rings through the fabric. I cut super tiny slits in the material and pulled them through.

One at a time, on each side.

Gold rings pulled through brown fabric

5. Glue the fabric in place.


With the string and rings in place, I picked up my glue gun again and glued the fabric down.

This time I went all the way around the blind, sides and bottom.

Hot glue on back of brown blind

6. Rethread the strings


Lastly, I used a safety pin to rethread each string through its lacy cover and connected it to the rings..

When I was done, an hour later, ugh, my finished product looked very similar to the way it started, except for the fabric liner that I added underneath the existing hardware.

Then I got to do the other blind. That one actually went much quicker.

My total cost was $7.00 for the fabric.

Back of roman shade with liner attached

The blinds work exactly the same now ~ pull the string and they go up and down without a wrinkle.

I tried to get an after shot, but the room was so dark with the addition of the liners, that there was no way.

Mission accomplished.

Here are a few other simple DIY fixes:

Instead I leave you with a peek behind the scenes.

This is the blind now.

It's neat, finished and looks as if it was purchased this way.

And today, in 2023 it still looks and works fabulously well.

A peek behind the roman shade on window

It's what the people outside can see.

It's all they can see.

That makes this mama very happy.

And this tedious DIY very worth it!

Do you line your blinds?

Kim Signature


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  1. What a lot of work...I hope that you got a big hug from her ! :) You are one clever lady :)

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    1. Thank you, Deb and yes, payment (in the form of many hugs and an empty dishwasher!) was received! ;)

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  2. Awesome job!! Perfect for privacy and I love the new look of her room!!

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    1. Thanks Nancy! We still need to add a few more details, but we're getting there!

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  3. Hi Kim, wow I can't believe you made the liner your self for the shade. You are so talented and creative. The work you did looks so professional! Hope you have a Happy Monday.
    Julie

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    1. Thank you, Julie! It was a bit more involved than I thought it would be, but it does the job and she's thrilled.

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  4. Great job, Kim! What we won't do for our kids ;)

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    1. Thanks Cecilia and boy, you said a mouthful! ;-)

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  5. Very nicely done. Everything is so neat and tidy on the backside as well as the front which what I consider the true test of quality craftsmanship. Your daughter should be proud of her mama. The first picture was a teaser of the new paint and bedding. Looking forward to seeing the finished product. The white is very nice.

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    1. Lorri, thank you so much for that very lovely comment. This one was a little bit of a challenge, especially for a lazy decorator like myself. I like quick and easy! The actual decorating is much more my cup of tea...that has been fun!

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  6. Wow Kim that was a helpful post. Those blinds can be quite expensive completely finished and professionally installed. After reading this tutorial I may attempt it myself someday.

    Beth

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    1. So glad that I could help, Beth and offer some inspiration. It really was an easy job, it was just time consuming. I say give it a shot!

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  7. You seriously amaze me. I would never tackle something like that, but it turned out beautifully done and very professional.

    Missed you while I was gone!

    xo,
    rue

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    1. Hi! Thanks! Let’s just say I’m glad this one is done!

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  8. Kim, you did a remarkable job. How clever of you to figure that out. I have the same blinds except it is on the dining room door and mostly just to cut the sun in the morning, so privacy is not an issue..Thank Heavens, because it looks very hard to do for me. P.S. And you did all of that with those gorgeous fingernails!!..Happy Week to you..Judy

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    1. Thank you, Judy. They are pretty blinds and without the liner they really do look pretty with the light shining through. Thanks for noticing my nails! They held up really well through this project!

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  9. Looks great! I wish I had some of those in my house somewhere. They are so current. :)

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    1. Thanks Stacey, these are all my daughter. She’s keeping me current! ;)

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  10. Wow, that was a super creative way to add a liner - pure genius!!

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    1. Thank you, Debbie. Genius, huh? I'll take it, thanks! ;)

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  11. Kim this is genius. Super Mom to the rescue!!! Awesome Sauce that is what you are!!!!!
    Have a great week. You are off to a great start Miss DIY!
    Kris

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    1. Thanks Kris! You are super sweet! I am glad that project is behind me. I’m sure you know they type! ;-) I hope you have a great week, too!

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  12. Hi Kim, You did a fabulous job and your idea is awesome. You sure did fix the problem and I am sure your daughter is thrilled. You are one talented designer with everything!
    cm

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    1. You are very sweet, Celestina Maria. Thank you! :) She is thrilled!

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  13. Great job! Projects like that make me crazy but it is so rewarding when you make it work and then it really works!

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    1. That's exactly how I felt through this one...glad it's over, happy with the results!

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  14. Well done! Great idea and I love how your daughter looks up to you so. :-) Sweet!
    And your nails, lovely.
    xx oo
    Carla

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    1. Thanks Carla! I am glad I was able to make this work out for her. If only all of her requests were this easy! ;)

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  15. I'm so impressed! You did an awesome job!! I know who to call when I need to fix something like this, because I would have one big mess! I know you were glad to get them fixed for your daughter's privacy and for your peace of mind!! I love the polka dots!! :-) I can't wait to see the room reveal!!

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    1. Haha! I am glad you like my nails, Benita! They are quite bright! Thanks for the kind words. Trust me, this one was tedious...all the threading and unthreading. I am relieved that it's done!

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  16. Amazing---I never would have managed this but you did very well! I need to go outside and peek through our bamboo blinds!! Thankfully ours are in the living room and the windows are about 4 feet up. :)

    Great job, Kim!

    Jane x

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    1. Thanks Jane. It was a bit of a challenge, but it did do the trick! Your blinds sound pretty peek-proof at that height! ;)

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  17. This is such a great idea!

    Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

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  18. Great job Kim! That looked like a tedious job but well worth it. They look really nice, and I also love your nails!!

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    1. Thanks for all of your nice words, Rhonda. The nails were an easier DIY than the blind liner! ;)

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  19. Awesome fix Kim. I had the same trouble with the blinds I bought for the house we're in. I also researched it and was going to attempt a fix but there were just too many and one was a whopping 7 feet wide. Umm, no thanks. Great job!

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    1. That would’ve been a huge job Kristi and the fabric liners would have to be enormous. Next time, I will choose another covering! ;)

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  20. I couldn't have found this post at a more perfect time! I have 6 blinds just like this that I need to line, and I had the same feeling after seeing the price tag of the commercial liners. You made the process very understandable, but now I'm dreading how long it will take to do all 6!!!

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    1. Once you get the first one down, it goes pretty fast Jenny...but maybe you don't want to do all six in one day! ;-) Good luck and so glad you found the post helpful!

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  21. What a wonderful project! I am sure your daughter appreciates you (as much as any teenager could, lol) for doing all that work. And it looks so professional! I have a few of those type blinds in my livingroom and at first I thought I would give it a try until I saw how much work you put into it, whewww....no wonder your exhausted, love it love it!

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    1. Thanks Gigi! It really wasn't all that terrible, it was just time consuming. It was a tedious task, but once I got the hang of it and the right tools by my side, it went rather quickly. I wouldn't really want to do it again anytime soon, but I would if I had to! ;)

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  22. That project is way beyond me.

    What a great job you did!

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    1. Thanks Carol! AND I’ve seen your recover a whole couch. If you can do that, you can do anything!! :)

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  23. Kim,
    WOW!!! What an outstanding job you did here. You are one SUPER MOM!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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    1. Thank you, Linda! My daughter thinks so, too! I appreciate the visit and the kind words. :)

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  24. Yikes! Don't know how you tackle such jobs... ,-)

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    1. I can’t really think about Tessa or I won’t do it! Have to just dive right in! ;-)

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  25. You are the best mom! Your daughter must be very happy :) I was thinking about getting bamboo blinds for our living room, but did not think the privacy issue was so bad. If we ever get them, I know I will come back to this post!

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    1. Hi Annie! She is happy...for now! isn't that the nature of teenagers though? ;) I think you'd be ok in the living room, but in the bedroom, where you are regularly getting changed, it was an issue.

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  26. You have the patience of a saint, Kim! They look as nice on the outside as they do inside. You are one creative lady!

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    1. Susan, you are always so kind with you comments! Thank you so much! :)

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  27. Good job, well done mom!
    Not sure I could have figured out the HOW but thanks to you, I "got it!"

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    1. It took me a while, Lynne and there was one panicked moment, when I though I had done it all backwards and put the liner on the front! Oh boy. Next time, I pick out the window dressing! ;)

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  28. Since hot glue becomes ridged once it cools, do you have any problems when the shades are rolled or folded up during the day? Did the the bamboo and fabric separate or come loose and/or did you have any problems with the fabric puckering or being too thick for a clean fold (roll)? I love the idea and look; I just want to know if there is anything to watch out for ; >).

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    1. Hi. Thanks for the visit and the questions! I was concerned about the same things, but so far, so good...and one of the windows gets direct sunlight for a large portion of the day and the glue is just fine, it has not separate. I used just a thin line of glue and a polyester fabric, not a heavy cotton duck. The shades roll up perfectly and the liner does not pucker. The only thing I would suggest is that when choosing a fabric you have to choose something thin enough with give that won't run when cut or poked, but thick enough to be peek proof! Hope that helps!

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  29. I commend you, Kim. My patience wouldn't allow me to do such a thing.

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    1. I was running out of patience on blind number one, trust me, Brandi! ;)

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  30. Hi Kim! :)
    Wow, you made it look so easy, but I know it was tedious and time consuming! Especially with the pool calling your name! ;)
    I love those blinds, we have them in our living room/rec room...but you are so right...you can see 'everything' through them without a liner!
    They look just like they were bought that way now! Great job!
    And I love your polka dot nails too!

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    1. Thanks Kimberley and thanks for noticing my nails! ;)

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  31. You did a beautiful job, Kim, very professional! Back in the day when I had a small custom sewing business, everyone wanted the designer cloth-type Roman Shades. They were quite labor-intensive, but they certainly were pretty when finished. I'm sure your teenager is showing you much love, gratitude, and promises to clean the kitchen every night for at least 3 months......RIGHT?

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    1. Thank you Carol and yes, 3 months sounds about right for all of that goodness and thanks. Or wait...is it 3 days??? Ha! Teenagers!

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  32. Kimmie, you're amazing! The blinds are gorgeous and her room looks just beautiful! Such hard work! xoxoxo Jen

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    1. Thanks Jen! We like the way her room is coming along!

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  33. Great job, Kim! Your cheaper remedies are totally inspiring! I loved the way your hubby did the crown moulding corners in her room, too! Genius!

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  34. Great fix, Kim! I love your daughter's attitude: "You can, Mom, I KNOW you can!" Hah! Who could resist giving a DIY project like that a try when you've got a cheerleader like her? The blinds are wonderful! Great tutorial, too. Pinning. Hugs, Nancy

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    1. She knows that I am a sucker for a big hug and a lot of flattery, Nancy! ;) Glad you liked the post!

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  35. I have some shades that are very similar to these and they are sooo see through. Yikes! I have been wanting to to find a way to fix that and this is the perfect solution. Thank you!

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  36. A very resourceful and thrifty way to solve the problem! Well done Kim!

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    1. Thanks Ronda! It was a necessary upgrade…girls! ;)

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  37. Great idea and great pictures, very informative. This is a true diy that does not cost a lot of money. It seems so many of the posts these days want you to run out and spend $$$ on paint or fabric or whatever and that is just not in my budget. I also had checked into the liners or blackout material and could not afford either one. As a big lover of the color red I am so happy to discover your site today. Keep up the great ideas!

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    1. Risa, you just made my day! I am so happy that you were able to find something useful on my site! I am not a fan of spending money unnecessarily. I am also always happy to meet another red lover! So glad you took the time to comment. Thank you and have a great afternoon!

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  38. Hi, Kim. Love this post. I tried this but have failed miserably on two tries. I've sent you an email with details and hope you can give some advice on positioning the slits for the rings as perfectly as you did. Please check your email (even your spam folder since I have an odd emails address. Thanks

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    1. Hi Kate...emailing you right now!! Thanks for reaching out. :)

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  39. I just stumbled upon this post as I need to add the lining to our shades that look just like this. I'm wondering how exactly you re-threaded the string? Is it all attached top to bottom, how did you get the decorative strip back on? I'm not a great crafty person, but I've got to do something about the light shining in my eyes at night!

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    1. Hi Tanya, I know that light is bad! 😉 I hope I understand your question correctly...the string is attached at the top of the blind, I never removed it from there. I just pulled it out of the loops, so I could place the fabric down underneath them. Then I rethreaded the strings. I also never removed the decorative strip on the back. The strings were nowhere near it so I didn't need to touch it. It's kind of a puzzle, I had to really look at it awhile to figure it out, but essentially you just need to move the strings out of the way so you can get the fabric cut over the rings. I hope that helps!

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    2. You stated that you needed a safety pin to re-thread, so that was for putting it back through the rings?

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    3. The pin was for threading that thin string back into the lace covering...my string was covered and the covering just connected to the rings. Your blind may be more like the post I referenced my post. That blind just had strings, no covering, which would be a whole lot easier...

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    4. Mine has the covering like shown in the first photo. That's why all the questions. I'm not sure I'm up to tackling the re-threading...thank you for answering all my questions!

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    5. No problem, Tanya! I'm not going to lie, this DIY was not super easy, like most of my projects and threading was time consuming. I hope that you are able to make it work for you. Let me know how it goes. :)

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  40. Will cotton drop cloth canvas be too thick for the hot glue to hold to the bamboo shade? I should have plenty after another project and was wondering if I could use some for this!

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    1. I think that it should be fine. I haven't worked with a fabric that weight, but if you find that the hot glue isn't holding, you could use another kind of glue, something stronger. Perhaps a glue made to bond fabric...hope that helps!

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  41. Hello i love the idea i just bought some bamboo shades myself and have been googleing for the past hour looking for a brown privacy liner all i can seen to find is white and the price is depressing can you please tell me where. I can get this fabric or what ot is called

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    1. Hi! I feel your frustration. Trust me I'm the laziest DIYer and when I couldn't find a dark liner either I decided to make one. The material I used is a lightweight, but not see through polyester fabric liner. I literally went to the fabric store and held up fabrics to the sun and when I found one I liked, I bought it. I would just make sure that whatever you buy, it isn't prone to run when you cut it. The ladies at the store should be able to tell you that. As I said, I got mine at a local shop, but if you have a Hobby Lobby or a JoAnn Crafts nearby, they'll have it too...Good luck and let me know how it goes!

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    2. Thank you very much looking foward to this project 😊

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