Window shade project for itty bitty windows

We made some good progress on our trailer build the past couple of days, it's really fun to see the vision for our project start to take shape!

I was debating what to do for window coverings.  There are three windows in the trailer that measure approx. 16" wide by 23" long.  They are really too narrow for curtain rods and curtains.  For a while I thought we might do one inch aluminum mini blinds, they can be cut to size and would cost around $15 per window.  They have to be outside mounted though and I don't really care for that look plus they are kind of boring, I like how fabric gives you the chance to add color and personality to a space.

I searched Pinterest for "window coverings for really small windows" and found tie up window shades.  I liked this idea because it would be a simple panel that could be up during the day and down at night.  Here are a couple of photos from Pinterest of what I was looking at:

Image from Pinterest

Image from Pinterest

I needed to modify this design because I didn't want to use curtain rods and Rob was not a fan of the ties.  I decided to use brass grommets in all four corners and small white hooks for hanging.  With grommets on the bottom it will allow me to keep the shades raised during the day.

I went with a cotton duck fabric which is basically a medium weight cotton canvas.  The fabric has enough weight that the small shades will hang nicely and there are so many choices of patterns.  I chose this beauty (I have a thing for skulls):

After that it was pretty simple; measure, cut, iron and sew the basic rectangles.  I gave myself a two inch fabric allowance on all sides for making the hem.  This tutorial on You Tube is really easy: How to Make a Double Folded Hem .  With a simple grommet tool from Home Depot the shades were ready to hang.

This fabric has enough weight that it hangs nicely, if you wanted to use a lighter fabric you might want to add hooks at the bottom too.