Lace window shades and curtains are a hallmark of Victorian style. But you can also use them alone or layered beneath draperies to add genteel elegance, interest and texture to styles ranging from boho and shabby-chic to conventional. Balloon shades are traditionally made by sewing rings or tape to the back of the shade and threading pull-cords through the rings or tape. These techniques need precise sewing and might not always be suited to lace stuff. However, you can make a stationary lace balloon shade with no sewing involved, and it’ll look just as lovely on your own window as a pricey, tailor-made colour colour.
Expand a lace curtain panel face-down to a clean, flat work surface, such as a trapped floor. Ideally, pick a curtain panel without a top header. The panel width should be at least equivalent to, but no more than 1 1/2 times, the width of the window. If the panel has a header, then cut away the header, taking care not to cut the difference between the header and stick pocket. This will allow the panel to hang straight from the pole, without a ruffle on top.
Divide the width of the curtain panel. Measure and mark the top of the panel to split it in thirds, with temporary markers such as safety pins or clothespins. You’ll have two markers, each one of the width of the panel from the border. Put markers at corresponding points on the base of the panel.
Pleat and gather the lace panel, working from the bottom upward, removing the temporary markers at each of the bottom marks. Stop when you’ve gathered the panel up to the space you would like the shade to fall from the top of the window. The drop will normally look best if it is one-third to two-thirds the height of the window. Secure the drawing at every mark with a security pin, hiding the pin at the folds to the back of the curtain panel.
Measure the distance from the surface of the panel to the bottom of the pinned gathers, and add 18 inches. Cut 2 lengths of ribbon equal twice this number. Fold the ribbon pieces in half to find the center points. Place the ribbon pieces over the curtain panel so the centres of the ribbons are at the top markers, and the rest of the ribbon lengths fall past the pulling down the front and back of the panel. Secure the ribbons in place near the peak of the panel by pinning from the panel back with safety pins just below the rod pocket.
Insert a curtain tension rod to the rod pocket and then hang the curtain panel using the pole installed on peak of the window, inside the frame. Adjust the surface of the curtain panel so the ribbons are evenly spaced along the pole. Adjust the bottom gathers if needed, and repin the folds when you’re satisfied with the look.
Tie the ribbons into bows below each gather. Cut the ribbon ends to the desired length.