First attempt sewing a screen pillowcase for windows

[Random Painted Highway]

We needed a solution to have some fresh air coming in from the driver and passenger side door windows.   My first attempt to make a slip-over pillowcase window screen did not turn out to shabby imo.  Yeah, i made a lot of mistakes, but i think it might just work in keeping the bugs outside and our cat inside.  Trying it out next week, i'll let you know how it held up.  Here are a few pictures of the project.  

Created a template of sorts with leftover wrapping paper to get a general idea of the size.

Once that was done i sewed up a couple sides to slip it over the door/Window frame:


Used some magnets for the outside bottom:


Inside i finally decided to try a small piece of pine board against the screen and then using a tension curtain rod to hold it in place.  Without the wood in place there was a small gap that might let bugs in that made it through the first outside screen.  Seems to hold well and the fresh air coming in is beautiful!





One more window to go!

 

[regis101]

Yep. Those are nice.

 

[maki2]

I got some strong, 3/4" wide, black elastic from the fabric store. Stretched it out a bit when I sewed it on so that it sits tight against the metal. That closes up the gap at the bottom edge but still makes it easy to install. You could also create a pocket along the bottom edge and thread in bungee cords with an adjustable toggle clamp on it. That way the cord can be slacked off or tightened up to suit your specific needs. No need then to mess with magnets or boards as the gaps are closed by an integrated way to snug the material to the vehicle.

 

[Random Painted Highway]

I got some strong, 3/4" wide, black elastic from the fabric store. Stretched it out a bit when I sewed it on so that it sits tight against the metal. That closes up the gap at the bottom edge but still makes it easy to install. You could also create a pocket along the bottom edge and thread in bungee cords with an adjustable toggle clamp on it. That way the cord can be slacked off or tightened up to suit your specific needs. No need then to mess with magnets or boards as the gaps are closed by an integrated way to snug the material to the vehicle.

Thanks maki2, that is exactly what i need to do!  I'll post some new pics with the changes you suggested.   Thanks again!

 

[highdesertranger]

looks good. please do a follow up after you have used them a few times. highdesertranger

 

[Random Painted Highway]

Well i added the elastic around the bottom.  I had some trouble getting the window screen to fit over the mirror, so i wrangled with that a bit.  I think i will cut the elastic at the point near the mirror and add a velcro strip to tighten it better, and for easy on and off without having to deal with the mirror being in the way.  Anyway, it works!

 

[VanFan]

Hey Random, what type of screen/netting did you use?  Thanks in advance!

 

[Random Painted Highway]

Hey Random, what type of screen/netting did you use?  Thanks in advance!

I used [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Saint-Gobain ADFORS 4-ft x 25-ft Gray Fiberglass Screen Mesh from the hardware store.  Easy to work with, the second window screen was even easier to sew.  I still need to buy a flat band strap for the bottom of it, but i like it so much.[/font]

[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Itching to get on the road![/font]

 

[maki2]

Glad the elastic worked for you, it does look very nice and tidy, you are a good sewer.

 

[regis101]

Sweet. Necessity is the mother of invention.