Outdoor Uses

• Outdoor canopies that are semi-permanently installed need to be waterproof and resistant to fading. Marine canvas is available in stores specializing in boating supplies. Awning fabric is available from stores specializing in upholstery material. Both are waterproof and reasonably resistant to fading. Large hardware chains often have comparable materials. These materials clean up easily with a damp sponge.
  
  

Broadcloth for Beds

• Bed canopies get dusty, so the materials need to washable. A durable, decorative-top canopy for use in a girl's bedroom can be made from broadcloth, which is found in most fabric stores. This drapes well and doesn't need ironing. Broadcloth has the advantage that it is often found in 54 inch bolts. Other materials similar to broadcloth can be found in the upholstery section of your fabric store. Like broadcloth, these are sold on large bolts, which makes them easy to handle.
  
  

Light Cottons

• If you are comfortable working with shorter widths, any light cotton or linen fabric can be used. Although these are less durable than broadcloth and may not look as crisp after several years unless mercerized, they drape well and there is a much larger variety of prints and colors from which to choose. Don't overlook cotton eyelet fabrics, which have a very feminine feel to them. If using a light print, be aware that prints do not appear on both sides of the fabric. Consider purchasing extra material to make double-sided canopies.
  
  

Tulle

• Draped over an adult bed, a canopy of tulle has a sexy, luxurious feel. Although it can be difficult to handle, tulle is inexpensive and forgiving to work with. A canopy can be made from multiple layers of differently-colored tulle stitched together to achieve an effect impossible from a single color alone. For example, purple tulle layered over pink tulle has a very different hue than either color alone. Layers of white tulle add a frosted appearance to other colors.