Goodbye Traditional Shade Sails: The Boho Alternative You Can DIY With Silk Saree Scraps

If your backyard is yearning for more eclectic decor, this colorful DIY is right up your alley. Creator Ebby Moyer on TikTok originally put together this colorful decoration for a party but loved it so much that she decided to keep it as an outdoor feature. Made with flowing silk saree curtains, the whimsical design doubles as a functional source of shade, making it ideal for entertaining on sunny days. This DIY can also help you transform your patio into a cozy outdoor living room. You only need a few simple things to recreate the look: silk saree scraps, curtain rings, a hammer, nails or push pins, and an area to attach them all to.

These colorful fabric panels, sometimes called silk saree curtains or scarves, are often available in discounted mystery bundles. This is a great way to save money while collecting enough fabric to cover a larger area. Even if some of the scarves aren't exactly your taste, don't toss them out! Moyer explained that when different scraps are grouped together, the colors and patterns blend to change the entire look.

To assemble your canopy, stack all the curtain rings together and attach them to the middle of an overhead pergola beam using a push pin or nail. Then, stretch the ends of the silk scarves outward and secure them to the surrounding beams or support posts, allowing the fabric to drape down in a tent-like formation. The original design uses eight scarves, but you can add more to suit a larger space or create a fuller canopy. Adjust the placement and spacing of the fabric until you achieve the colorful, flowing effect you're after, with little-to-no gaps between scarves. The finished result contributes to the perfect bohemian patio for a relaxing outdoor space.

Before you put your new canopy to use, keep a couple of practical considerations in mind. The curtains won't be weatherproof because the fabric can be ruined in the rain, fade in the sun, and can be damaged by insects. 

Another style option is to create a flatter canopy by stretching the scarves evenly across the structure, arranging them side by side to mimic a traditional shade sail. If you don't have a pergola, you can also install freestanding posts anchored in concrete to create your own framework. For any leftover saree scraps, try creating a matching piece of boho decor by repurposing the silk scarves into a beautiful window curtain.