Doing an insect window screen to size

This week's project is a little unusual, a low cost inseto screen made to measure for my window. This way of doing it can be adapted to serve in other windows. I have a sliding window with three panes, each 1.25m wide and 1.30m high that is usually open so a mosquito net is essential.

When this windows where installed they didn't come with insect sreens because we weren't quite sure which format would be the most practical for that window, as it is large, and because I need access to the outside, so it cannot be a fixed screen.

To temporarily solve the problem I bought a net and made some hems to hang it on a cable in front of the window, as if it were a curtain, when I need to access the outside I pull the mosquito curtain to the side.

The solution that was supposed to be temporary ended up working and I've been using it for 5 years now, one of the advantages is that as it's inside it ends up not getting as dirty as if it were always outside, plus I can take it off when I need to wash it.

Because the sun and the cleaning made some damages and it had some tears on it so it was time to make a new one, this time I didn't find a net big enough to cover the two leaves that open, so I decided to make two parts that I can use at the same time when the two sheets are open or just one, to join them I used a zipper.

To prevent the net from fraying I decided to apply a bias on the sides, at the top and bottom I used a strip of fabric to protect the ends and to make a tunnel to pass through the cable, this was also necessary because unfortunately the net I found was smaller than the window, and this way I managed to end up with the right size.  

Ideally I would have used a single zipper, but as I couldn't find a zipper with the right size I ended up buying two and applied them from the ends so that when they are closed the sliders meet in the center. I had to cut one of the zippers 

For those who want to put this idea into practice, here are some suggestions:

- Start by placing the cable next to the window, it should be as close as possible to avoid gaps through which insects can pass. You can use wire, steel cable or a rope, it should be well stretched or alternatively put a stretcher to adjust the tension of the cable. 

- Take measurements to find out the size of the mosquito net, note that the height of the mosquito net must be measured from the cable where it will hang. 

- If you managed to find a net with a size larger than your window, you don't need to put the clasp, just follow the steps to make the mosquito net. 

 - If you opt for the version with a zip, try to find a zip that is bigger than the mosquito net, if that doesn't work you can put both, follow the tips below because after the job was finished I realized that I should have done some things differently, so you can benefit from my mistakes. 

 - With the zipper closed, sew one of the zippers, aligning the end that fits the slider with the side. Align the other zipper from the opposite side so that both sliders are in the center of the mosquito net, sew the zipper leaving a space to handle the zipper that you are going to cut. Cut off the excess zipper and put a stopper on the end you cut off so the slider doesn't pop out. Finish sewing the zipper.

In my case, I cut the zipper before sewing it and I ended up with one side too long, and the other short, I had to cut it again and because I opened and closed the metal stopper so much it ended up breaking. Another problem I had was that as I sewed with the zipper open, each side ended up with a different size, because I didn't want to undo the work I'd already done, I tried to solve it by putting a cover over the sliders.

- To prevent the screen from moving on windy days, you can do as I do and place a weight inside the tunnel at the bottom and fit it into the window slot, another alternative is to place another cable at the bottom of the window and pass it through the tunnel of the mosquito net, this way it is secured at the top and bottom. 

 In my case this second option is not viable because I would have to drill the window, since I can't put it on the wall because it would block the door. 

 - On the second panel I put a ribon to hold the net when it is not in use, for that I open the zipper, roll up the net and secure it on top with the ribbon, when I need it, I just unroll it and close the zippers again.