How to build a rustic DIY jute window mosquito net
An insect screen that fits your window perfectly and complements its style is a delight, not a fright. Spend a day or two crafting it in early summer, and enjoy fresh indoor air without the annoyance of buzzing insects for the rest of the season.
Supplies for window mosquito net:
- 15 × 32 mm planed wood slats
- 4 window corner braces
- Jute fabric
- Linen window sealing cord
- 3 × 25 mm screws
- Helo Aqua 20 varnish and a brush
- Japanese saw and miter box or chop saw
- Drill and screwdriver
- Staple gun, square, and scissors
How to build a window mosquito net:
1. Measure the dimensions of the window opening and make the frame 6 mm shorter in both height and width. Cut the slats for two frames that will be stacked: in one frame, the horizontal slats are positioned inside the vertical ones, and in the other, outside them. Varnish the slats. Place the horizontal slats outside the vertical ones and secure the corners at right angles using a stapler.
2. Cut a piece of jute fabric larger than the frame. Attach the selvage edge of the fabric to the long side of the frame, placing the staples along the center line of the slat. Keep the fabric taut and attach the opposite side, then the ends. Trim the net slightly smaller than the outer edges of the frame.
3. Place the slats of the top frame over the lower frame. Ensure the frames are at right angles. Drill pilot holes in the slats and attach the window corner braces with screws that reach into the lower frame. Secure all corners this way.
4. Attach small handles at the midpoints of the sides to make it easy to press the mosquito net into the window and remove it. Peeled branch forks work well as handles. Drill countersunk holes into the branch forks and attach them with screws.
5. Staple linen window sealing cord around the frame. The cord keeps the mosquito net in place in the window opening, and the thick cord seals gaps through which small insects could enter. Wool cord is also an effective alternative.
6. The jute fabric mosquito net is now ready to be placed in the window. The frame, treated with colorless, water-soluble varnish, will darken over time in the sun to match the window frames. If a 30 mm thick frame doesn’t fit in the opening, you can make a slightly thinner one using 12 × 32 mm molding.
