
What You Need to Make a Roman Shade
- Measuring tape
- Fabric
- Lining fabric
- 1x2-inch pine board
- Two screw eyes
- Quilter's ruler
- Fabric marking pen
- Five 1/4-inch-diameter wooden dowels
- Ten small cabone rings
- Shade-and-blind cord
- Cleat (with fasteners) to wrap cord at desired pleating
- 8 wood screws
How to make your own Roman shades?
- After marking the lines, be sure that the back part of the fabric is facing you. ...
- Set your curtains aside for a moment, and take your piece of wood. ...
- Then, attach the Roman shade to the wood. ...
- Take your wooden dowels, and attach screw eyes to each end. ...
- Now take the longer length of your cord. ...
How to make your own roman shade?
How to Sew a DIY Roman Shade with a Lining
- Determine Measurements for Shade Fabric. Measure the height and width of the window inside the window recess or frame. ...
- Cut Lining Fabric to Size. Cut the lining fabric to the same length as your shade fabric. ...
- Cut and Prepare Mounting Board. ...
- Attach Lining Fabric. ...
- Add Dowel Casings. ...
- Assemble Roman Shade. ...
- Mount a Cleat for Cords. ...
- Add Cords to the Shade. ...
How to make inexpensive no sew Roman shades?
No need to spend a ton of money on custom roman shades when you can make a pull up shade with mini blinds. Tutorial here: https://diyjoy.com/diy-roman-shades...
How to make DIY cordless Roman shades?
You will need the following:
- a sewing machine (I'm a big fan of my Brother sewing machine)
- a needle, pins, thread (to match your fabric), tape measure, yard stick and tailor's chalk
- fabric of your choice (I used this softened linen fabric)
- drapery lining fabric
- six VERY STRONG magnets per shade (I used these ones)
- sew on + sticky back Velcro

What is the best material to make Roman blinds?
The main reason linen and linen blends are the best fabrics for Roman shades has to do with the weight and structure they provide. The other great thing about linen is that it can be transformed into a variety of colors and textures to suit almost any design style.
Is it difficult to make Roman shades?
It's actually very easy. You need a few things such as fabric, fabric shears, drapery rings, a board for mounting, liner fabric, an iron, a staple gun, a dowel, and a sewing machine.
How do you make Roman blinds for beginners?
0:2021:04A simple roman blind by Debbie Shore - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI - just over 22 inches I'm going to make my blind - exactly 22 inches and then again the height. SoMoreI - just over 22 inches I'm going to make my blind - exactly 22 inches and then again the height. So from where you want the blind to sit right at the top of the window all the way down to the bottom.
What material are Roman blinds made of?
Roman blinds are commonly made using cotton fabrics - whether they are 100% cotton or a polyester/cotton blend - due to its breathable qualities, cotton Roman Blinds will help keep a room cool.
How do you make Roman shades at home?
1:1614:22How to Make a Roman Shade - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut the drapery fabric to be 3 inches wider than the finished width of the Roman shade and 5 inchesMoreCut the drapery fabric to be 3 inches wider than the finished width of the Roman shade and 5 inches longer my shade will be 37 inches wide and 44 inches tall when finished.
How do you make Roman shades without a dowel?
To calculate the fabric length without dowels: If you aren't using dowels for your roman shades, add 4″ to the length that you want your shade to be (from the measurements above). For example, if your window length is 78 1/2″, your fabric length will be 78 1/2″ + 4″ = 82 1/2″.
How many folds should a Roman blind have?
Step One:Roman Blind Kit MethodBlind Length (upto)Blind Folds24 inches / 61cms2 full, 1 half36 inches / 91.5cms3 full, 1 half48 inches / 122cms4 full, 1 half1 more row
Do Roman blinds need rods?
The classic Roman shade has no rods or rod pockets sewn into the shade. Cords lift the fabric and force the stacking into soft folds, allowing the shade to stack up into a compact area.
How do you make no sew roman shades?
3:097:16How to Make No Sew Roman Shades - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI added a second bead of glue. And I folded it over again and this gives it almost like it's beenMoreI added a second bead of glue. And I folded it over again and this gives it almost like it's been sewn with a sewing machine. So then you can take your mini blind. And you lay it on top of the fabric.
What fabric do you use to make blinds?
Cotton, polyester/cotton blends, linen, blended linen, damasks and jacquard fabrics are slightly heavier but are still ideal for making the blinds.
What is the best fabric for window shades?
Best Fabrics for Regular Window TreatmentsCotton. When in a drapery weight material, cotton is very popular for its look and its function. ... Canvas. Canvas is a strong, durable, tightly-woven cotton fabric that is a staple fabric for home decor and utility. ... Poplin. ... Velvet. ... Satin. ... Brocade. ... Linen. ... Rayon.
Do Roman blinds need interlining?
Thermal Linings (for roman blinds): If you require thermal properties for your roman blind, we would recommend a bonded interlined or bonded blackout interlined blind. A bonded interlining offers the same insulation properties for blinds as a thermal lining for curtains.
Why are Roman shades so expensive?
Roman blinds are meticulously crafted; that is why the labour fee for creating a roman blind is very high. Also, a tremendous amount of time and detail is necessary. In reality, roman blinds are expensive, and that makes buyers think twice before purchasing one.
How many yards of fabric do you need for Roman shades?
Add the length of your shade and 1/2 of the width of your shade in inches and multiply this number by the number of pulleys from the table above. Divide this by 36 to convert to yards. Round up to the next higher number of yards. We recommend adding 20% as a contingency.
How long do Roman shades last?
How Long Do Cellular And Roman Shades Last? Shades, from heat-blocking cellular and honeycomb shades to stylish and modern Roman shades, outclass blinds in their longevity. With an average lifespan of 5-7 years, they can probably match the timing of when the average homeowner changes their entire home décor.
Do you need to line Roman shades?
Not all shades need to be lined. For simple sheer Roman shades, many designers use the selected face fabric by itself for a visually light appearance. But in other situations, using a lining—a secondary fabric sewn to the back of the face material—can give blinds a more finished, luxurious look.
How do I install a roman shade on a window?
1. Attach the roman shade: For an inside the window frame mount, use screws to attach the mounting board (and the shade) under the top of the window frame so that the piping is along the edge of the frame. For an outside the window frame mount, attach 1 1/2″ corner braces to the wall.
Why do you need dowels for roman shades?
Using dowels helps to make the sections of the shade fold more neatly when you pull the shade up. But they require a little more effort and a few more supplies to make. Making roman shades without dowels is a little easier but you may need to arrange the folds so they lay flat.
How to measure fabric length without dowels?
To calculate the fabric length without dowels: If you aren’t using dowels for your roman shades, add 4″ to the length that you want your shade to be (from the measurements above). For example, if your window length is 78 1/2″, your fabric length will be 78 1/2″ + 4″ = 82 1/2″.
How to hang a curtain with a pattern?
1. With the right sides of the fabric and lining together (facing towards each other), line up the top edges so that they are even. Make sure that the pattern of the fabric will be hanging the right way when the curtain is hung.
How to measure a window sill?
Start from the outside edge at the top of the frame and measure down to the window sill. If you don’t have a window sill, measure down to the inside edge of the bottom of the frame. Repeat this 3 times – once at the left side of the frame, once in the center of the frame and once at the right side of the frame.
Can you make a blind taller than the window?
If you wish to make the blind taller than the window, you can add more than this to increase the height. This is the finished length of your shade. Note: If you are making multiple shades for the same room, you’ll want to make them all the same length as the largest measurement across all the windows.
Can you make a roman shade on your own?
Although it looks complicated (and can be quite expensive to buy), a roman shade really isn’t that difficult to make on your own. It’s basically a straight piece of fabric that opens by a pulley system into flat folds at the top of the window. Don’t be deterred by all of the little details involved.
What are the different styles of roman shades?
When it comes to roman shades, there are three basic styles: classic, casual, and formal . The choice of fabric will influence the final effect (toile, for instance, tends to look more formal than gingham, regardless of the shade's shape).
How to make a classic shade?
Making a Classic Shade. Making a classic shade requires cutting and lining fabric to size. You'll have to fold and re-fold hems ( ironing will be involved) and sew either by hand or by machine. Dowel pockets will need to be made, and this is an intricate process.
What is a translucent shade?
A translucent fabric is less formal, especially when it's in a cheery color. This free-flowing linen shade is perfect over a kitchen sink, where it filters sunlight while preserving the view. This shade has no lining and calls for just a single dowel in the bottom hem, so you won't need to make pockets.
Can you dress up a window shade with stripes?
You can dress up your shade with stripes or trim, but its beauty lies in its simplicity: a single length of finished cloth fit with a system of cords.
What Is a Roman Shade?
A Roman shade is a window covering made of fabric that is operated by a cord to make it go up and down. When the Roman shade is up, it creates pleats in the fabric.
Measure Your Window
The best thing about making your own Roman shades is that you can make them to fit any window in your home. These Roman shades fit just inside of your window.
Cut Your Fabric
Now that you've measured your window, you can cut your fabric. Cut the home decor fabric 3 inches wider than the width of your window and 5 inches longer than the length of your window.
Sew Together the Fabric and Lining
Put your home decor fabric and lining fabric right sides together. Pin along the sides to hold everything in place.
Center the Lining
To make sure that your lining doesn't show from the front of the shade, you'll want to center it.
Sew the Bottom of the Shade
Pin the bottom of the shade, keeping the folds that you just created. Sew the entire length, including on top of the folds. Use 1/2-inch seam allowance.
Determine Amount of Dowel Rods
The amount of dowel rods that you'll need depends on how long your window shade is.
What is roman shade?
Roman shades are a stylish option for windows but often come with a custom price tag. Dress up the windows in your home with these two options for making your own DIY shades. By Jessica Bennett. Updated September 01, 2020. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team.
How to make a window shade with a dowel?
Place the mounting board 6 inches below the top edge on the lining side of the shade. Fold the raw edge of the shade over the top of the mounting board. Check the fit to the window and adjust the fabric on the mounting board if necessary. Staple the shade to the back of the board. Insert the dowels in the casings. Hand-stitch a small cabone ring ($2, Micheals) 4 inches inside each side edge on each dowel casing.
How do I cover a blind with fabric?
To cover the blind with fabric, pop out the stopper on each end of the top bracket. Cut a small notch in the fabric so it wraps nicely around the end. Using a foam brush, coat the bracket and fabric with decoupage medium and press to secure, using clothespins to clamp until dry. brush glue on blinds.
How to make a slat on a blind?
Place fabric facedown under the blind. Lay out the slats in 7-inch intervals, accounting for the fabric that will be wrapped around the top of the blind. Mark the fabric where it folds at the sides, top, and bottom of slats, allowing about 2 inches of fabric on all sides. Cut away any excess fabric . Press the fabric folds with an iron to create crisp hems.
How do I attach a window shade to a window?
Insert two #8 wood screws through the bottom of the mounting board to attach the shade to the inside of the window. To set the pleats, raise the shade to the highest position and secure the cords to the cleat. Arrange the pleats by hand and leave in place for one week.
How to sew a shade panel?
With right sides facing, sew the lining panel to the shade panel along the side edges. Turn to the right side; press so the lining is centered on the back of the shade.
How to cut a left cord for a blind?
For the left cords, cut a length two times the measured window length plus the measured width. Tie one end of the cord to the lowest rings on the left side of the blind. For the right cord, halve the remaining length. Tie one end of the cord to the lowest rings on the right side of the shade.
How to attach Roman shade to wood?
Then, attach the Roman shade to the wood. Line up the edge of the top hem of your shade to the top side of the wooden board and fold the fabric. Attach using a staple gun. Take your wooden dowels, and attach screw eyes to each end.
What is Roman shade?
What Are Roman Shades. You’ve probably seen them; Roman shades are a simple curtain design that looks like a single piece of fabric used to cover windows. Unlike the usual window shade, however, Roman shades can be stacked up, usually by pulling on cords found on either side of the curtain.
How to sew a lining on a shade?
Now, you’ll sew the fabric lining. Arrange one edge of your lining to the top edge of your shade fabric. Sew it along the top edge, leaving it raw. Now, attach hem tape to the underside of the lining fabric, so that it attaches to the back of the shade fabric. This will keep it in place when sewing the folds.
How to make a shade with a lining?
Just make sure that the folds, and the spacing, is even. Mark each fold, making sure to keep straight lines. Unfold your shade, save for the top-most fold. Sew a straight line along this fold , making sure you’re only sewing through one layer of the shade fabric and the lining fabric. Repeat for the rest of the folds.
Where are ladder cords on blinds?
Extend your blinds to their full length and cut the ladder cords. The ladder cords are usually found toward the sides of your blinds ; these cords will be wrapped around the vanes, instead of being threaded through holes.
How to make a second fold?
You have now marked your first fold. From the second line, measure another 10 inches upwards, and mark the line. Make a line 2 inches above this to finish your second fold.
Can Roman shades fold?
Fabrics for Roman shades should be able to stack when you retract them. If a fabric is too thick, it won’t fold properly or even fold at all.
How to secure Roman blinds?
Push a rod into the open end of each length of Roman blind tape, trimming the ends of the rods if necessary, so they are 1cm shorter than the finished width of the blind. Fold over the ends of the tape twice to hold the rods in place, then slip stitch these turns together to secure.
What are Roman blinds?
Making Roman blinds is a surprisingly easy way to put your personal stamp on any room of your home. They’re basically just a large piece of fabric, hemmed, layered and sewn in a series of clever ways to create stylish soft furnishings in your favourite fabric. They require careful measuring and a little patience, ...
How to hem a blind?
Now you can hem your blind. Fold the main fabric over by 3cm (to where the lower edge of the interlining comes ), then fold it over by another 5cm and press. The interlining will be in the second fold only, which gives the blind a slightly padded edge without too much bulk. The lining should lie beneath the hem so that you have a neat finish from the window side of the blind.
How far apart should stab stitches be on blinds?
The stab stitches need to be placed about 10cm apart, and the first and last stab stitch should be at the very edge of the tape. To start, turn your blind to the lining side and secure your thread by working a few stitches at the top of the tape, just up to the woven line.
How to get masking tape out of the blind?
Holding the needle still, turn the blind over and make sure that the needle is right at the edge of the masking tape. If it isn’t, then pull it out slightly and reposition it, then pull it all the way through to the front . This is a little bit fiddly, but it gets easier with practice.
Can you use fabric for roman blinds?
You can use any fabric when making a Roman blind, but a curtain-weight fabric is the best to give your blind some body, which will make it hang better . To start shopping for curtain fabrics, see our guide to the best upholstery fabrics. We like John Lewis haberdashery for a good range of fabrics.
Can you make roman shades with interlining?
Roman blinds (like the ones pictured above) can be used to create a light but cosy atmosphere in a sunny room. Add lining and interlining and you can also make them blackout or thermal.
What are Roman Shades?
Roman shades function similarly to blinds but offer a more visually appealing design. Here’s how they work:
Tips for Selecting Your Fabric
Getting the fabric right is important to make quality roman shades that function well and fit flawlessly in your space. Consider these important tips when selecting the fabric for your roman shades:
5 Easy Steps to Make Roman Shades
Once you’ve gathered your materials, follow these steps to assemble your DIY roman shades:
Order Custom Roman Shades from Spiffy Spools
We hope you enjoyed this DIY tutorial on how to make roman shades! If you have a DIY-mindset, you can find the perfect fabric for your project by shopping fabrics by the yard on our site.
Why are Roman shades so popular?
Roman shades not just help in keeping the scorching rays of the sun away from the interiors of your room, but also gives your home a soothing look as they appear to be smooth and not ribbed or bumpy like shades we normally use. This festive season put your creative skills into being by making some stunning Roman shades to enhance your house décor ...
Can you sew roman shades from mini blinds?
No Sew Roman Shades from Mini Blinds. Make sure to hem your fabric in a proper way so that it is larger than your blinds to avoid the latter from sticking out of your fabric. DIY Roman Shades No Sew.
What are the downsides of roman shades?
One downside of Roman shades is, when pulling up all the layers, your home opens up to the world outside. Solve your problem with an extra layer of sheer fabric attached to the same beam. Perfect double-layered Roman shades will look fantastic on your front bay windows.
How to make a window treatment with a dowel?
The neatly folded fabric tucked between dowels make it a classic window treatment. Pick a fabric that folds well, then sew dowels or slats between gaps. Attach it to a beam that carries the weight of your fabric and dowels. 2. Double-Layered Roman Shades.
Can you make Roman shades with sewing?
DIY Roman shades are practical projects you can make. The pulling mechanism can be a bit tricky, but the sewing part is a feat even a sewing beginner can do. Here are DIY Roman shades designs to inspire and jumpstart your DIY Roman shades project.
