Pricing roman shades in the big box stores can leave a person thinking about aluminum foil, hanging sheets and just plain giving up. With even basic sewing skills you can make your own shades and save a bundle.
These shades are designed so they can be taken down and tossed into the washing machine and hung to dry. Most shades aren’t. And instead of choosing the colors and textures of the shades in the store, you can use any fabric you like.
You’ll need the following: A furring strip (1″ x ½” piece of wood, available at DIY stores, very cheap) cut to fit inside the top of the window frame, two 1 ½” screws to mount the strip to the top of the frame at the studs, fabric and liner (if desired) cut 1″ larger than desired shade, hook and loop tape or heavy duty snap tape, sewing supplies or fabric glue, ½” plastic rings or plastic ring tape. Other supplies include a tape measure, marking chalk or pens, straight pins for holding fabric while gluing or sewing. You’ll also need 3/8″ eye screws and cord for raising and lowering the shade. A bead or other end for the cord end can also be used. To evenly raise your roman shade, a 3/8″ dowel rod and a curtain cleat.
The wood and screws are available at every DIY store, while the other supplies are available online and at all sewing stores. If you don’t have a sewing machine (or a friend who does) fabric glue can be used.
Begin by measuring the inside of the window frame, top to bottom and from side to side. The roman shade is going to fit inside the frame. If the desired shade is going to be outside the window frame, measure carefully. Add 2″ to this measurement so there will be a 1″ seam allowance all the way around.
Using staples, upholstery tacks or glue, cover the furring strip with fabric and mount it top of the window frame with the ends ¼” inside of each side. This will allow the roman shade to be inside the window frame and another curtain can be drawn across it.
The lining fabric can be a window darkening or UV fabric purchased at the sewing center (be sure to follow cleaning instructions for this specialized fabric), or any fabric of any color the designer chooses. You can also make a quilt just for this shade and save on the energy bills. Before you cut any fabric, wash and dry it according to instructions so if it’s going to shrink, it’ll be before you make the roman shade, not after.
Cut the fabric and the lining to the measurements. Pin the fabrics together with the right sides facing each other. Allowing a 1″ seam, stitch around the 4 sides, stopping 6″ from the end. Cut the corners off at an angle (don’t cut through the stitching) and turn inside out. Fold the last 6 inches to match the seam, press in place and sew or glue closed.
At the inside top of the fabric, stitch or glue one side of the hook and loop or snap tape. The other side will be attached by glue or staples to the furring strip. This allows the roman shade to be taken down for cleaning.
Measure on the back of your roman shade 4″ in from each side. Pin the ring tape to the shade, making sure the rings are even when measured across. This allows the shade to fold evenly when raised. Make sure that 2 rings are 1″ from the bottom of the shade. This is where the dowel rod will be inserted.
Sew or glue the ring strip in place. Separate rings can be used and are less expensive, but the strip is easier. If not using the strip, measure across the back every 6 to 8 inches and mark the intersecting lines with the 4″ inside line. This is where the rings will be attached.
Roll the shade up with the rings to the outside. Hold up to the furring strip and mark corresponding to the ring strip. Carry the mark to the bottom center of the wood and insert the eye screws here. They will hold the cords for raising and lowering the roman shade.
Now the fun part. Cut the cord 3 times the length of the shade. Tie one end to the bottom ring (a clip can be attached for expediency) and thread it up through the rings. Do this for both sides. Roll the shade up again, with the top of the cords to the outside. Thread the left cord to the right through both eye screw and leave hanging for a moment. (Attaching a small part of the hook and loop or snap helps to hold it in place for this.) Thread the right cord to the right through the right eye screw and leave hanging. Attach the shade the width across and allow to unroll it’s full length.
Insert the dowel rod through the rings at the bottom of the shade. Tie the cords together in a knot at the top. Either leave the ends to dangle or finish with a bead or end. Do not tie the cords in a loop- this is a danger to small children.
Take up the cords and gently pull until the shade is raised all the way up. Decide where you want the cleat to be. Mount the cleat to this spot. The cords will be wrapped around the cleat to hold the shade in place.
Make sure the folds are straight and leave the roman shade for a about a week to train the fabric to fold evenly.
To take down for cleaning, simply remove the dowel rod at the bottom, untie the cords from the rings and remove from the fastener at the top. Wash and dry, then re-attach as before.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have roman shades in your home. Make your own and save. Of course, if you don’t sew and have a friend who does, offer to buy fabric for their shades in exchange for their sewing services.
