How to Make Roman Shades

Roman Shades are a very simple treatment for windows; these lend an air of simplicity and elegance to windows, which are much better than the plain plastic shades that are so common and run of the mill. You can get these roman shades custom made by interior decorators or you can make them yourself.

The instructions given below along with the instructions on materials are for one Roman shade.

Constructing the mounting board:
This is the first step in the process of making Roman Shades. First off you need to decide how the mounting board needs to be installed, this is important because this determines how the shade will fit against the windowpane.

The mounting board should ideally be 1-inch think x 2 inches deep x the length for mounting. You need to decide the measurements of the mounting board according to the kind of mounting board you want. Once your mounting board is measured you need to install metal screw eyes at intervals of 10 inches along the underside and placing outer rings at ½ inch intervals from the end of the board.

Measuring for materials:
This is the second step in the making of roman shades. You need to know how much of the materials and what materials you will need.

Fabric – the fabric needs to be 2 inches wider than the length of the mounting board and 6 inches longer than the mounting board from both ends. Any extra fabric can be used to cover the mounting board.

Cotton lining – the cotton lining should be as much as the fabric.
Roman Shade Ring Tape – you need to add five inches to the entire cutting length of the shade and multiply this by the number of rows as per the number of screw eyes. To find out the yards this figure can be divided by 36 inches.

Polyester cord – multiply the amount of the ring tape by 2.5 and this is how much of the polyester cord you will need.

Metal Dowel or Wooden Dowel – you will need this dowel to be ½ an inch shorter than the width of the shade and it can be and inch wide.

Supplies and Tools:
You will need matching thread, metal T-square, Staple gun, staples, brass cleat with screws, decorative cord toggle, measuring tape, scissors, pins and a sewing machine.

Constructing the Shade:
Take the lining and the fabric and cut it according to the measurements, and pin it along the edges. Stitch along the top and the sides making sure to leave some seam space and then open the seams. You then need to stitch together the bottom seam making sure that you leave a small gap for turning. After turning, press and stitch.

Next you will need to turn the bottom edge up by 2 inches and press. From the back of the shade start pinning the ring tape vertically to each side. While cutting the tape make sure you leave enough for it to be pinned under after folding. After all the ring tape has been pinned properly you need to stitch the edges through the lining and fabric. Next insert the dowel and mark it so as to form a pocket, remove the dowel and stitch along the marking. Re-insert the dowel and stitch the casing ends together.

Attaching to the mounting board:
After you have constructed the shade you will need to attach it to the mounting board. This can be done with the use of a staple gun and in a manner that lets it hang over the front edge of the board. After this, mount the board according to your preference.

Threading the pull cords:
This is the last step in making your roman shades. You need to first determine where you want the pull cord to be. Then thread it through the vertical rings, tie the long length of the cord to the bottom ring of the tape, threading upwards through the rings and through the screw eyes. Now close the shade so that it is flat and knot all the cords on the outer side of the last screw eye. Make sure to pass all the ends of the cord through the toggle and know an inch below the shade. Cut the excess and pull it down to cover the knot.

Your new and self-made Roman shade is complete and ready to use. Keep trying till you get the method right. And make sure you have fun while doing it.