Lyla Lindsey
Roman blinds are a popular choice for those looking to update their window treatments, offering a sophisticated and timeless look. They are also a great DIY project, as they are relatively easy to make and allow you to add a personal touch to your home. With the right tools and measurements, you can create custom Roman blinds that fit your window perfectly and complement your home décor. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of making your own Roman blinds, from selecting the right materials to installing the final product. We will also explore some creative ideas to elevate the design of your Roman blinds and make them truly unique.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To add style and function to windows, providing privacy and blocking light. |
| Fabric | Choose a decorative fabric that complements your home décor and is easy to work with. Consider the weight and drape of the fabric for the desired look. |
| Lining | Use a lining fabric to enhance privacy and light-blocking. Blackout material can be used for complete light blockage. |
| Interlining | Provides enhanced insulation and a luxurious finish. |
| Measurements | Measure the window accurately, adding a few centimetres to the width and length for a proper fit. |
| Cutting | Cut the fabric and lining to size, leaving extra allowance for seams and folds. |
| Assembly | Sew the fabric and lining together, incorporating features like interlining or blackout material. Create dowel pockets and insert dowels for structure. |
| Installation | Install the blind securely, ensuring proper alignment and functionality. |
| Child Safety | Ensure blind cords are secured safely to prevent accidents. Consider cordless options if children are present. |
| Cleaning | Regularly dust with a feather duster or vacuum brush attachment. Certain designs allow for easy removal of the fabric for cleaning. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fabric
Roman blinds can be made from dozens of different fabrics, and the right fabric for you will depend on your priorities.
If you want your blinds to be low maintenance and long-lasting, choose a hardy and durable fabric such as polyester/cotton blends or 100% cotton. These fabrics are also more suitable for humid atmospheres. For rooms that are likely to experience steam build-up, such as kitchens and bathrooms, polyester is ideal as it resists moisture.
If your main focus is style, you may need to spend more time caring for and cleaning more delicate fabrics. Linen, for example, is extremely light and airy, so it can be raised and lowered effortlessly, but it is prone to tearing and damage compared to cotton. Real silk is another elegant option, but it is affected by moisture and harsh sunlight. Faux silk is typically made from polyester, which is stronger and more durable than silk, and also fade-resistant.
If you want a fabric that blocks out heat and light while increasing privacy, consider a thicker fabric. However, thicker fabrics can make it difficult for the blind to layer and create seamless pleats, so you may want to add a blackout lining to your chosen fabric instead.
When choosing the colour of your fabric, consider the entire room and its furnishings. If you want a clean, uniform look, match the shade colour to your walls. For a minimalist look, choose a neutral colour. If you want to make a bold statement, grey, blue, or black fabric against a white backdrop can be dramatic, but this could be overpowering if you have a lot of windows. For south-facing windows, choose pale colours to reduce the visible signs of fading over the years.
If you want a patterned fabric, consider the size of the room and the number of windows. Vertical stripes can make a long window appear more dramatic, but if the window is small, avoid large, busy prints or patterns, which can be overwhelming. If you are choosing a plain fold Roman shade, avoid patterns, as busy patterns may not align properly at the seams.
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Measuring and cutting
To make Roman blinds, you'll first need to take some measurements to ensure a proper fit. Measure the width of the window recess at the top, middle, and bottom, and then take the smallest of these measurements. This will be the width of your blind. Next, decide on the length of your blind. Measure from the top of the recess down to where you want the blind to finish, adding a few centimetres to account for the folds when the blind is pulled up. This will be the length of your fabric.
Once you've taken your measurements, you can cut your fabric to size. You'll need enough fabric to reach the desired length, plus an extra 10-15 centimetres for creating a rod pocket at the bottom and a few centimetres at the top for attaching the heading tape. Fold and press the sides of the fabric to create a neat edge, and then stitch them in place.
Now you'll need to create the rod pockets. At the bottom of the fabric, create a double-fold hem by folding the fabric up and then down again, encasing a piece of dowel or a lightweight rod. Stitch this in place, leaving enough space to insert and remove the rod or dowel. Repeat this process for creating rod pockets for the folds of your blind, marking out the spacing with the heading tape and allowing for the depth of the rod or dowel.
Finally, attach the heading tape to the top of your fabric. Centre the tape along the width of the fabric, and
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Sewing the fabric
When it comes to sewing the fabric of your Roman blinds, there are several steps to follow. Firstly, measure your window accurately to determine the dimensions for both the blind and lining fabric. Cut the fabric and lining to size, leaving extra allowance for seams. Place the lining fabric behind the main fabric, with the right sides facing each other, and pin them together. Sew along the edges, leaving an opening for turning the blind inside out.
Next, carefully turn the blind inside out through the opening and press the seams with an iron for a crisp finish. You can then hand-stitch the opening closed or use a sewing machine for a neater look. To create dowel pockets, cut strips of extra lining material 7.5cm wide and the length of the blind width. You will need one strip for each piece of dowelling. Fold each strip in half widthways, with the right sides together, and stitch across one end, then stitch along the long side (leaving a 12mm seam). Turn it right side out and press it, before pinning the pockets to the lining, 12mm above the marked lines. The folded edge should be at the top, and the ends of the pocket should be 12mm from the blind's edges. Stitch the pockets to the blind along the marked lines, with the blind fabric-side up.
Insert the dowelling into the pockets, and hand-sew plastic rings to the top edge of each pocket on the lining side. The rings should be 20-40cm apart, with one in the centre and a ring 5cm from each side. Sew the bottom edge of the fabric with a 6mm seam, and then hand-sew the open end of each pocket closed. Machine-stitch through all layers, 6mm in, along the blind's side edges, with the fabric-side up. Match the edges of the top of the blind, fold over a 2.5cm hem to the lining side, and press.
Finally, you can add a pelmet to your Roman blind, which will add a decorative touch and conceal the mechanisms. Choose a coordinating fabric for the pelmet that complements your blind. Measure the width of the window and add extra for folds and seams. Cut the fabric according to your measurements, ensuring it’s wide enough to cover the blind mechanism. Fold and stitch the edges for a polished look, and secure the pelmet above the blind using a mounting board or Velcro for easy removal.
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Installing the blind
Once you have crafted your Roman blind, it is time to install it. The installation process will depend on the style of your blind, but here is a general guide:
First, ensure your blind is secure and properly aligned. Check that the blind functions as intended and that it is straight and level. If your blind uses Velcro, attach the fabric panel by aligning the Velcro at the top of the blind with the batten. This method allows for easy removal for cleaning. If your blind uses eye hooks and cords, thread the cords through the eye hooks and screws, ensuring the cords are pulled taut and trimmed to an appropriate length. Secure the cords with a figure-eight motion when the blind is at the desired height.
If your blind is to be mounted inside the window frame, you may not need brackets. Otherwise, attach two brackets to the wall, spaced according to the width of your blind. Ensure the brackets are level and can support the weight of the blind.
Finally, hang your blind. If using brackets, simply slot the blind into the brackets. If your blind is cordless, it may attach directly to the wall or window frame with adhesive or another mounting method.
Regularly dust your blind with a feather duster or a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
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Safety considerations
Safety is a key consideration when making and installing Roman blinds, especially in homes with young children and pets. Here are some important safety measures to keep in mind:
Blind Cords
Blind cords can pose a serious risk of accidents, particularly for children who may accidentally get entangled in them. To mitigate this risk, ensure that blind cords are securely fastened and out of reach. You can refer to the Australian standards and the child-safe blinds and curtains fact sheet for detailed guidelines on cord safety. Additionally, modern Roman blinds often feature cordless or motorised control systems, eliminating the need for dangling cords altogether.
Child Safety Compliance
If you're crafting Roman blinds for a child's room or a space where children may be present, ensure that your materials and installation methods comply with child safety standards. You can purchase compliant headrail kits that include breakout devices and instructions for installation. These kits are designed to prevent accidents and provide peace of mind.
Water Resistance
Roman blinds have limited water resistance and may not be suitable for areas with high moisture levels, such as bathrooms or kitchens. The use of inappropriate fabrics can lead to potential issues like water damage, mould, and staining. To avoid these problems, reserve Roman blinds for drier areas, or consider using them in combination with waterproof window treatments to maintain style without risking water damage.
Fabric Selection
The choice of fabric for your Roman blinds can impact safety. While Roman blinds excel at providing privacy and light control, certain fabrics may restrict light filtration, resulting in a room being completely darkened when the blinds are lowered. This can be addressed by selecting light-filtering fabrics that maintain privacy while still allowing some natural light to enter the room.
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Frequently asked questions
Making your own Roman blinds allows you to choose the fabric, ensuring it complements your home décor and meets your desired specifications. It is a relatively simple DIY project that can add a decorative touch to your home, enhancing the ambiance of any space.
You will need fabric for the blind and lining, blackout material (if desired), measuring tape, scissors, a sewing machine or needle and thread, dowels, velcro, and eye hooks. You may also want to use a hot glue gun or staple gun.
First, measure your window accurately to determine the dimensions for both the blind and lining fabric. Cut the fabrics accordingly, allowing for seams and folds. Pin the fabric and lining together, then sew along the edges. Turn the blind inside out and press the seams with an iron. Attach any desired features such as interlining or blackout material, then assemble and install the blind.
