A little over 5 years ago we had a family room added to the house and I knew I wanted roman blinds on the windows. I went in to the local decorator's studio and asked how much she'd charge me for labor only if I were to bring in the fabrics (that I'd bought with a 40% coupon at JoAnn's, of course!) After much calculating she finally said something...oh; so shocking that I've forgotten, but I think it was right around $2000 for five windows. My mom and her sister happened to be up here visiting at the time and when they heard that they both turned on their heels at the same time and walked right out of the store saying, "Jennifer, you can do that yourself!" I guess I just needed that little vote of confidence, because I took a peek at the sample they had hanging in the store and by golly, went home and made them myself! Have been doing them both here and for family members near and far since. I recently thought "I should do a tutorial with pictures when I make one for the upstairs landing". I alluded to that thought in my last post, thinking it would hurry me along. Well, let's just say I finally did get to it today!
Here's the look we're going for. And you don't have to be a seamstress at all. Yesterday I googled "roman blind tutorial" thinking, "Why bother will all the photos and typing if it's already been done?" I quite honestly didn't find anything out there that I liked as well as mine. After seeing what's out there I almost feel I should apologize for waiting so long! For a few reasons, which I'll mention as I go along (if I can remember.)
Here's everything I need for a window with inside measurements of 20.5 inches by 36 inches long. Your measurements will likely be different. I prefer an inside mount because it looks more professional and it's also more private (outside mounts can sometimes have a gap that you could see through from outdoors). Under the decorative fabric is a piece of sunblock curtain lining (on the long 54" rolls at JoAnn's) and both pieces are cut 21.5 inches by 40 inches (half inch seam allowances on the two sides and four inches longer than needed). Also brass rings and nylon cord (from the JoAnn's curtain making section), a 1/4 inch thick piece of wood cut 20.5 inches (exact inside window size). A half inch wide metal bar cut 20 inches (half an inch less than width of the blind). Staple gun, screwdriver, two eyelet screws, two regular screws. You'll also need a needle and white thread.
A note on the metal bar.
Down one of the hardware aisles (your neighborhood hardware store...not no stinkin' big box store like HD) they'll have these standing boxes full of all sorts of 3 foot long metal bars. Round, flat, L-shaped. Buy a half inch wide flat one. If your window is wider than 36 inches then ask, or you may actually need to go to a bigger store. Anyway, above is pictured the ONLY saw I had for the first few years of being a homeowner, and it's all you need to cut these metal bars. fyi.
OH. And a note on the brass rings. When I first made them 5+ years ago I unknowingly used plastic rings as the cord guides. When I recently took down the originals to build new ones the plastic rings were so brittle from sun and time they just crumbled. Use brass! Also, when you look at the pic in the link I just mentioned, you'll notice that the two side windows, which measure 22" across, are slightly sagging in the middle. You can tell that the 60" wide blind in the center has a third cord run down the center. Do use a third cord in the center for anything much wider than 22". (that was added after 1.5 years of people emailing and asking me about that!) And here's a photo just in case you're still not clear:
Back on task; sew the decorative fabric and the white lining right sides together with half inch seams up both sides and across the bottom . That's three straight seams and the sewing is over. Do-able, right? The above pic is my tip(s) for getting a nice sharp corner. Clip the edge as shown and always have a nice fattish knitting needle on hand for gently poking the corner out from the inside. Now turn it inside out, poke the corners out sharp with your big knitting needle, and iron the three sides down nice and flat.
Now we'll measure where to sew our brass rings.
This quilter's rule is useful...as I'm measuring the distance between rings it's also keeping me a straight two inches off the side.
Here's the measurements I used.
If you keep reducing the distance between rings as I have above you will get a much nicer layer upon layer pleating effect. (it took me a while to figure this out). I started the first ring five inches up from the bottom. Then just started tacking them on like this THROUGH BOTH LAYERS OF FABRIC.
Now I measure the 36 inch height up from the bottom edge
and lay the 1/4 inch thick wood piece along the line. I wrapped the extra fabric over it (not necessary, just did it this time) and staple gunned it near each end.
This pin shows you where my 36 inch mark is... which will be at the top of the inside window frame.
We are getting very close to hanging this. Above you see the two eyelet screws ready to receive the cording, and the two screws pre-started to attach inside the wood window frame.
Now we will insert the cord. I simply tie a knot at the bottom rings, burn the raw edge of the knot a little (only if it's nylon cord, as it melts), then run it up through the rings and across through the eyelet screws as shown here: (REMEMBER THAT THIRD CORD UP THE CENTER IF IT'S MUCH WIDER THAN 22")
A closer view;
It doesn't matter if the cords lead to the right edge or to the left. Where ever it is you want to be pulling up and down. Now; it used to be because I forgot, but now it's just because it's easiest, but here is when I cut open the edge on one side just enough to insert the weight bar.
The bar really is key to a nice hang. Try pulling one of these blinds up without it...you'll laugh! Today I decided at the last minute to attach the pompom trim so it would match the bedskirt I did in this little alcove a few months ago...no problem, as long as I left enough width for the bar to slide in.
Now you just throw the whole thing over your head (behind you)
and finish driving in those two screws you pre-started.
ooohh!Initially, these will NOT just pull up and lay beautifully flat on their own. They may very well bunch up and scare the heck out of you, as if you've done something wrong. You merely need to help the folds to be folds the first few times they are pulled up, until they develop their own 'fold memory'. Promise! We are getting very close to voila! Well, really we are already there, but I have a couple more things to mention.
Not sure if this fits in here but it's in the order I took the pics. After years of not dropping down the measurements as I measured up (7, 6, 5, 4, ) I still am really appreciating this stepped pleat look. Not nearly as bunched up as it would be if all the rings were the same widths apart.
This is a cleat. A nice brass cleat, which I paid almost four dollars for today after explaining what I was looking for to my very helpful Ace hardware man (whom you will never find at Home Depot OR Lowe's). What I was explaining to him was this
A plastic 'T' that was found in those interesting doo and dad drawers in the hardware store..along with wing nuts and the like. I got these on that first go-round over five years ago and they were only about forty cents. I recommend them if you can find them.
The main reason I like these blinds is it's the quickest, cheapest, easiest way to add dimension, personality and a custom look to a room. But almost as importantly it also satisfies my need for a uniform "All white" look on the outside of my home.
The view from outside.
I tried very hard to be super specific in this post so that even the most novice home decorator/crafter could complete the task with satisfaction. Please drop me a comment here and let me know how it worked for you!
Here's how they look with a scalloped border and pompom trim in our guest bedroom.
Two separate versions on a really big window wall in our family room.
PS: check here for an easy and CHEAP tip on hanging sheers underneath these blinds!
January 31, 2012 update. YES! I finally thought of how to do an outside mount! See here.
July 7, 2012. Check out Kathy's fab results at Cornerstone Confessions :-)
August 12, 2012 JoAnn with no blog sent me pics of her awesomely happy results:
My results are amazing. I could not have done it without your tutorial. I have many, many books of instructions, plus I have been looking on YouTube, but I never felt confident enough to get started. I printed your instructions and then found this wonderful fabric at Hancock. My total cost, including fabric (a markdown, plus 40% off), wood, iron, the quilting ruler, all the hardware, cording, etc., was $100; $20 per window. I would love to send you a picture, but cannot figure how to attach a picture to this comment. Thank you so much for your help. You are a wonderful teacher.
Thanks for sharing JoAnn! I couldn't be more proud :-)
April 3, 2013 Here is Kristen's results. She says she is such a NON sewer, that she had to borrow a friend's machine for the sides and bottom. Didn't she do a great job!?
April 3, 2013 : As I just sifted through the 10 current pages of comments and questions, I thought I should assure you that yes, I still get notified by email and I always answer questions within reason :-)
My daughter has 3 large windows in her bedroom 68 3/4" Wide X 62 3/4" Long. Would you do one on each window or make two? If so how many rings would you put on the panels across. I worry that if it is too large she may have trouble keeping it level.
Thanks for your help.
Posted by: Linda | May 15, 2013 at 10:48 AM
Thanks so much for this great tutorial.... I made these following your instructions, you can see my result on my kate corrie sewing blog ahttp://www.katecorrie.com/#/blog/4575339384/Beautiful-Blind.../5609830
Posted by: Kate Corrie | May 06, 2013 at 02:03 PM
very,very nice
Posted by: snezka | April 24, 2013 at 08:08 AM
Love the tutorial, but have a question.
I have a side door that is mainly glass (only an edge of about 5" of the metal door - middle is glass) and need to make a roman shade to keep out the sun in the summer and privacy at night.
What I need help with is I want the shades to have the folds in them when it is straightened all the way down for a little extra "flair". How do I do this - I was thinking that when I attached the rings I could have the fabric folded and stitch thru the top edge of the fold to hold it this way, but didn't know if that was the way to do it. Also, if I'm doing a long shade, doing your 8" to 7" to 6" etc. measurements, won't that make the bottom fold really big?
Help....
Appreciate your input :)
Posted by: Julie | April 23, 2013 at 01:30 PM
I love this but my problem lies with attaching the blind to the wood at the top of the window. I still can't figure out how to do it. Can you please help? Thank you
Posted by: Marion Bell | April 18, 2013 at 01:01 AM
I love your blinds. I would like to make some for my 6' windows. I'm assuming I'll need to make 4 rows of rings. What I am not sure of is how to run the string ??
Posted by: Cindy Kreider | April 11, 2013 at 12:28 PM
I did it! Thank you for your wonderful instructions! I can't wait to show my husband how much money we saved on shades that are more professional looking and a fraction of the cost of the ones we bought from Smith and Noble four years ago. Well, one shade down, ten more to go! Better get back to work!
Thanks again!
Liz Bryan
Posted by: Elizabeth Bryan | April 04, 2013 at 02:26 PM
Thank you for the great tutorial. I made 4 blinds for my living room they were 33 1/2 by 70 when they were done but they look beautiful. I'd post a pic but don't know how - but they are on my FB page. But you say to open the bottom and slide the weight in - I thought it far easier to slide the weight in before you sew the hoops on. Just and FYI that worked great for me! Thanks again!
Posted by: Heidi Newman | April 02, 2013 at 10:30 AM
i am going to do this!
my window is 59" wide. should i be doing 4 rows of rings for the cord, or is 3 enough? thanks!
Posted by: Inge | March 16, 2013 at 08:07 AM
I found your blog when googling what type of fabric to use for homemade roman shades. What do you recommend? Awesome tutorial I'll definitely be using!!
Posted by: Brenna | March 14, 2013 at 07:55 PM
These are the best directions I've ever received. Thank you very much.
Posted by: Joyce Lequia | March 12, 2013 at 12:10 AM
LOVE THIS! I think I could do this even!! Exciting :D My one question - how far from the bottom edge is the first ring placed? I don't see that measurement but it is 7" to the next ring, right?
Posted by: Home Improvements Guide | February 16, 2013 at 06:27 AM
Okay, I just found you and I LOVE YOU! So much, really! Do you know how long I've been looking for a tutorial like this? Not only that but one of a roman shade that is white on the other side? Oh my, you've really just made my year- and I'm talking all the way through 2009. I feel like I can do this now and it's so exciting- I have 26 windows in my house and the only thing I could afford (without throwing up on the spot) were vinyl mini blinds (gross, I know.)
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Posted by: Home Improvements Guide | February 16, 2013 at 06:26 AM
Beautiful. Nice finished work! I'm going to try to tackle a window that is about 10 feet wide and 3 feet long. It's in the kids room, and I just take deep breaths about it. Not sure if I have the stamina to sew the rings in there without ADD'ing all over the place! What keeps me going are your beautiful pictures ... Thanks!
Posted by: darlene | February 12, 2013 at 02:54 PM
Used your tutorial with a few small tweaks and am just delighted with the results, thanks so much!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200414932633000&set=pcb.10200414940793204&type=1&theater
Posted by: Laura | February 09, 2013 at 08:35 PM
There is a 7" gap between the bottom ring and the one above it, correct? How many inches from the bottom hem to the bottom ring? Thanks!
Posted by: Gina | February 05, 2013 at 03:14 PM
We're building a new house at the moment and had a quote to have curtains/blinds made for the whole house - EEK! We have to have roman blinds in the living area (7 BIG sliding windows) and as I've never made them before, I was pretty nervous. This is the first site I've looked at and thank goodness! SO easy, thank you. I've made plenty of drapes before, lined and unlined, and these look as easy as that. Thank you from Australia!!
Posted by: Mary Galea | January 27, 2013 at 06:12 PM
Thanks so much for the tutorial! It's the perfect fit for my project!! By far, your instructions are the best. It's amazing that years later, the tutorial is being put to good use. Thanks again, Barbara
Posted by: Barbara Simmons | January 22, 2013 at 05:31 PM
hello. I have been trying to get the courage to have a go at RBs for years - decades! I love your instructions and will have a go very soon for my landing window. One question: will they still 'hang' without wood placed at intervals horizontally? I note yours have no wood. Great if not needed - even easier!
Posted by: susie | January 21, 2013 at 12:45 PM
Ok, I am getting ready to make roman shades using your tutorial for my dining room. But my windows are 72 inches long. How far would you recommend spacing my first two rings? Thank you so much! I found some roman shades for my front room that were custom shades that had been returned. They were a perfect gorgeous fit and I want them for every room in my house now!
Jennifer Bieniek
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Posted by: SminaWetanami | January 14, 2013 at 04:02 AM
THANK YOU so much for this tutorial. Exquisite window coverings. Your pictures are just what I needed to get it done..have put it off due to so many uncertainties. Will try to do with thermal backing - hopefully will still eventually pleat well.
Posted by: Bev T | January 04, 2013 at 02:33 PM
Thank you so much for simplifying the whole process of making these roman shades! I planned on making some 1.5 years ago and was too intimidated to get started. Then I stumbled upon your blog post and whipped them out in 2 afternoons! I made one for my kitchen window. With my newfound roman shade-making-confidence I will make 3 more for our home.
Posted by: Anna Manke | January 03, 2013 at 02:18 PM
Do you think a wooden dowel would work as well as the metal rod? Or do you think the metal rod is the weight that is necessary?
Thanks for any advice!
Posted by: Rebecca | December 09, 2012 at 05:39 PM
Hello,
I am reading this tutorial and trying to decide if a non-sewer like me can do this. A couple questions...
When you say "right sides together" with putting the liner and the curtain together, that confused me...it seemed like from the picture that the right side of the curtain fabric is not touching the liner, but that the liner is on the back of the curtain. Can you give me a little help with that part?
Thank you
Kristen R.
Posted by: Kristen R | December 09, 2012 at 01:12 PM