DIY Guide: How to Make Roman Shades from Scratch

If you’re looking for a way to add some style to your home décor without breaking the bank, consider making your own Roman shades. Roman shades are a classic window treatment that can enhance any room in your home. They are usually made of fabric and feature horizontal folds that allow for easy light control.

Making your own Roman shades may seem like a daunting task, but it can be a fun and cost-effective way to customize your windows. With a little bit of time and patience, you can create a beautiful and functional window treatment that perfectly complements your space. Plus, making your own shades allows you to choose the fabric, color, and pattern that best suits your style and taste. So why not give it a try?

1. What are Roman shades?

Roman shades are a type of window treatment that are composed of fabric that can be raised or lowered to control the amount of light that is allowed into a space. They offer a unique look and feel to a room and can add a touch of sophistication to any home decor.

2. Benefits of making your own Roman shades

There are many benefits to making your own Roman shades, including the ability to customize them to your specific liking and decor, saving money on expensive pre-made shades, and gaining the satisfaction of creating something unique and beautiful for your home.

3. Gather the necessary supplies and tools

Before beginning your Roman shade project, make sure you have all the necessary supplies and tools. This includes fabric, a lining material, cord, cord lock, rings, screw eyes, dowels, and a sewing machine. You may also need a measuring tape, iron, cutting mat, and rotary cutter.

4. Measure your windows

It is important to accurately measure your windows before beginning your project. This will ensure that your Roman shades fit properly and function as intended. Measure the width and length of your window, taking into consideration any trim or molding that may affect the fit.

5. Choose your fabric and lining

Choose a fabric and lining material that works best for your needs. Consider the amount of light you want to let into your space, as well as the overall decor of the room. You may want to consider a blackout lining for bedrooms or media rooms.

6. Cutting and preparing your fabric and lining

Use your measurements to cut the fabric and lining to the appropriate size. Remember to account for seam allowances and hems. Once cut, iron the fabric and lining to smooth out any wrinkles and prepare them for sewing.

7. Sewing the shade

Begin sewing the shade by hemming the sides and bottom of the fabric. Next, sew the lining to the fabric, leaving the top open. Insert dowels into the pockets at regular intervals to ensure the shade keeps its shape when raised.

8. Adding the rings and cord

Attach rings to the back of the shade using screw eyes. Thread the cord through the rings, tying a knot at the bottom to secure it. Attach the cord lock to the wall and thread the cord through it.

9. Attaching the shade to the window

Mount the shade to the window using brackets, making sure it is level. Test the shade by pulling the cord and adjusting the height to your desired level.

10. Finishing touches

Finally, add any finishing touches such as decorative trim or a valance to complete the look. Sit back and enjoy your newly created Roman shades that add style and functionality to your space.

10 Steps to Making Your Own Roman Shades

If you’re ready to give your windows a chic and functional update, roman shades are a great option. With just a few supplies and some basic sewing skills, you can create custom window treatments that will not only look great but also provide privacy and light control. In this section, we’ll go over the 10 steps to making your own roman shades.

Step 1: Measure Your Windows

The first step in making roman shades is to measure your windows accurately. This will ensure that your shades fit perfectly and look polished. Measure the width and length of your windows and decide on the amount of coverage you want your shades to provide.

Step 2: Choose Your Fabric

Selecting the right fabric is a crucial step in making roman shades. Choose a fabric that is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the shade but also light enough to fold neatly. Cotton, linen, and polyester blends are good options.

Step 3: Cut Your Fabric

Once you’ve chosen your fabric, it’s time to cut it to the appropriate size. Use the measurements you took in step one to determine the length and width of your fabric. Cut the fabric to size using a pair of fabric scissors.

Step 4: Add Lining

Adding a lining to your shades will create a finished look, provide added privacy and light control, and help protect your fabric from the sun. Cut your lining to the same size as your fabric and attach it using fabric glue or by sewing it in place.

Step 5: Add Dowels

Dowels are used to create the pleats in a roman shade. Cut your dowels to the same width as your shade and insert them into the lining pockets. Make sure they are evenly spaced and sew across the bottom of each dowel pocket to hold them securely in place.

Step 6: Add Rings

The rings will hold the string that operates the shade. Attach your rings to the back of your shade, spacing them evenly apart (usually about 6-8 inches). Use fabric glue or sew them in place.

Step 7: Add String and Cord Locks

The string will help you raise and lower your shades, and cord locks will keep them in place. Thread your string through each ring, tying it off at the bottom. Attach your cord locks to the inside of your shade, so they are out of sight.

Step 8: Create Your Header

The header (or top of your shade) will hide the dowels and provide a finished look. Fold the top of your shade over about 4 inches and sew it in place. Add a strip of fusible interfacing to reinforce it.

Step 9: Add Your Mounting Hardware

Depending on how you want to mount your shades, you may need to attach brackets or sew on rings. Follow the instructions for your specific mounting hardware, making sure your shades are level and centered.

Step 10: Hang Your Shades

Once your hardware is securely in place, hang your shades and adjust the cords to your desired length. Test out your cord locks to ensure they’re working correctly and adjust your pleats for a polished look. Congratulations! You’ve just made your own roman shades.

Materials Needed for Making Roman Shades

Roman shades are fairly easy to make and require only a few materials. Here are the things that you need to make your own roman shades:

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Roman Shades

Making your own roman shades can be a fun DIY project with the following steps to help guide you through the process.

Step 1: Measure Your Window

To measure your window, measure the width of the window and add two inches on either side of the window for the seam allowances. Then, measure the length of the window and add eight inches to it for the bottom hem, top ruffle, and for the space at the top of the shade where the cord will go in. If your window is too wide for the fabric, then you may need to sew two pieces of fabric together to reach the desired width.

Step 2: Cut Your Fabric

Using your measurements, cut the main fabric and the lining fabric. Make sure that they are of equal dimensions.

Step 3: Sew the Main Fabric and Lining Together

With the right sides of the fabric facing each other, sew around the edges of the fabric, leaving a few inches open. Turn the fabric right side out through the opening. Iron the fabric to smooth out any wrinkles.

Step 4: Add a Bottom Hem

Fold the bottom of the fabric up one inch. Then, fold it up another inch and pin it in place. Sew along the top of the folded edge.

Step 5: Sew Channels for the Weight Bar

Lay the fabric on a flat surface with the lining side facing up. Fold the bottom of the fabric up about three inches and pin it in place. Sew along the bottom of the pocket you just made. This will form the first channel. From here, measure every 10-12 inches up the fabric and create more channels until you reach the top of the fabric.

With these steps, you should now be on your way to making your own roman shades. With a few more steps, you can complete your own DIY project to add a personal touch to your home’s decor.

Thank you for reading!

I hope this article has been helpful for those of you looking to learn how to make Roman shades. Remember, the key is to take your time and follow each step carefully. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to make mistakes along the way. With practice, you’ll soon be able to create beautiful and functional Roman shades for any window in your home. Be sure to check back in for more DIY tutorials and inspiration in the future!