How to Make Roman Shades

Window coverings, along
with paint, are two of the 
simplest and least expensive 
ways to change the look and 
feel of your home. While store
bought Roman shades can be
expensive, they are easy enough
to make,even for an amateur
sewer. This project is moderately
difficult and will take a
beginner some extra time to
master.

Things you’ll need:
Fabric, lining fabric, tape
measure, scissors, sewing
machine, small curtain rings,
cord, eye hooks, staple gun, board for mounting, dowel.

Measure your windows. Your sewing project’s success will depend directly on how accurate your measurements are. Measure the entire perimeter of the window. Add to your initial numbers 4 inches on the width and 9 inches lengthwise.

Cut the shade and lining fabrics as measured.

Place each fabric right side out. Pin the fabrics to prepare them for hemming, folding in 1 inch on each side widthwise and 3 inches.

[Pullout:

]on the bottom lengthwise. Place a hot iron on fabric (test first) and iron a crisp line along each hem.

Use a simple stitch to sew the top and bottom of the shade. Make a pocket for the curtain rod by sewing another line ¾ of an inch below the initial stitching.

Plot the placement of your curtain rings by measuring 6 inch intervals for the width of the Roman shade.

Sew the rings on using a zigzag stitch.

Add the shade cord by threading it through the rings, securing the cord by knotting at the bottom.

Use the same measurements you used to place your curtain rings and mark your mounting board to match.

Screw in the eye hooks by hand, and then use a staple gun to attach the Roman shade to the board.

Thread the shade cord into the hooks.

Place the dowel rod into the pocket that you previously made.

Attach the shade to the window.

Stand back and enjoy your handiwork!