Window Treatments
Make Roman Blinds
Blinds are stylish alternatives to curtains. Roman blinds use wooden rods sewn into casings in the lining to fold the blind up neatly, and can be made to sit inside or outside the window frame. Roman blinds are perfect for small rooms or windows where curtains would be too bulky.
Time to complete the job: Allow three hours.
Approximate budget: Under £40, depending on fabric costs.
You will need:
- Fabric for the blind
- Lining fabric
- Pencil or dressmaker's marker
- Scissors and sewing equipment
- Matching thread
- Wooden dowels, cut to 3cm (1.2in) less than the blind's width
- A wooden batten, 2cm (0.7in) shorter than the finished blind width
- Small brass blind rings (minimum of two for each dowel)
- A staple gun and staples
- Small screw eyes
- Fine nylon blind cord
- Wooden blind acorn
- Basic DIY toolkit
- Small screws and wall plugs
- Cleat for the blind cord
Don't make the blind more than one width of the fabric. If you have a wide window, make two blinds to sit side by side rather than one big blind, which is awkward to use.
Watch our Make Roman Blinds Video
Step 1: Measuring and cutting out
Measure the window for the desired width and length of the blind.Add 9cm (3.5in) to the width measurement and 15cm (6in) to the length measurement to allow for hemming the fabric. Cut out the main fabric.
Cut out the lining to the same measurements, less 12cm (4.75in) from the width side only. Ensure there is enough lining fabric left over for the dowel casings.
Step 2: Sewing the blind
With right sides together and all raw edges even, pin the lining fabric to the main fabric and sew a 1.5cm (0.75in) seam on both sides. Turn right-side out and press. Baste or tack the length and width of the fabric at the centre to hold it in place.Fold 1cm (0.5in) of the fabric along the lower edge and press. Turn under another 7cm (2.75in) to make a dowel casing and stitch close to the top fold.
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