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suzyq · #1 suzyq 05-12-2005, 5:48 PM

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I have some roller blinds and want to change the red canvas fabric to cream canvas.
Called in at the local blind shop and was told that is will cost the same amount to change the fabric on the existing blinds as it would cost for new blinds, about �65 for two blinds.
The existing fittings are perfectly alright.
Does anybody know where I can get the canvas fabric from, the blind fittings are the bog standard plastic ones

windym · #2 windym 05-12-2005, 6:02 PM

A few years ago I bought some fabric stiffener, I think it was from somewhere like Focus. I then bought the fabric of my choice and set about the task in the bath (the fabric not me!). It wasnt the greatest success, but perhaps the fabric stiffeners are a bit better now. Quick search shows http://www.collybrook.co.uk/acatalog/StifStuf.html. I havent searched on prices, but this will give you an idea.

suzyq · #3 suzyq 05-12-2005, 6:10 PM

Thanks for the advice, tried fabric stiffeners in the past but they seem to go limp after a while. The blinds are in my kitchen and will get steam on them.

Macnab · #4 Macnab 05-12-2005, 6:15 PM

Fabric stiffeners are far more superior today, but i would reccommend buying a fabric with a bit of body to it and don't bother with a stiffener. if you are using a canvas that should be fine. I've done that in my kitchen and they've been up for at least 3 years over a sink and still going strong, although I made them plenty long enough so that rather than remake i can cut off the grotty edge, shorten them and they'll be as good as new! or buy twice as much fabric needed then re new as necessary - still cheaper than new blinds!

Fraserca · #5 Fraserca 05-12-2005, 9:03 PM

Would dilute ( very watery ) PVA glue work as a stiffener? Once its dries PVA is largely unaffected by moisture and I think there are versions for gluing wood that are fully waterproof.

May be worth an experiment or has someone tred it already >

Queenie · #6 Queenie 06-12-2005, 8:24 AM

If anyone reading this thread is tempted to have a go at renewing the fabric in their blinds, you might find the (free) instructions and pictures on this site helpful

Making Roller Blinds - Instructions

HTH

Nile · #7 Nile 06-12-2005, 8:37 AM

Hello suzyq

Welcome to the MSE site.

When you've chosen your fabric, you can stiffen it with laundry starch. Asda sell Spray Starch Easy Iron 400ml cans at �1.48.

I think a better option would be laundry starch powder and the information about how to apply laundry starch and a supplier is in this link.

I hope that helps.

Kind Regards

Nile

suzyq · #8 suzyq 06-12-2005, 4:23 PM

Thanks to all who replied to my posting
Off to buy some cream fabric and hey presto, new blinds for Christmas.

Queenie · #9 Queenie 06-12-2005, 7:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzyq

Thanks to all who replied to my posting
Off to buy some cream fabric and hey presto, new blinds for Christmas.

Good luck, suzyq and enjoy making your blinds

theblindman · #10 theblindman 09-12-2005, 10:25 PM

stiffening your own fabric can be an absolute nightmare, if you find a curtain shop that deals with cope and timmins they sell a product called stiffstuff which is the thing you need, some other places can sell you a laminate to iron on to fabric to stiffen it, the best type of fabric is a cotton as this stiffens well, use nail varnish to seal the edges once cut. A local blind manufacturer would probably sell you plain fabric for �12-15 per metre (thats what I charge for ours!) You really are better off getting the proper stuff if you can as it wont fray is a uniform thickness so will roll up properly.

Hope that is of some use