DIY Roman Blinds

sandieb

I am going to attempt to make a Roman Blind (no funnies!) from some expensive material. I have never made one before and, although I can access instructions from the Internet, I wonder whether there are any specific tips or things to be aware of before I embark on the project.

Many thanks.

frugalfairy_3

Roman blinds are pretty easy to make but my tip would be to measure, measure and measure again before cutting out your precious fabric! Also don't do what I did, and make a blind out of blackout fabric, carefully stitching along each of the rods - it was very pretty when hung up with all those holes letting in the sunlight:eek:

If you're an experienced sew-er then you won't probably need to know this, but if you're not, then practice sewing in a straight line (do it on a piece of lined paper with no thread in your needle, then throw out that needle which will be blunt from the paper and get a new one) - Roman blinds look awful if the rods and seams are wonky.

Good luck!
FF

sandieb

Thanks for that advice. I've made loads of curtains but expensive material always makes me nervous!

I agree about the measure, measure and then measure again! Did you use a kit or buy the component parts?

frugalfairy_3

Hmm, well it was a long time ago, but I'm pretty sure the original blind I did (I think I did two or three for various windows in the end) was from a pattern published in Prima magazine and it involved curtain rings and lots of cords knotted in complicated ways - I think DH and I spent many a happy evening playing cat's cradle trying to figure that one out. After that I think I discovered the kits and the component parts in John Lewis which made life a lot easier. The roman blind tape in particular was much easier to use!

I got the dowelling for the rods for the first blind from Homebase or somewhere like that but again, that involved sanding the ends and fiddling about, the plastic rods in the kits would be better for lighter weight fabrics anyway I would think.

I had a book on blinds and curtains somewhere, I'll dig it out if you would like any help, let me know.

Good luck! I really like the neat look of Roman blinds so I hope you get on OK.
FF

sandieb

Thanks again for that frugal fairy! It's so helpful to have your input. I am in the process of re-painting the room and also re-furbishing a piece of furniture.

The material I have in mind is just right and in the sale at the moment. However, it's on the end of a roll and is only just enough for a roman blind rather than the curtains I was going to get. (They're keeping it back for me). To order more material for curtains would be about an extra £10 per metre!!!! So a friend suggested the Roman Blind scenario!

I'm still trying to get my head around how to line the material for the blind and how it will all operate .... but in the meantime back to the painting!!!

Thanks for not being frugal with your advice.

1sttimer_2

I made some of these without a pattern quite a few years ago and found them pretty easy to do. Like frugalfairy, I advise you to measure, measure and re-measure!

For the lining just stitch both pieces together and turn inside out before sewing the dowling pockets. The only problem I have encountered (so far) was having to replace the cord a couple of times but have now found out that I used metal rings on the back of the blinds and also the hooks at the top of the window and was told that the friction was causing the cord to fray when pulling them open. I am now having to replace all the rings and hooks and cord again, this time with plastic!

So I would advise you to buy plastic rings and plastic coated hooks for the top.

Hope it turns out well for you.

Googled Roman Blinds and found this site. Hope it works!
https://www.alternative-windows.com/roman-blind.htm

vivaladiva

sandieb wrote:

Thanks for that advice. I've made loads of curtains but expensive material always makes me nervous!

I agree about the measure, measure and then measure again! Did you use a kit or buy the component parts?

Why not have a practise run with some cheap lining fabric?:D

sandieb

Thanks 1sttimer and Bizzimum.

There's a good instruction guide on https://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk but it just WON'T print!!! Aaargh. So will try the alternative-windows one.

Yes, I did consider making a practice Roman Blind. Usually, the second time around, something just clicks into place and you learn from your mistakes. Good idea.

Must dash, have another coat of paint to apply.....

cjoxford

Hi Everyone,

I just wondered whether anyone has done it and whether it's lots more difficult than ordinary roman blinds? I have trawled the internet and I can't seem to find any details for making them myself/how to and where to get the kits. All I can find is very very expensive velux franchises offering to do it for me. If anyone has any experience or info I'd be v grateful. Alternatively is anyone has any better ideas for how to make a nice window treatment for sloping windows. I was thinking some sort of homemade roller blind with ties which held it against the wall, but I don't know if this is just craziness!

Many thanks in advance,

Cheryl

Seakay

I have encountered the same problem, but have not yet found the solution! (Sorry!) I have been wondering about using some sort of roller blind kit, with hooks at the bottom of the window to latch the lower piece of dowel in place - or alternatively have the blind upside down and have the hooks at the top.

kazmeister

Me too, wish I could find a solution. We've got 4 velux windows in our bedroom and will cost a fortune for the proper ones. Poor OH works nights and keeps complaining he cant sleep - oops