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DIY Roman Blinds

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  • Bitsy_Beans
    Bitsy_Beans Posts: 9,640 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    My mum has in the past made roman blinds for me although for the life of me I can't remember if she worked from a pattern or just winged it.
    Sorry I can't help with the actual construction but just wanted to mention that it is possible.
    I have a gift for enraging people, but if I ever bore you it'll be with a knife :D Louise Brooks
    All will be well in the end. If it's not well, it's not the end.
    Be humble for you are made of earth. Be noble for you are made of stars
  • vivaladiva
    vivaladiva Posts: 2,425 Forumite
    Dunelm sell a kit with all the cords, rods and tape. All you have to do is find some suitable fabric and be able to sew in straight lines.
    I have plenty of willpower - it's won't power I need.
  • kat74
    kat74 Posts: 84 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    I'm making one right now!
    They are quite straightforward, but because you're dealing with big bits of fabric (well, mine is bigger than my arms can stretch!) it can be a bit tricky. The 'science' behind them is quite easy though. I've made them before, and have never used a kit (I think they're quite expensive, and have always made-do with bits of wood and cord!).
    I can try to explain my method if this will help - though if you google 'rufflette' (who make alot of the kits and accessories) there are instructions on there.
  • jcr16
    jcr16 Posts: 4,185 Forumite
    i've made two. it was really easy. i kinda just winged it by using an old smaller one as a template . and used it as a guide as to how to make it. only took an evening to make the fiddlest bit i found was getting the strings postitioned right so it would pull up nicely and fold down on itself.
  • Penelope_Penguin
    Penelope_Penguin Posts: 17,242 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker I've been Money Tipped!
    BeauBelle wrote: »
    Hi all

    After decorating our lounge recently, I have been looking at some Roman blinds for the large window (9ft).

    They're not difficult, but you'll need to make more than one for a 9' window. Try this older thread for more details (I'll merge this later).
    :rudolf: Sheep, pigs, hens and bees on our Teesdale smallholding :rudolf:
  • jackieglasgow
    jackieglasgow Posts: 9,436 Forumite
    The one in my old house was an inch short of 8 feet, and I made it myself. It's very easy, and I just bought cheap dowelling and eyes and velcro, although I used the kit for smaller windows.
    mardatha wrote: »
    It's what is inside your head that matters in life - not what's outside your window :D
    Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory. - Ghandi
  • For a 9 ft window I would make three so that you can have them at differing levels.
  • jackieglasgow
    jackieglasgow Posts: 9,436 Forumite
    That's a great idea.
    mardatha wrote: »
    It's what is inside your head that matters in life - not what's outside your window :D
    Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory. - Ghandi
  • Pont
    Pont Posts: 1,459 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I've made loads, they're dead easy. I tried to give step-by-step instructions, but tied myself up in knots trying to explain! Try here:-

    http://www.alternative-windows.com/roman-blind.htm

    This is basically what I do. Go for it!
  • Fruball
    Fruball Posts: 5,739 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I need to make blinds for my kitchen and bathroom, will back them with fleece to make them cozy and will do it on a serious budget!

    Question is, I want to use the cheapest possible materials and thought about using bamboo cane as the rods... Normal roman blind rods cost a lot (IMO) so using bamboo would save a lot.

    They aren't exactly straight, but more or less, so do you think I can use them?

    OR, do you have any alternatives to rods? Also, one of my windows is going to be bigger than the bamboo canes I can find, so do you have any longer alternatives?

    Thanks all :)

    (would duct tape work to join bamboo canes together?) lots of Qs!!!
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