DIY Roman Blinds

Bitsy_Beans

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.

vivaladiva

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.

kat74

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

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

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).

jackieglasgow

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.

carefullycautious

For a 9 ft window I would make three so that you can have them at differing levels.

jackieglasgow

That's a great idea.

Pont

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

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!!!