DIY Roman Blinds

radiohelen

When I made a RB for my kitchen we used dowl rods from B&Q. They were the same width all the way along and they came in great long lengths so we didn't have any issues with them. They didn't cost very much at all as I remember. I imagine canes would work but they are very bent. It depends how bothered you are about things looking straight - it would drive my husband nuts to have a crooked blind.;)

Tiggie

I used bamboo canes on the blind in my bedroom about 3 years ago as a "temporary" thing until I had enough cash to buy something sturdier. They lasted until today when I snapped one taking the blind down to draught proof the window.
The fabric was quite heavy and the window is 175cm wide. If you can't afford (or don't want to pay for) the heavier rods it does work, just maybe for not as long. I also found it harder to attach the eyelets for the cords and ended up sewing ring to the fabric.
I'm re sewing the blind with dowling (from b&q, just under £3 for 240 cm lengths) at the moment. I'll let you know if there is a noticeable difference.

scotsgirl_3

6mm dowel for the rods, a piece of very flat wood for the bottom pocket and a baton for the top.

You don't mention if you have done roman blinds before - if not, then whilst it does cost a bit more the tape is infinitely easier than individual eyelets, and works perfectly with the 6mm rods.

Fruball

Yes I have done them before but am VERY much an amateur!!! Can do a reasonable job but am def not a professional!!!

I have used the tape before, but prefer to do it the hard way... its easier for me (durrrrr!)

scotsgirl_3

You're braver than me - I did a big blind with eyelets once - never again!! I was finding them on the floor for months and I could never get it to hang right.

Nice roman blinds do look lovely though, and if they fit the window well they help hugely with warmth - I live in a 200+ year old icebox!

rockie4

I've made roman blinds for several rooms and always used thin dowel for the rods.

:money:If you have an independant DIY store near you it might be cheaper than B&Q - the one near me was half the price and I got the little plastic rings from there!

CK40

I have made roman blinds in the past using garden canes. I used my material of choice and a lining material and sewed them together creating channels to hold the canes, then attached curtain rings to lining material along channels. Worked okay for me and because I'd sewn channels, it did not matter if the canes weren't quite straight (iyswim!). Don't know about joining them though - you may be better with dowls!

Cx

Pink.

Hi frugal,

Now that your thread had dropped down the Old Style board, I've added it to the existing thread on making Roman blinds as your question may help others.

Pink

Caterina

Hi

having made roman blinds myself (there should be something about them from me in the old thread), I would recommend that people do not use fiberglass to stiffen out the blinds but get thin-ish dowel instead - when DH and I went to thread the fiberglass into the slots we got lots of tiny splinters in our hands, it was really not a pleasant job!

HTH

Le_Foot

Hi Everyone,
Its been ages since I've posted on here. I've had a really busy year, still working 2 days a week, and looking after my dear Mum who lives with us, and will be 91 in Feb..to say nothing about my beloved hubby.!! I do still enjoy a bit of creative sewing, and would like to have a go at making Roman Blinds. The kits for a small 60cm blind cost £12.99 + postage (then of course the cost of the fabric & lining)...can any one tell me if this is the cheapest way to go, or is it better to but the individual elements.
I have trawled the internet for the method of making them, but would appreciate first hand advice from anyone who has made them.
Look forward to hearing from anyone with info,...thanks in anticipation.
Jackie