DIY Roman Shade

This project made me nervous through the whole thing. It was easy and I’m so happy with the way it turned out. I got about 1 1/2 yards of fabric, I got duck fabric*, I went into this blindly I didn’t measure my window before I got the fabric luckily it worked out and I had some to spare. I do recommend measure before hand. Go to Wal-mart get a cheap blind that fits your window section, mine was a 29 inch one (I wanted to fit it on the inside and it still was off about an inch).

Now this part made me nervous you have to cut this blind and completely rip it apart. Do NOT cut the pull cord (it’s thicker and in middle) you cut the ladder cord (that holds the blind slats in place). The blind I purchased had 3 sections of the ladder cord for me to cut.

Once that is done you will see on the bottom where the cord is being held in place and there is a round plug over it, gently pull/wiggle it out (it is fairly easy to remove). Once that is done you need to measure the length of your window, I added about an inch or two on mine, you cut the cord from the bottom there is a small knot on the end of it.

Now you can remove the bottom part that holds it all together. Remove any extra plastic slats, I saw somewhere that is suggested you use a slate in every 6-9 inches. I did every 6 inches. Once you have removed them all then you put the bottom back on and tie a knot (I tied it like 3 times because I was afraid once wasn’t enough) and then put your plugs back in.

Now when I cut my fabric, it made me nervous but I added about 2 inches because I had to make a hem for the sides and I hot glued the top and bottom to the main part of the blinds. To hem it, I bought Heat n Bond Hem (it’s easy and I can’t sew to save my life) You just make a small hem and try to get it as straight as possible, mine wasn’t that straight.

Once that is done turn it upside down, get fabric glue and a sponge brush. Glue one side to the fabric every 6 inches (or whatever you decide). Make sure you do NOT glue the pull cord, it needs to be free so you can lift it. Once this is done you let it dry and hot glue your top and bottom. And pop it into place. I will say that it can be a little difficult to pull up and down. I love it and it’s perfect for my kitchen.

I should have took pictures of each step but I was so nervous and concentrating so hard it didn’t cross my mind. One of my best friends is now begging me to help her make a bunch of them for her bedroom so I will try to take photos of each step. If you have any questions just let me know. It’s easier than it sounds and I had no problem at all with it.

Good Luck!

Anna

*Cotton duck fabric (from Dutch ”doek”) also simply duck, sometimes duck cloth or duck canvas, is a heavy, plain woven cotton fabric. Duck is perfect for slipcovers, duvet covers, toss pillows, shower curtains and window treatments.