Buying blinds can for your windows can be expensive. Fortunately it is fairly easy to make your own. In this article I will give you a quick guide towards making your own roman blinds, for that extra sophistication.
Step 1: Decide How to Mount the Blind
There are three ways to mount Roman blinds: inside, outside, and hybrid. An inside mount covers only the window itself and leaves the window frame and trim visible; choose this mount if there is ornate woodwork around the window. An outside mount covers the entire window including the frame and trim; choose this if the woodwork is unremarkable or marred. A hybrid mount covers the entire frame horizontally and at the top, but ends at the window sill; it is appropriate for windows that have a deep sill.
Step 2: Measure the Window
For an inside mount, measure the distance between the inside edges of the trim both horizontally and vertically. For an outside mount, measure the distance between the outermost edges of the window trim horizontally and vertically, as well as the greatest depth of the trim (which will usually be the window sill) outward from the wall. For a hybrid mount, measure horizontally the distance between the outer edges of the trim and vertically from the top edge of the trim to the top of the window sill. In each case the horizontal dimension will be the finished width of the blind, and the vertical dimension will be the finished length.
Step 3: Determine How Much Fabric to Buy
Add 4 inches (10 cm) to the finished width of the blind, and 8½ inches (21.3 cm) to the finished length. This is the "cut size" of the fabric. At most fabric shops the sales staff will be able to use the cut size to figure out how much fabric is needed. To calculate it, divide each dimension of the cut size by 36 if using inches and yards, or by 100 if using the metric system. Most decorator fabrics are 54 inches (137 cm) wide; so if the window is wider than 50 inches (127 cm), double the length and have a vertical seam in the blind. If the chosen fabric has a definite pattern, figure in the repeat of the pattern and add that length to the amount of fabric once for each panel, to match the pattern. When in doubt, err on the generous side. It's better to have extra fabric than not enough! Any extra fabric can be used to make matching throw pillows, placemats or table runners. If the blinds are for a very wide window or a sliding glass door, it may be easier to make several separate blinds than a single wide one. For lined Roman blinds, purchase the same amount of lining as main fabric.
Step 4: Purchase Additional Supplies
The following supplies are needed in addition to the fabric: twill tape with pre-sewn plastic rings, twice to three times the finished length quarter-inch (8 mm) diameter dowel rods, cut to ½ inch (13 mm) less than the finished width a 1" x 2" (2.5 cm x 5 cm) board cut to ¼" (6 mm) less than the finished width, for the headrail screw eyes nylon drapery cord, five to eight times the finished length mounting screws cord cleat (optional) thread fusible hem tape (optional--minimizes the amount of sewing) sew-on or decorator-type hook-and-loop tape the width of the finished blind cord-lock pulley (optional) glue gun and glue sticks (optional)
Step 5: Hem The Blind
For an unlined blind, simply sew the hems or make them using fusible tape according to package directions. For a lined blind, hem the front and the lining, and then sew them together at top and bottom with wrong sides together. Leave the side edges open for now. Sew loop tape to the top edge of the back of the blind.
Step 6: Make The Rod Pockets
Cut two (or three if the blind is wider than 39 inches--1 meter) pieces of twill tape 10 inches (25 cm) less than the finished length. For two lengths, sew one length at each side edge of the blind. For three lengths, sew one at each side and one down the centre. Make sure that the first ring on each length of tape is about 10 inches (25 cm) from the top of the blind, that each tape has an even number of rings, and that the rings on each tape are aligned so that the blind will hang and fold evenly. The bottom ring should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the bottom of the blind. For sewn rod pockets, sew a straight line just below and just above each ring, then slide a dowel into the pocket. For a no-sew option, use fabric glue to attach the dowels to the wrong side of the front fabric; just a dot of glue every 6" (15 cm) along the length of the dowel is needed. Lay the dowel on the fabric and weight it in place with books and allow to dry 4 to 12 hours. Put a rod inside the bottom hem allowance also. Do this with the blind inside-out if it is lined; turn it right-side-out after the glue is dry. Once the rods are in place, sew the side seams closed.
Step 7: Prepare And Mount The Headrail
Cover the headrail board with muslin or with leftover fabric from the front of the blind and staple in place on the side that will be toward the wall; this step is optional but gives a more professional finished appearance. Staple hook tape to the front of the rail. Place a screw eye in the bottom of the rail even with the ring tapes. If using a cord-lock pulley, mount it on the end of the rail where the finished pull-cord will be. Mount the rail to the inside of the window frame, the upper edge of the trim, or the wall just above the trim, depending on the type of mount.
Step 8: Mount the Blind
Attach the finished Roman blind to the headrail using the hook-and-loop fastener.
Step 9: Thread the Cords
Starting from the top on that side of the blind, thread drapery cord through a screw eye and each ring of a tape and tie it securely to the bottom ring. From the screw eye, bring the length of cord through the pulley (if using) and down along the side of the blind and cut it at the desired length. For each additional tape, thread the cord through the screw eye and rings as before; from the top bring the length of cord across to the rail through the first screw eye and the pulley and cut it even with the first cord. Braid or knot the cords together for a single pull-cord and attach a cord drop.
Visit Wooden Blinds Direct to find out more about Roman Blinds
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Simpson
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