How to make custom Roman blinds

From the home of Jordan & Dillan comes this easy to follow tutorial on creating a decorative Roman blind with scripted text.

You’ll need:

Fabric - measuring 50cm more than the width of the window and exact length
Iron-on fusible bonding or sewing machine & matching thread
1 tension rod and 2 dowels (12mm dia)
Iron
Damp cloth
Tape measure
Scissors
Printed text
Paint pen or black paint and brush

Instructions:

Fold sides over as much as needed to create seams on each edge.  Dillan’s fabric was 96cm wide and the window is 84cm wide. She therefore measured 6cm on either side and folded over.

Place a piece of iron-on bonding tape under the fold, close to the edge.  Or skip this and the next few steps and stitch the edging.

Close the fold, place a damp cloth on top of the fabric and with an iron on wool, steam setting, iron the cloth/fabric for 10 seconds. This creates the fabric bond and joins the fabric together without any sewing required.

Duplicate steps 1-3 on the other side.

Create a fold on the top of the shade that will hold the top tension rod. Place the rod at the top to measure an opening just large enough to wiggle the rod. Bond the fabric in the same manner that you did the length edges.

Bond the bottom edge as well.

Hang the fabric in the window, placing the top tension rod at the very top of the window. DIY TIP: As an alternative to a tension rod, you can attach a velcro strip to the back of the fabric and onto the top of the existing blind.

Place the remaining 2 rods approximately 25 to 30cm from each other. You can always adjust the sizing per your preference later. Drape the fabric behind the rods and then gently pull the fabric over the 2nd rod creating a drape. Do the same for the 3rd rod. Now you can adjust the folds to your liking. Patience... because the fabric may slide and you will have to start over…a few times!

 If you like the shade as it is and don’t want any text, then you're all done! If not, mark the edges of the shade where you want text. 

 If you choose to skip free-handing, cut out the text so that you can trace it using a pen. Remember to print your phrase in large text. Next, outline the text with a paint marker. Lastly, fill in the text outline with paint. 

Hang the shade and re-adjust the folds. You’re done!

Struggling with the tutorial? Why not get your BLINDS MADE TO ORDER @ Fabric & Textile Warehouse? We make everything from Roman to Roller, Venetian to Vertical & some Bamboo too. Over 300 options to choose from! Just bring us your fabric & dimensions – we’ll do the rest. Call us on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FABTEX for more info.

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