Roman Shade Tutorial

A Roman shade is a very easy window covering to make, as well as being visually appealing. I looked at many different instructions, both online and in books, but decided to do it my own way in the end. This version is simpler than some versions, but just as visually appealing in the end.

Materials needed:
Sewing Machine
Main Fabric
Lining Fabric
Blind Cord
1   3/8 in wood dowel
1/4 in wooden dowel one for each fold that will be attached to the blind cord
3 eye screws (screws that have circles on the ends for the cord to go through)
1/2 in shade rings- enough for 3 per rod
1 curtain cleat
Staple gun


Step 1:
As with any sewing project the first step, after deciding what you are going to make, is to figure out how much fabric you will need, and then pick out the fabric. This Roman shade is lined so two different fabrics are needed

To figure out the amount of fabric that is needed measure the height and width of the window you will be covering. The shades I made fit perfectly into the inside of the window frame because I did not want to cover any of the surounding wall. For the main fabric add 3 1/2 inches to the width to allow for hemming the edges

 Equation for main fabric width:
with hemmed edges:   window width + 3 1/2in


For the height of the window measure the height, add 1 1/2 in for bottom hem, add enough material to go around the board that will attatch it to the wall 1 1/2 times.


Equation for length (height) of main fabric:
window height + 1 1/2  for hem + enough to cover board 1 1/2 times


For the lining fabric follow these equations
Equation for lining:
width= window width + 5in
length= window height + 1/2in + enough to cover board 1 1/2 times + 1 in for every rod needed


After acquiring fabric cut it out

Step 2:
Hem the sides of the main fabric by folding over 1/4 in then 1 in and sew.

Fold lining fabric 3 in toward wrong side on both sides and iron. (the width of the lining should be 1in less than the width of the main fabric)

Step 3 
Hem the bottom of the main fabric to create a pocket for the 3/8 in rod. Fold it 1/2 in then 1 in and sew. Make sure that your 3/8 in rod will slide in easily.

Hem the lining fabric by folding 1 in and ironing. No stitch is needed



Step 4
Making the pleat pockets

Calculate where to make the pleats.
Remember that this measurement will be folded in half when the curtains are up.
The distance from the bottom of the shade to the first dowel/pleat pocket should be half of a pleat.

Example:
My window's height is 57 in. I wanted the top fold to equal 8 in when closed. This means that I needed to place my dowels 16 in apart. My lowest dowel was 8 in from the bottom

After caluclating, mark where pleats need to go on the lining fabric. Because the pocket for the dowels is calulated into the lining we need to add 1/2 to the measurment for the dowel placement. For example instead of marking 8 in from the bottom I had to mark 8 1/2 then 16 1/2 up from that and then 16 1/2 from that, etc.

Fold lining along marked lines with wrong sides together and sew 1/2 away from fold. When you open the fabric back up you will have the dowel pocket

Step 5
Sewing lining to main fabric

Lay the main fabric right side down with it all spread out. Lay the lining fabric on top right side up, placing the bottom hem slightly below the stitching line for the bottom pocket (you will want to sew right on top of the stitching line to make sure the pocket is still big enough). make sure the rest of the fabric is 1/2 in away from each side. Pin along the pockets that have been sewn for the dowels. Sew along the stitching line for each pocket. Don't worry that at the very top of the shade the layers aren't sewn together. These will be wrapped around the board and stapled.

Step 6
Insert a dowel into each pocket making sure the 3/8 in one is in the bottom pocket. Measure 2 in in from each edge and more on the rod pocket (except the bottom one). Also make a mark in the very middle of the pocket. Sew a ring on each of the marks


Step 7
Hanging in the window

Lay Curtain on floor with lining facing up. Measure from the bottom of the shade up the height you desire the shade to be and mark. Lay board that you will be screwing to widow above the line and wrap extra fabric around board to hide. Staple extra fabric to the board. Screw the board onto the wall, or in the window frame making sure the right side of the shade is facing into the room.

The shade is almost done. Next we'll screw the three eye screws directly above each of the columns of hooks. Make sure that the hole is facing the side.

Cut 3 pieces of blind chord. Each piece will be a different lenght.
Length 1 = Height of curtain + width of curtain+ 10 in
Length 2 = Height of curtain + 1/2 width of curtain + 10 in
Length 3 = Height of curtain plus 10 in

Depending where you want the pull to be, start at the other side and tie length 1 to the bottom ring and thread up through the rest in the column and the eye hooks to the side the pull will be on. Do Length 2 and three the same way then tie all three strings into a knot.

Screw curtain cleat to the wall.

Now enjoy your wonderful Roman Shade, and be proud of yourself for what you accomplished!