There are several advantages in choosing Roman blinds rather than conventional curtains. First, Roman blinds are simpler to make and use up far less material, making them economical to use. Second, they are very neat and take up less space as they fit the window aperture exactly. Third, there is no need to purchase expensive curtain tracks, since Roman blinds fit to the window frame using Velcro.
What is a Roman Blind?
A Roman blind is basically piece of material (sometimes with a lining) that hangs from the top of the window frame. Horizontal bars are threaded through the back of the blind at regular intervals. In order to raise and lower the blind, a pair of cords run down the rear of the blind through loops which are sewn onto each end of the horizontal bars.
This means that when the cords are pulled, the horizontal bars are raised up to the top of the window, creating hanging pleats. The cords are then secured so that the blind remains raised. Closing the blinds simply entails releasing the cords so that the blind can drop down.
How To Make Simple Roman Blinds - Step by Step Instructions
- Take a piece of material that is 5cm wider and 10cm longer than the window dimensions.
- Hem the sides to the correct width using hand or machine stitching in a color to match
- Obtain 5 thin rods and trim to fit the width of the roman blind
Making the Rod Pockets for Roman Blinds
- Taking lining material of the same width as the main material; cut 9cm strips, fold in half lengthwise and then fold each side in towards the center. This makes the rod pockets.
- Stitch the rod pockets through the open side onto the rear of the blind. This attaches and closes them up. Leave one end of the rod pocket open for threading the rod
- Hem the bottom with a 2cm hem.
- Check the blind for length against the window and hem to the exact length required.
- Sew the "hook" side of the Velcro across the top of the blind.
- Fix sticky backed Velcro either directly onto the top window frame if there is space, or make a wooden baton, fix to the window frame with screws and then stick the velcro onto that.
Threading the Cords for the Roman Blind
- Sew a small ring on the end of each rod, 1 or 2 cm in from the edge.
- Fix eyelet screws into the top bar at the same width as on the blind, or into the window frame if not using a bar.
- Hang the blind and measure how much cord you need.
- Next thread the cord through the rings and affix strongly to the bottom rod by tying to the ring with a secure knot.
- With the blind open tie off the cords making them long enough to hang down far enough to be conveniently pulled. Finish the cord by threading on a large bead or purpose made cord weight.
- Attach a wing hook to the wall so that the cord may be wound around it for securing.
How to Make a Lined Roman Blind
This takes more care as the lining is cut to the exact width of the window and the main material is cut 5cm too wide, so that when the blind is turned right sides out, it is the correct dimension for the window. Allow 1cm hems on each side. From then on the instructions are exactly as above.
Using a Roman Blind Kit the First Time
Those who are new to sewing may prefer to use a kit. Kits are supplied with all of the rods, rings, cords and weighted pulls. They are also supplied with step by step instructions. However once the first blind has been made and the concept understood , the second one will be much easier.
Reference
John Lewis Curtain Department
