DIY Roman blinds, step-by-step instructions with photos

If you want to uniquely decorate the windows in your home, it is advisable to choose curtains with a unique design. Having mastered the simple basics of arts and crafts, you can quickly make Roman blinds with your own hands. Step-by-step instructions will make creating a beautiful window decoration much easier.

Roll-type solar shading systems can be an excellent alternative to traditional-looking curtains or blinds. The most functional Roman curtains are the ideal frame for interior paintings in any stylistic genre of design. They perfectly regulate the level of illumination of rooms with natural light and reliably protect against moonlight.

Roman blinds perfectly regulate the level of light in rooms

Easy-to-manage structures with a fabric base take up minimal space around the perimeter of window openings. Due to their small size and simple geometric shape in the form of a rectangle, any novice needlewoman or innovative designer can design them. Before you make Roman blinds with your own hands, you need to study their design features and control mechanism in detail. This will help create an absolutely safe window decoration.

How to sew Roman blinds with your own hands: simple methods

Having decided to decorate the interior with homemade roll-type light-protection systems, it is important to choose the desired type of curtains:

Classic ones look ascetic due to the correct geometric shape of a perfectly flat fabric base. When folded, they form straight folds of the same size thanks to rigid cords sewn on the wrong side.

Laconic classic roller blinds

Cascading ones look magnificent in the open and folded position. Using wide ribbons with a dense base, the fabric along the entire perimeter of the cut must be sewn in the fold area at the same distance. On the window they create the appearance of multi-tiered drapery.

Cascading Roman blinds with lush folds

Frameless ones imitate the appearance of an arc-shaped pickup. Their elegant appearance is due to their simple design. The fabric cut is equipped with rings, thin cords or chains on the sides. When the canvas is lifted, wavy folds are formed. Due to the absence of the need to sew rigid strips or tapes to the fabric base, the easiest way is to make frameless Roman blinds with your own hands. Step-by-step instructions with a detailed description of the sewing process will allow you to cope with this simple task in a few hours.

DIY frameless Roman blinds

If you do not have the skill to operate a sewing machine, it is rational to choose an easier method. An elementary way to create an exclusive window design is to use horizontal blinds in the form of a frame. The appearance of the lamellas is absolutely unimportant. They will be used as rigid cords, sewn to the wrong side of the fabric cut. The main requirement for selecting a frame base is the excellent performance of the rotor-chain mechanism, the integrity of the lamellas and the cornice.

Methods for attaching strips to fabric

It is precisely at this point that you need to pay special attention. The appearance of the Roman blind will depend on how you secure the duplicating fabric, as well as sew on the “pockets” for the rigid rods. First, let's look at how to sew on the pockets. The easiest way is to sew ready-made tape or strips of fabric (with hems). But in this case, the seams will be visible on the front side and, moreover, they will probably “wrinkle”. Decide for yourself whether such a curtain will look beautiful.

But, nevertheless, such a method, as in this figure, will be less noticeable. In any case, there will be only one securing stitch on the front side. In addition, you can secure this area not with a seam, but with a double-sided web, then the front part of the curtain will be completely without seams. And so that the edges do not bend into a hem, you can connect the side seams of both panels and then turn them out. It will be enough just to iron these seams and you don’t even need to finish them with stitching. Decide for yourself which option suits you best.

How to make Roman blinds using the correct measurements

Initially, you need to decide on the mounting option for the structure. Roll-type systems have several placement options:

On the wall or ceiling above the window opening. With this installation, the textile base is 15-30 cm wider than the length of the window sill.
Between the slopes. To take measurements, you need to determine the vertical and horizontal distance from one wall to another in three places - below, above and in the middle. It may differ slightly from each other. You need to focus on the smallest value, from which you should subtract a few centimeters. This will allow the Roman shade to move freely inside the window.
On the window frame. To ensure that the curtain does not interfere with the functioning of the sash during full opening or for ventilation, you need to measure the length and width of the glass.

Window measurements for sewing Roman blinds with your own hands

You should focus not only on the parameters of the window, but also on the modification of the roll-type textile product. Multi-layer cascade and frameless models require additional length of fabric. Only classic models are sewn according to the size of window openings or sashes with the addition of minor allowances due to the absence of folds on the base.

An example of a Roman blind pattern

Multi-tiered curtains have about 6-10 pleats. To correctly calculate the length of the fabric, taking into account folds, you need to divide its parameter into 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 identical parts. It all depends on the overall size of the product. Short curtains to the window sill have on average 6-7 folds, and long curtains to the floor - 8-10. Models with a fold depth of 20-30 cm look organic. There is no need to make too many wavy draperies. This contradicts their laconic image.

What you might need

To make Roman blinds, you will need the necessary materials and tools that you will need to buy in advance, and perhaps something from the list will be at your home.

Fabric, thread, scissors, needles.
Tape measure for measuring and cutting.
Wooden or plastic weight strips.
Velcro tape for fixing the canvas on the cornice.
Rods made of wood, plastic or metal that will pierce the curtain and form folds.
Plastic rings, there should be two or three rings per twig.
Nylon cords: 3 pieces, 2 of which are twice the length of the curtain, the third is the length plus the width.

Prepare fabric, a sewing machine and all the necessary tools and accessories for sewing Roman blinds

How to make a frameless Roman blind yourself

For admirers of lush draperies, there is an equally easy way to sew a roll-type light-protection system. Frameless models in any position have a romantic pleated look, created by numerous folds of sagging fabric. The free position of the canvas is due to the absence of rigid strips.

Frameless Roman blind without rigid slats

For handicrafts you will need:

A piece of fabric with a length corresponding to the size of the window;
Sewing machine;
Narrow wooden slats and bars used as cornices and framing on the underside;
Stapler with bulk staples;
Lifting mechanism (rings and long cords with a nylon base);
Tools for sewing and marking.

The sewing technology is extremely simple and straightforward:

Cut the fabric according to the window measurements.
Finish the edges of the cut using a sewing machine.

Processing cut edges

On the wrong side, mark the installation locations for the rings on both sides. They are attached where folds form.
At a distance of 20 cm from the edge, make a drawstring (a closed pocket for installing a weighting agent in the form of a wooden strip).
Cover the wooden block with fabric.
Using a stapler, attach the base of the product to the cornice bar.
Sew polymer rings at equal distances from each other.

Sew rings along the edges of the fabric

Install nylon cords at both ends.
Install the cornice.

Install the weight in the drawstring

Required Tools

To sew Roman blinds for windows yourself, you must have:

a piece of fabric from which you will make a curtain. If your goal is thicker curtains with good light protection, also purchase lining fabric;
a wooden plank, the length of which should be equal to the expected width of the product, the width should be 5 cm, and the thickness should be about 2.5 cm;
thin wooden or metal slats that will be sewn horizontally into the fabric. Their length should be a couple of centimeters less than the width of the fabric, and the number depends on how many folds you want to make on a classic Roman blind;
weighting agent - a wooden block or metal plate with a length equal to the width of the curtain;
lace made of synthetic material (best nylon). Its size should be no less than the length of the curtain, multiplied by 5 times;
furniture stapler;
a roll of Velcro tape;
a skein of finishing border, about 2 - 3 cm wide;
plastic or metal rings;
cord retainer (bracket or hook);
needle, thread, scissors;
sewing machine.

Subtleties of sewing Roman blinds

Before creating an original decoration for a window, it is important to familiarize yourself with the advice of skilled needlewomen who are fluent in sewing skills:

If the fabric with the design you like is too thin, then to improve the ability to shade the room, it is recommended to sew on a thick lining.

Thick lining to strengthen the fabric

If the window opening has a disproportionate shape, then you need to first make a pattern from a transparent film. This will avoid mistakes when marking the canvas.
To make it easier to create proportional folds on the fabric, it is necessary to fold the fabric like an accordion, iron the bends or pin them together.
To secure the control mechanism rings, it is advisable to use nylon threads with a high degree of strength. The rings will constantly be under strong tension while raising and lowering the blade. Therefore, the fastening threads must be able to withstand the load.

To secure the rings, use strong nylon threads

To enhance the effect of a voluminous and beautifully flowing drapery, you need to choose an airy-looking pleated fabric. Its base can be made from fibers of flax, silk, cotton, chiffon and other fabrics. Preference should be given to exclusively dense materials with excellent ability to retain their original color and shape for as long as possible.

Regardless of the design features, Roman blinds operate on the same principle: they gradually rise and fold due to manual or automated control. Remote control is due to the choice of a curtain rod with a built-in electric drive. This should be taken into account when choosing the optimal cornice.

Cornice with built-in electric drive

Step-by-step instructions for making lifting curtains

Now that everything is ready to make your own Roman blinds, you can safely start sewing. Detailed step-by-step instructions accompanied by informational photos and videos will help you with this.

1. Take measurements of the window and buy the required amount of fabric. You can sew your curtains in one layer of fabric or in two. This depends primarily on the density of the fabric; if it is thin, then it is better to sew a double fabric. Then you will need twice as much material.

2. Calculate the number of folds according to the height of the opening to sew curtains that will suit your window.

3. Cut out the product as shown in the photo. Don't forget to leave allowances for finishing the edges. There should be a large allowance at the bottom, as this will later be a pocket for the weighting material. From the inside out, mark the places where the rods will be inserted and the plastic rings will be attached.

Approximate pattern of Roman blinds. For your window, the height and width of the product may vary, but the recommended allowances should be followed.

4. Cut out the workpiece and trim the edges with a double hem. You can also use spider web adhesive tape, which glues the fabric together with a hot iron.

Fold the edge of the product along the marked line and stitch. Iron with a hot iron for greater precision.

5. If you have a double curtain, then fold the two parts with the right sides inward and sew them together, leaving one edge unsewn.

6. Now you need to make special drawstrings for inserting frame rods. To do this, you will need specially cut strips of fabric or ready-made border braid. We sew it like a pocket on three sides, leaving one unsewn so that the pins can be easily removed before washing. The rods should be smooth and easily slide over the fabric, so it is better to choose them from plastic or metal.

According to the marks for the rods, sew pockets for those same rods

7. Having marked the location of the rings, sew them to the pockets by hand, they will serve as the basis for the lifting mechanism. Attention! There should be as many rings for threading cords as you think necessary, but the curtain should be easy to lift.

The photo shows how to properly thread nylon cords to lift curtains

8. Sew one part of the Velcro to the top edge, and glue the second to the future cornice.

9. Fold the bottom edge so that you get the same drawstring where the weight strip will be threaded.

10. Thread the cords into the rings from bottom to top, bring them out to the outer ring with the shortest cord. Tie all the cords into a knot, and roll the curtain itself and tie it with a ribbon.

To prevent the cords from falling out or coming apart, tie them into a knot and secure them at the bottom

11. Fix the cornice in the form of a strip to the frame or wall above the window, depending on where you planned to hang your DIY frame. On plastic windows, if the curtain will be attached to the frame, the curtain rod can be hung using double-sided tape.

12. Hang the Roman shade on the curtain rod using Velcro. Remove the tape and adjust the tension level of the lifting cords, check the serviceability of the mechanism. Tie the cords into a knot at the top and bottom and trim off any excess edges. In order for the curtain to remain at the desired level, it is necessary to fix the cords on the side on a wall hook.

How to beautifully decorate a Roman blind

To prevent the plain or perfectly flat base of a roll-type system from looking too strict, it needs to be decorated with a variety of decorative elements:

Satin ribbons used as edge trim or to create bows;
Lace, knitted from acrylic threads or scallops made of beads;
Straight-line frills or lush ruffles;
Curly fringe;

Roman blinds with fringes

Brushes made from plain or multi-colored threads;
Applications made from fabric or jewelry stones;
Embroidery made from threads, beads, bugles or beads;
Compositions made of rhinestones or sequins;
False locks, zippers, rivets or buttons.

Decor of Roman curtains with ribbons

It’s just as easy to make impressive-looking decorations yourself, as it is to sew Roman blinds with your own hands. A photo showing step-by-step the algorithm for performing beautiful finishing on the side parts or bottom edge of the structure will allow you to create filigree decor.

When selecting sewing accessories, it is important to determine the significance of the window design against the general background of the room. Curtains can act as bright accent details or be used as a harmonious addition to textile decor.

Roman blinds can act as bright accent details

Decorative elements, as well as fabric colors, must be selected taking into account a strictly accepted design decision and the chosen stylistic direction. Minimalism categorically does not welcome any decor of interior items, unlike boho, which tends to saturate the room with multi-colored and unusual furnishings.

Materials and care

We choose fabric for sewing Roman blinds so that they fit harmoniously into the interior

Depending on how dark it should be when the Roman blinds are closed, the material for the work is selected. Most often, various natural or artificial fabrics are considered, but there are also blinds made of paper, plastic, various plates or woven fabrics made of any sufficiently elastic material. Industrially produced materials are additionally treated with dust-repellent impregnations, antistatic agents, Teflon coating and anti-flammation compounds.

When making your own, the easiest way is to find beautiful natural fabrics:

linen;
wool (with a small percentage of artificial additives to prevent it from matting);
cotton, mixed fabrics with viscose;
polyester;
nylon.

Important! Fabrics with special impregnations used in production are not washed with a washing machine; they are cleaned with care so as not to damage the outer coating.

An interesting pattern on the fabric is often an important decorative element of Roman blinds

It is reasonable to correlate the choice of material composition with the purpose of the room where it will be used. Natural fabrics are good for rooms where children live or people relax. Synthetic options are suitable for the kitchen, bathroom, passage rooms - veranda, loggia, corridor, if it has a window or you need to cover a niche with something. The design is selected using the same principle.

Natural materials without additional impregnation are washed according to the usual rules. Machine washable if the fabric does not shrink (there are no strips inside). Curtains with complex weaving, patterns, and trims are washed by hand and then very carefully wrung out. Dry straightened, immediately hanging them in their proper place. To remove creases, carefully iron the fabric, but it is better to use a special steamer.

Good reasons to create roller blinds yourself

Often, when developing an interior design project, professional decorators create unique furnishings with their own hands. This is easily explained by the designer’s desire to add a personal touch to the decoration of a certain space based on the aesthetic tastes and preferences of the home owners.

Homemade Roman blinds solve many design problems:

Ideally match any sizes and non-standard window shapes.
Walls with window openings maximize visibility, which can act as an accent zone in an interior painting.

DIY Roman blinds are perfect for your window

They identically repeat the ornamentation of the surrounding furnishings - finishing materials, carpeting, textile accessories, upholstery or furniture facades.
They create original decor for window openings with products that exist in a single copy.
They flawlessly copy the texture and texture of any materials that appeal to a certain stylistic concept. The easiest way to display the desired patterns, motifs, graphics on fabrics is in a classic or modern design.

Roman blinds duplicate textile interior decor

A creative approach to developing a unique window design will create an impressive-looking interior with a memorable setting. Having mastered craft techniques, you can not only learn how to sew special Roman blinds, but also find a use for various junk items. It is optimal to use old blinds, bedspreads, tablecloths for non-trivial window drapery.

The ability to make exclusive interior items opens up endless possibilities for changing the appearance of the surrounding space. This will allow you to endlessly update the interior, saturating your life with bright colors and charging you with a great mood. During the hot summer, a feeling of coolness can be created by decorating the windows with Roman blinds with an image of a waterfall or an imitation of a wave-like sea. During severe frosts, it is easy to warm up the surrounding space with models of bright sunny colors.

Roman blinds will help you easily transform your interior

Roman curtains reflect the canons of many stylistic concepts of ancient times and current trends in interior fashion. A laconic form in tandem with a fabric base that radiates warmth and creates coziness allows you to harmoniously combine the rationalism of the interior with the aesthetics of a cozy home. Therefore, it is important to embody creative ideas with the help of man-made window decor.

Recommendations for selection

Due to the fact that the design of the Roman blind is significantly different from the usual version, it is necessary to take these differences into account when choosing fabrics for the curtain, its width and height.

It is not recommended to use curtains more than two and a half meters wide, since a mechanism of such a length will not withstand constant loads and will quickly break.
A curtain that is too long will have a lot of weight even if fairly light fabrics are used, so in two-light rooms of your own houses you should not use one cornice for two window openings - the length of the curtain cannot be more than 4.5 m!
Very dense and heavy fabrics should be used only if the cornice has the necessary strength and reliability.

When decorating a window with a Roman blind, the main task is to choose the right cornice, and you need to select it depending on what kind of fabric will be used. Its strength must be such as to withstand the weight of the lifting mechanism and the canvas, and also have some strength margin. Strength can be increased by using an additional attachment point installed in the middle of its length. This will distribute the load evenly and reduce sagging.

Photo gallery - DIY Roman blinds

Types of mechanisms

The following lifting and lowering mechanisms are used in Roman curtains:

The cord mechanism, known since ancient Roman times, is simple and reliable. You can make it yourself and easily repair it if it malfunctions. However, it is not suitable for large and heavy products. If Roman blinds weigh more than 3-4 kg, it is better to choose another option. Another disadvantage of this option is that when you raise the curtains, you need to somehow fix the cord every time. It may not look very aesthetically pleasing.
The chain-cord mechanism is more complex and advanced. It also has restrictions on the weight of the fabric, but is more convenient to manage. Raising and lowering is carried out using a circular chain. Using a gearbox allows you to smoothly move the curtain and fix it at any height. Installed in a closed cornice, such a mechanism has no restrictions on the type of fabric.
The chain-tape mechanism, with the same ease of use, allows you to control heavier curtains. However, the rather large lifting carriages on which the tapes are wound cannot be covered with the curtain rod profile. Because of this, it is recommended to use such a mechanism only if the Roman blinds are made of opaque fabric.
If you want to give your room the most modern look, choose an electric drive mechanism. It is recommended to use the electric drive and, if necessary, operate very large curtains. In this case, there are practically no restrictions on weight and size; you just need to select the appropriate model and drive power. The mechanism is activated using a control unit mounted on the wall or a remote control.

It may also be interesting: Types of wall curtain rods - which one is better?

There are also mechanisms for special conditions of use. In particular, Roman blinds can also cover sloping roof windows. To do this, they are deflected to the required angle using guides. If the slope of the guides is small and the curtain does not descend along them under its own weight, a mechanism may be provided to force it down.

Choosing material for the cornice

Because of their inexpensive price and neutral appearance, white plastic curtain rods are very popular.

In addition, there are:

Wooden;
Metal;
Stylized as wood, plaster, glass.

A cornice for a Roman blind of the simplest design can be assembled with your own hands from scrap materials

On sale you can find cornices for Roman blinds in any style, which allows you to successfully complement the author's design for interior decor. Original cornices for Roman blinds should match the color and texture of the furniture. Any cornice is secured with brackets. The instructions contain illustrations and an assembly diagram.

Buy or make?

Of course, the easiest way is to buy a ready-made cornice. Most often they are made of plastic. They already have built-in lifting blocks and a special chain. There are open and closed options. The latter are more expensive, since they have an additional box that hides the lifting mechanism. This option is considered more presentable. But in fact, a handmade cornice will look much better than any plastic boxes.

As for the cost of a homemade fastening, most likely it will be a pittance. After all, manufacturing requires the simplest materials.

Purchased fasteners can break and have to be repaired or replaced with new ones. The homemade mechanism for Roman blinds is so simple that there is simply nothing to break. It was invented centuries ago, and has served reliably ever since.