In order to create an original and unique interior To emphasize the unique atmosphere of the house, to give a certain mood or character to the room, you should pay attention to curtains. After all, they should shade the room well on a sunny day, hide it from prying eyes, and at the same time decorate it.

One of the most versatile models are Roman blinds. Despite the fact that they were invented back in Ancient Rome, they are equally well suited for almost any interior, from antique style to the most modern room design, such as hi-tech or loft.

Like any interior item, the one you make with your own hands is more original and unique. When making Roman blinds yourself, you will not depend on standard sets of color, material, size of products offered in the store, and you will not overpay when ordering them from a studio.

Most often, in modern design Classic and cascading Roman blinds are used.

Classic Roman blinds(classic roman shades) when closed look like a smooth canvas. When opened, horizontal folds form on the curtains, overlapping each other in waves. And although this model looks somewhat ascetic and simple, it is perfect for any residential or office space. Volume and appearance folds depend on the texture and quality of the fabric used.

Cascading Roman blinds(looped roman shades) have folds even when unfolded. They form a cascade of fabric along the entire height of the canvas and are sewn with a lining. Typically, such curtains are used to create classic style and art deco.

Master Class

At first glance, the design of Roman blinds is quite complex and contains many details, but in fact, anyone can make them.

To make classic Roman blinds, we will need the following materials:

• base fabric for curtains. Select suitable color and structure
• wooden beam which will be used as a cornice (length equal to the width of the curtain, width - 5cm, thickness - 2.5cm)
• finishing curtain tape
• Velcro tape (length equal to the width of the curtain)
• plastic or wooden rods with a diameter of 0.5 cm and a width slightly less than the width of the curtain (glazing beads can be used to attach window glass)
• one metal weighting rod, the same length
• plastic rings for the lifting mechanism with a diameter of about 12mm or ready-made tape with rings for Roman blinds
• screw ring (4-5 pcs. per curtain)
• nylon cord - 3 lengths equal to 2 curtain lengths + 1 curtain width

Most important stage- this is the measurement of the window and the correct calculation for the pattern:

1. measuring the window opening
2. on both sides add 2.5 cm to the width of the opening for double hemming of the edges
3. depending on the height of the window, we calculate the number of cascades when raising the curtains ( optimal distance between waves 20-30 cm)
4. for the pocket for each guide rod of the cascade, add 2 cm to the height of the window
5. if for the guide rods the braid will be sewn on the wrong side, then there is no need to add 2 cm
6. In order to stitch the pockets for all guides as evenly and parallelly as possible, the fabric should first be ironed on the wrong side and marked with chalk or tailor’s pins
7. to each pocket, with inside, sew on plastic rings (2 pieces along the edges with an indentation of 5-10 cm and one exactly in the center). The rings on each pocket should be strictly opposite each other
8. to the top of the curtain from the wrong side, sew the soft part of the adhesive tape along the entire length
9. We attach the cornice beam to the upper, outer part of the window opening with self-tapping screws. Using a stapler or small nails, the hard part of the adhesive tape is nailed to the cornice, on top of the screws. Metal rings are screwed into the lower part of the beam, opposite the rings already sewn to the curtain
10. a metal rod (weighting material) is inserted into the bottom pocket of the curtain, plastic or wood into all others

A nylon cord is tied to the bottom ring and passed sequentially through the entire vertical row, and then is brought out through metal rings to the edge of the cornice. The cords from each row of rings are brought out in one direction and then tied together with a knot. It turned out to be peculiar lifting mechanism your Roman blind.

Under the lifting mechanism, screw the hook to the wall to fix the curtain in the desired position.

What you should pay attention to when making Roman blinds with your own hands:

1. if this is your first time making such curtains yourself, then choose more thick fabric for the base. A curtain made of this material holds its shape well and is easier to assemble. The most suitable materials would be: linen, velor or PVC fabrics
2. the cornice should be fixed above the edge of the opening, to the size of the curtain in assembled form. This is done so that the windows can be opened for ventilation without interference.
3. You shouldn’t save on purchasing fabric; more expensive materials are less susceptible to exposure to sunlight, and also do not change their properties after washing
4. if the fabric for the curtains is monochromatic or has a vertical stripe, then feel free to make pockets for the slats out of it. If the fabric has a pattern or horizontal stripes, tape should be sewn on the reverse side for the trims. After all, the main fabric goes into the pocket for the strip and the pattern on the visible part of the curtain turns out to be “torn”
5. instead of wooden plank, to which the Roman blind is attached, you can use the lifting mechanism from old blinds
6. if the width of the opening is greater than the width of the fabric and the curtain consists of two sewn parts, then try to make sure that the stitched seam is located opposite the inner part window frame. Then it will not be very noticeable when daylight. Or make a lined curtain
7. We usually use 2-3 options for open curtains: fully open, fully closed and half-open. Make beautiful knots from the lifting cord at these levels. With these knots you can quickly and firmly secure the cord to the hook.

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DIY Roman blinds: step-by-step instruction on tailoring

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Roman blinds always look strict and elegant. They will suit any interior style. They will be appropriate in any room: in a nursery, living room, bedroom or kitchen. Their convenience lies in the fact that they significantly save space, while effectively protecting the house from hot sunlight or prying eyes. Using such curtains will help visually expand a small room. Plus you won't have to leave free place for beautiful drapery. In this article we will look at step-by-step instructions for sewing with your own hands.

Of course, they are available in abundance in stores. But you can show off your design talents and sew them yourself. Sewing them yourself is simple and exciting activity. Even a novice needlewoman can handle it. However, there are a few features you need to know.

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What to make it from? Selecting material for curtains

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Before you make them yourself, you need to choose a fabric. You can sew them from almost any material. If the primary purpose of the curtain is sun protection, choose thick curtain fabrics. Try to keep the material fairly rigid. Then it will keep its shape perfectly and form beautiful folds when raised.

The texture and colors of the fabric should resonate with the design of the room. For rooms in an antique style, cotton, linen fabrics or materials resembling burlap.

For modern and high-tech, it is better to choose unusual, shiny, cosmic fabrics.

The material consumption for their patterns is small. Therefore, you can pay attention even to the most expensive design materials. They will look gorgeous.

Pay attention to the transparency of the fabric. If you want to get into the house as much as possible Sun rays, but at the same time hide the situation from prying prying eyes (this is very important for residents of the first floors), choose translucent material. If you want maximum protection from the sun, look for a material with special impregnation - black out. They are absolutely lightproof and do not fade even in bright sun.

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You need to be especially careful in your choice if you are sewing such a curtain for the kitchen. Even with the use of modern technology, it is not always possible to avoid droplets of fat, burning and soot. Therefore, all kitchen textiles should absorb dirt minimally, be washable and wash well. For kitchens, you can choose special fabrics with dirt-repellent properties. They will retain their appearance for a long time, and thanks to special impregnation, dirt can be easily washed off even at low temperatures. In addition, this type of fabric does not absorb odors, which is very important for the kitchen.

If you prefer naturalness to technological progress, choose fabrics of mixed composition. They consist of natural linen, cotton and silk with minor inclusions of synthetic fibers. The threads are selected in such proportions that the finished fabric is as beautiful and easy to care for as possible.

Roman blinds can be single or double. Single ones are best made from light translucent materials that transmit light well: tulle, veil, organza. It is advisable to make double ones from dense fabrics to prevent the inner layer from burning out.

The photo below shows a single translucent organza curtain. pay attention to perfect combination styles, colors and textures.

And, of course, it is very important to choose the right color and pattern. They must match the design of the room. Universal option- plain fabrics. They will fit into any style. Abstract paintings will perfectly complement avant-garde styles, and floral motifs will complement rustic, country or Provence style. And variations on a gastronomic theme will be appropriate in any kitchen, regardless of style.

Dimensions

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Before sewing it yourself, think about the type of fastening and determine the dimensions. It should perfectly follow the shape of the window. To do this, it is very important to measure and cut the fabric correctly.

Before measuring, decide on the type of fastening. There are three of them:

After determining the dimensions, you can begin creating patterns and sewing. The master class is given below.

Master class: how to sew it yourself?

This master class will describe step by step how to sew a curtain consisting of one piece of fabric.

There may be several paintings. In this case, each piece of fabric will need its own curtain rod. Sewing such a product is much more difficult. Therefore, if you are sewing it yourself for the first time, start with a single model.

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First, prepare everything you need.

Materials

• Textile. For a double curtain, you will also need lining material.
• Velcro tape. Its length corresponds to the width of the curtain.
• Rods for the frame. They can be plastic or steel. Their diameter is about 5 mm, and their length is 3 cm less than the width of the curtain. You will need 7 or 8 of them. It is ideal to find special plastic rods for curtains. They are sold in curtain stores or sewing workshops. You can buy whalebone, which is sold in sewing stores and is used for sewing underwear. It will have to be straightened first by heating it with an iron or placing it under a press. If you don’t find any of this, you can take regular stainless steel wire. But it is not very convenient, since sharp edges can easily damage the fabric. You can also use round wooden blocks.
• Plastic rings with a diameter of about 1 cm - 10–12 pieces.
• Nylon cord. You will need three cuts equal to two lengths plus one width of the curtain.
• Weight bar.
• A wooden block that will act as a cornice. You can use a ready-made cornice with a lambrequin strip already attached.
• Screws and hooks on a screw leg.

Pattern and step-by-step instructions, sew it yourself

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Measure the window opening. Add 5–7 cm to the width of the opening on each side for seams, and 10–15 cm to the height.

• Prepare the fabric for cutting. To prevent the curtain from shrinking during further washing, “adjust” it in advance: soak it in warm water, dry and iron. There is no need to wash the fabric in a machine, because without treatment, the edges can become very frayed, and the fabric itself can stretch diagonally.
• Lay the fabric evenly on the floor or table. Outline the outline of the future curtain with chalk. Mark the folds immediately. It is important to accurately observe their sizes. This is one of the main secrets of tailoring. Dimensions and quantities depend on the length of the curtain and are shown in the table.
• We mark the lines of the gates and the installation locations of the rings - holders for the cord. The resulting pattern will look like the picture.



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Finish the sides by folding the fabric twice. Watch the thread tension. The stitching should not tighten the material, otherwise the finished product will bulge unsightly.

• Attach Velcro tape to the underside of the cornice bar. This can be done using glue, a furniture stapler or screws.
• Fold and finish the top edge. Sew the second part of the Velcro to it. This is done so that the finished frame can be easily removed from the cornice and washed.
• We process the bottom edge. Make a “pocket” on it in which the weight bar will be located. You can use a thin wooden beam or a piece of wood as a weighting agent. aluminum profile. If the fabric is translucent, paint the strip in the desired color in advance.
• Sew decorative braid from the inside. At the same time, make pockets for the rods. Insert the rods into their proper places. Make sure that they do not catch or pull the curtain fabric. Sew the pockets on one side. With the second one, you will remove the rods when you remove the curtain for washing.
• Hand sew the rings according to the markings. For fixation lifting mechanism three rings need to be placed on the cornice. Do this using regular screws or hook screws. The rings must be symmetrical relative to the middle and located no less than 5 cm from the edge.
• Use Velcro to attach the curtain to the curtain rod.



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Thread the cords into the rings. To do this, tie them in a knot around the bottom rings. For reliability, you can secure the result with glue. Then, from the bottom up, go through all the rings, including the top ones. Bring all the cords to one side through the top row of rings.

• Pull all the cords and straighten the tabs on the curtains. Secure the folds with ribbons.
• Attach the curtain rod. Untie the tape and lower the curtain. Equalize the tension of all the cords and connect them with a knot behind the outermost ring.
• Thread the cords through the handle that lifts the curtain. Tie a second knot at a distance of 40–50 cm from the first knot. Cut off the remaining free ends of the cord. To prevent the edges from crumbling, you can melt them over a fire.

You can find many master classes on the Internet and on Youtube on how to sew Roman blinds yourself. But, as a rule, these methods require some sewing skills, a sewing machine and preparation various materials for their manufacture. But for those who do not know how to sew, who do not have a sewing machine and who are not ready to select all the necessary accessories, we have prepared step-by-step master class about how to quickly and efficiently make Roman blinds with your own hands with virtually no sewing.

• What's the point usual ways? The first step is sewing the curtains, then several slats are sewn to the canvas, 3 rings are sewn to each slat, then ropes are passed through them from top to bottom, taken out through the hook-rings on the upper cornice and finally pulled out through the side hook. Thus, by pulling these strings, the curtain can be raised and lowered. The fabric is attached to the cornice using Velcro tape, and the cornice itself is made from a wooden block. This method has its pros and cons: you need to prepare slats, a block, a bracket with screws for installation, a furniture stapler, nylon ropes, etc.

• What is the essence of making Roman blinds with your own hands without sewing and a homemade cornice? Firstly, in this master class we suggest treating fabric sections with glue web, rather than sewing. This solution is just right for curtains and will be no worse than “stitching”. Secondly, we will replace the “set” of bars, slats, ropes, rings, etc., which are inexpensive (150-500 rubles) and are sold everywhere. So you don’t have to look for lumber and various accessories, and such a curtain will look very neat and beautiful.

What do you need to prepare for work?

Before you start, you need to buy and prepare:

1. Cut of fabric - the fabric should be dense so as not to sag and keep its shape;
2. Adhesive web tape 0.5 mm-1 cm wide on a paper base;
3. Auxiliary materials: chalk, scissors, ruler, tape measure;
4. Brush and fabric glue (available at any sewing store, but you can also take “Moment for shoes” or “Moment Crystal” glue);
5. Any plastic blinds, suitable in width to your window (old blinds will work even with chips and broken slats, the main thing is that the lifting mechanism is in working order);
6. Iron and gauze as an ironing iron.

Step 1. Take measurements and cut the fabric

To cut the fabric, you need to measure the window opening, but first you need to decide how you want to hang the curtains:

• Inside the window opening– in this case, the finished curtains should be 2 cm narrower than the window opening. That is, if, for example, its width is 150 cm, then we need ready-made curtains 148 cm. To the desired width we add 6 cm for the folds at the edges and get a fabric cut width of 154 cm. The cut length is calculated as follows: subtract from the height of the window opening 2 cm and to this number we add 3 cm (at the bottom hem) and the height of the cornice (usually 4 or 2 cm).
• Above the window opening– in this case, window measurements need to be taken in the same way as for ordinary curtains, but we measure the fabric for cutting according to the following principle:

• Fabric cut width = desired width of the finished curtain + hem allowance at the edges of 6 cm;
• Fabric cut length = desired length of the finished curtain when unraveled + 3 cm allowance for the bottom hem + height of the curtain rod (you need to measure, usually 2 or 4 cm) + a couple of centimeters so that you can wrap the curtain rod, and there will be no ugly cut of fabric it is seen;

Using the measurements obtained, we cut out the fabric and then iron it.

Step 2. Process the side edges

Now we need to process the side sections of the fabric.

Method 1: simply fold the edges once to a width of 3 cm, place the web (you can take it without a base) between two layers of fabric as shown in the photo and fix it with an iron. If there sewing machine, then the cuts can be pre-formed using an overlocker. We repeat this procedure for the other side and bottom of the curtains, but don’t touch the top yet.

• The web should be ironed with a well-heated iron and steam, and preferably through a cotton cloth or gauze. The main thing here is not to overexpose the iron, but also not to rush, so that the glue has time to melt and adhere to the fabric, then the curtains will serve you for a long time and will not require gluing after several washes;
• First, it’s better to practice and test the web on an unnecessary piece of fabric.

Method 2, which is a little more complicated than the first, but the edges will look neater, since the crumbling sections will be hidden in a hidden hem:

1. We place the fabric with the wrong side up, make an indentation from the edges of 3 cm and mark a fine dotted line along the entire length of the fabric using a ruler;
2. Now turn the fabric face up and place it on the ironing board. Then we apply a glue web to the very edge (with the paper base on top) and begin to iron it directly over the base, pausing at each section for 10 seconds. Attention! There is no need to peel off the paper yet;
3. Are you done? Now we turn the fabric inside out and fold the same edge with the web up, and then it turns out that paper base"looks at you." We iron it again until the end and do not peel it off yet;
4. Now we fold the edge again, also inside out, but with an indentation of 2 cm, that is, right up to our marking line. We simply iron the fold of the fabric again without removing the paper layer from the web;
5. But now that the hem has been formed and ironed, we can safely tear off the paper and seal it completely.
6. We repeat the procedure with the other side of the fabric and with the bottom, but do not touch the top yet.

Step 3. Glue the top of the fabric to the cornice

• Before gluing, read the glue manufacturer's instructions - sometimes it is enough to smooth the fabric, and sometimes you need to put a heavy press on the gluing site for a while;
• Before using glue, be sure to test it on an unnecessary piece of material.

Step 4. Remaking the blinds

For now, we leave the fabric alone and begin to remake the blinds - this is done simply and quickly, so even a child can do it. Our task is to shorten the blinds to the required length, and most importantly, remove the excess slats and leave only a few pieces. To do this, cut the rope that connects the slats to each other as shown in the photo below; It is important not to confuse it with the control cord.

Ready! Now we take out the cut rope and get blinds with slats moving freely along the cords, as can be seen in the next photo.

• For short curtains(up to 145 cm) for small windows you need 6 folds. In this case, you need to leave 5 lamellas (excluding the lower weight strip);
• For standard curtains (145-225 cm) you need 7 folds. In this case, we leave 6 slats (excluding the lower weight strip);
• For long curtains(over 225 cm) you need 8 folds. In this case, 7 slats should be left (excluding the lower weight strip).

To remove excess slats, unfasten the plastic plug on the bottom weight bar and untie/cut off the knot of cords as shown in the photo.

Then we remove all the excess slats, leaving only 5, 6 or 7 pieces and, guided by the length of the curtains, cut off the excess cords, if any. Now we put the weight bar back on these cords, tie knots and attach plugs.

Step 5. Glue the slats to the plank

• To do this more accurately, you can calculate the spacing using the formula: spacing between slats = (length of finished curtains/number of slats) – (minus) the height of each slate (usually 1.27 cm or 89 mm).

We make markings with chalk, that is, we mark where we will glue the slats, then apply glue to them and press them to the fabric (according to the manufacturer’s instructions). It is important to glue the slats without touching the adjustment cords.

Step 6. Process the bottom

Almost done! All that remains is to glue the bottom edge of the curtain to the weight strip, as shown in the photo, and install the curtain rod. This can be done using ours or the manufacturer's instructions.

Links to interesting videos

• For those who want to sew Roman blinds with their own hands, make a cornice and lifting mechanism themselves from scrap materials, we offer this clear and visual master class for viewing.

• And here is the following video with a master class on how to sew Roman blinds with your own hands, if you have a special factory cornice:

A device called the Roman blind illustrates the saying about the simplicity of genius. Convenient device fits perfectly into modern interior- the laconicism of its aesthetics allows the Roman blind to match any style.

INTERESTING! From the time of Ancient Rome when ancient designers came up with the idea convenient device, the appearance and design principle remained virtually unchanged. Another proof of the well-known practicality of the ancient Latins!

Their layered design allows you to decorate any room - from a nursery to a balcony. Looks great in the kitchen too!

Advantages

The main advantage of curtains is the ability to have free access to the window sill and open the window when the curtains are closed. In hot summers, this will help make the room cooler: air access is ensured and hot rays do not penetrate.

Budget is another obvious advantage: once you have spent money on a special mechanical cornice, all that remains is to change the strip of fabric attached to it.

ADVICE! A set of curtains for the seasons will allow you to create a special atmosphere in different seasons - golden leaf fall, blooming or spring greenery can be reproduced directly on the window. And specially hand-sewn “New Year’s” curtains will make the house festive for several magical weeks.

Flaws

They only concern the care of such products: washing them is not difficult, but preparing for washing will bring some trouble: you will have to independently remove the weighting material and strips from the pockets, and then put them back in yourself.

There is also a problem that has become side effect environmental friendliness: natural fabrics used to sew Roman blinds tend to shrink, and you can’t curtain a window with them.

ADVICE! Wash at maximum hot water before cutting the fabric will reduce the severity of the problem. Then the future curtain needs to be thoroughly ironed. Subsequently, it will be possible to wash in a more gentle mode: the main shrinkage will occur during the first wash.

We sew Roman blinds

The simplicity of adapting a Roman blind allows even an inexperienced seamstress to design it correctly.

What you will need

We will proceed from classic size- 160 cm along the product and 60 cm across (special window sizes require adjustment of the average parameter). Let's prepare:

• your favorite piece of fabric (pre-shrunk!) measuring 165x65 cm, taking into account the processing of the edges;
• two and a half meters of braid for finishing or ribbon;
• Velcro tape (Velcro);
• threads and needles;
• scissors;
• a sewing machine (if you don’t have one, it’s not difficult to do it manually);
• a special kit with a cornice and weights (sold in stores or ordered online).

ADVICE! If you don’t have enough money for a special device and have a minimum of ingenuity, you can build a cornice from wooden slats and rings from out-of-use bras - there are quite a few instructions on the Internet on the topic “You are your own master.”

What is the best fabric to choose?

There are special requirements for the choice of material: it must be resistant to fading. Special fabrics for curtains have proven themselves best in this regard. Satin behaves well as a fabric for curtains.

It doesn't matter if the fabric frays: the edges will still be processed. Density and color are a matter of taste and compliance with the design of the room being decorated.

Process step by step

1. We begin to shape the product: to calculate its width, add five centimeters to 60 cm (based on the dimensions of the cornice) (2.5 cm on the left and right). We also increase the length by the same amount: 3.5 cm at the bottom, where there will be a pocket for the weighting part, the rest will be folded at the top.
2. We shape the edges along the length: fold them twice (“sewing in” the strip to the required 60 cm) and stitch.
3. Now we fold the bottom, forming a pocket. To control the length, we measure the fabric - it should be at least 161 cm.
4. Turning the top edge under, sew on the adhesive tape.
5. From the cornice kit we take out the divider strips (4 pcs.). We cut four pieces of braid 60 cm each (taking into account the folding of the sections, which we immediately sew up).
6. We measure five even parts on the curtain for folds. At the “border” places we sew the braid in two lines (from the inside of the curtain, having previously drawn the basting lines). We get pockets where the strips are inserted.
7. At the bottom of the curtains we measure and mark on the left and right on the tape and pocket 12 cm from the edge. We sew rings here for the regulating fold of the cord.
8. We look for guide parts for the cord on the cornice, fasten them at the same 12 cm from the left and right edges and fix them with the screws included in the kit (firmly!).
9. Place the curtain with the wrong side up and attach it to the curtain rod.
10. Having threaded the cord through the rings, we knit a strong knot on the last one from the bottom near the weighting agent.
11. We insert the weighting part into the pocket, and the strips into the sewn braid.
12. We look for fastenings in the kit and install (you should hear a click). Now we try on the entire structure on the window, marking the fastening points with a marker.
13. Setting aside the cornice with the curtain, we mount the fasteners. Now you can attach the cornice to it permanent place- ready!

Having installed the curtain in its proper place, experiment with its levels, simply pulling the cord slightly towards you - the light in the room will be adjusted according to your desire.

The pockets can be sewn on one side, although the strips will “sit” quite firmly inside. It is better to leave the second end unsewn - for ease of removal of the strips and weighting material during maintenance.

Does the curtain seem too laconic? It is quite compatible with more familiar curtain models - drapes or tulle. Feel free to use decorative elements - colored cords with bright

tassels, ribbons of contrasting colors, bright edging. Lace fabric will help combine two styles - antique and Provencal, and a print with arabesques and oriental cucumbers will give the bedroom a seraglio atmosphere.

ADVICE! There is no need to complement a curtain with a bright color or a catchy pattern with an excess of decorations - it will turn out tacky.

A little imagination - and you are your own designer! Isn’t that a good start for mastering a new activity?

Roman blinds have been and remain one of the most popular models of fabric filters. Depending on the type and color of the material, curtains of this type can be presented in either a laconic design or a romantic or rustic styles. They will organically fit into any interior, and this is what explains such a diverse range of finished products. However, if you want your home to become truly unique and cozy, you need to fill it with exclusive details. We will tell you how to make Roman blinds with your own hands, especially since this process is not too expensive and will not require any special financial investments from you.

How to install the curtain is the initial question, the answer to which depends on what size you are.

Roman blinds inside window opening

Roman blinds over the window opening

Roman curtains in the interior

Roman blinds made of thin synthetic fabric

The next step is to select suitable material. Each type of fabric, depending on density, texture and percentage of naturalness, is suitable for sewing Roman blinds with your own hands. To help you make your choice, we will reveal a few secrets on how best to decorate a window depending on the texture of the canvas.

Material selection

To make Roman blinds with your own hands, you can use fabrics of any texture. It all depends on the intended functionality and the degree of darkness that you would like to create in the room with their help.

Curtains black out

This is a variety modern materials, having the highest degree of light protection. Fabrics of this category are treated with a special impregnation that completely blocks the penetration of sunlight, and also prevents heating of the air in the room and prevents furniture from fading.

Roman blinds blackout

Curtains made from natural materials

Blinds made of natural fabrics (linen or cotton) have average light transmission, so they are more appropriate to use in living rooms or dining rooms. Linen and cotton curtains are not electrified, have increased wear resistance and look very elegant. However, when choosing natural materials you need to make allowances for the fact that after the first wash the fabric may shrink. When measuring, this point must be taken into account.

Roman blinds made of natural materials (linen)

Synthetic fabrics for Roman blinds

Curtains made of synthetics or with a large percentage of artificial thread are very convenient both to sew and to use. They hardly wrinkle, do not shrink and wash well. And if they were treated with dirt and moisture-proof liquids during production, such canvases hardly get dirty and do not accumulate dust. Synthetic products are optimal for the kitchen, balcony or loggia windows. The variety of colors and additional fittings allows you to decorate the window in any style. The main thing is that the direction of the design coincides with interior decoration premises.

Synthetic Roman blinds

Roman blinds made of mixed fabrics

Blended fabrics, in the production of which threads and fibers are used different composition– both natural and artificial, – perhaps the most best option for sewing home textiles. They have excellent performance properties and are resistant to damage, tearing and tightening. Often such materials have a bright color that does not lose its intensity for a long time, and big choice density degree will allow you to choose the canvas specifically for your needs.

So, we figured out the choice of fabric. Now we just need to decide what tools and materials we will need to sew a Roman blind with our own hands.

Required Tools

To sew 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, which 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 material - wooden block or a 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.

DIY Roman blinds step by step instructions

Having prepared all the necessary elements, you can get to work.

Step 1. Measuring and cutting fabric

If you have chosen the option of a curtain located inside the opening, then the window measurement scheme looks like this:

• L (length) curtains = distance from the upper slope of the window to the window sill plus 7 - 10 cm per turn (bottom and top);
• B (width) of the curtain = the width of the window opening plus seam allowances (5 - 7 cm) and minus 2 - 3 cm, necessary so that the finished curtain does not cling to the side panels.

When decorating a window by mounting the curtains on a wall or ceiling, that is, outside the opening, adhere to the following values:

• L (length) of the curtains = the distance from the intended location of the cornice to the window sill plus hem allowances (about 10 cm). Typically, when mounted on a wall, the suspension is attached at a distance of approximately 10 - 15 cm from the upper slope of the window group;
• B (width) of curtains = desired width finished product, plus 6 cm for side seams. Most often, when mounting from the outside, the Roman blind is made approximately 5 - 10 cm wider than the window opening.

After taking all the measurements and adding centimeters to the seams, be sure to wet the fabric in warm water, wring it out and iron it so that it does not shrink after the first wash. Lay the material on a horizontal surface, measure the required length and width, and cut.

Step 2. Calculate the folds

All the beauty of the Roman classic curtains consists of beautiful drapery, which appears when the product is lifted. To ensure that your curtains have a neat appearance and fold in even stripes, it is very important to correctly calculate the width of the folds, depending on the height of the window.

For convenience, we have compiled a table to help you make the calculation.

Window height (cm)	Number of folds	Interval between warehouses (cm)	Window height (cm)	Number of folds	Interval between warehouses (cm)	Window height (cm)	Number of folds	Interval between warehouses (cm)
	7	19,3	180	7	24,0	215	7	28,7
	7	20,0	185	7	24,7	220	7	29,3
	7	20,7	190	7	25,3	225	8	30,0
	7	21,3	195	7	26,0	230	8	27,0
	7	22,0	200	7	26,7	235	8	27,6
	7	22,7	205	7	27,3	240	8	28,2
	7	23,3	210	7	28,0	245	8	28,8
						250	8	29,4

Mark the places of future folds and hem lines on the wrong side.

Step 3: Fabric Treatment

• We turn the fabric on the sides by 3 cm from each edge and stitch;
• We process the upper edge of the fabric with an overlocker, make a hem of 5 cm, and sew Velcro tape along the entire width;
• After this, we work on the bottom edge - we make a so-called “pocket” into which the weighting material will be inserted;
• Make the same “pockets” using a finishing border sewn onto the wrong side of the material in the places where you marked the warehouses;
• We sew rings on the border through which laces will be pulled to lift the fabric. Place the parts symmetrically, starting the calculation from the center of the fabric and stopping at a distance of 5 - 10 cm from the edge;
• Insert the weighting and frame slats along the curtain. Sew up the holes on the sides.

Step 4. Attaching the curtains

• Using a furniture stapler, we nail Velcro tape to the block on which the curtain will be attached;
• WITH reverse side We nail the rings into the timber, the location of which must exactly coincide with the position of similar fittings on the fabric;
• With help on the beam;
• Pass the laces through all the rows of rings, fixing their ends at the bottom with knots, and at the top bring them to one side and connect them to each other;
• Pull the cord to assemble the curtain. Check how nicely the warehouses are laid out and, if necessary, align the rows.

Curtain from the wrong side

Step 5. Fixing to the window

• If you are installing the product inside an opening, use adhesive brackets or types that are attached directly to the frame or sash;
• For installation above an opening - attach at the required height metal corners, and already install a wooden beam with a curtain on them;
• Screw a hook (bracket) to the frame, which will serve to wind the lifting cord that secures the curtain in the assembled position.

Unravel and lift the curtain again to ensure that all actions performed are correct. As a result, you should get a smooth and neat curtain that can be gathered into beautiful folds using a cord.

Having learned how to sew Roman blinds with your own hands , you can decorate your home with original and unusual products that will give your home a unique charm and personality. If the design style you choose allows you to use decorative elements, decorate the curtain with metal fittings, ribbons or fringe along the bottom edge or sides. Such designs look very impressive when combined with other types of curtains - for example, with heavy drapes or Italian curtains, which are distinguished by an asymmetrical arrangement of pickups.

We hope that our master class on sewing Roman blinds will help even the most novice seamstress to be proud of the results of her work. After all, not a single thing will bring as much joy and satisfaction as something that is made with your own hands.