Up next for All Things Windows: the lovely Sarah is here to show you how to make a faux roman shade, for when you want the look but don’t need the functionality of a full roman shade.
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Hi Everyone! I’m Sarah and I blog over at Just the Bees Knees where I share my passion for design, and adventures in DIY. I’m also a monthly mood board contributor right here on Remodelaholic, but today I am visiting for a different reason: to share how I make one of my favorite DIY window treatments: the Faux Roman Shade.
Ready to get started?! Lets learn how to make a faux roman shade! (Note: this tutorial is for an inside mount blind. Your measurements may differ for an outside mount.)
How to Make a Faux Roman Shade
by Sarah of Just The Bee’s Knees
First you need to measure your window and figure out how much fabric you will need. I always measure twice and cut once, (well, not always, but you can learn from my mistake here.) This is very important especially when working with a larger scale pattern such as the one I chose.
Once you determine the finished width and length of your blind, Add 2″ to the width ( 1/2″ seam allowance on either side, plus an additional 1/2″ on either side to wrap around the lining. There will be more about this step later.) and add 1 1/2″ to the length (1/2″ at the top for seam allowance and about 1″ at the bottom for a hem.) This will determine the size you need to cut. I cut my fabric to be about 24″ long, but yours may vary depending on how many folds you want to have, and how long you want it to hang.
Here’s a tip when measuring a large scale fabric like mine: My goal was to have 2 panels that looked exactly the same, so I had to measure the width of my fabric starting at the center, not the edge. This way my pattern repeat was equal on either side, and my pattern was centered.
I chose to line my shade to give it a more professional, finished look, as well as to protect the shade from fading. You don’t have to line your shade, but if you choose to, cut your lining so that it is the same length as your fabric panel, but 2″ shorter in width.
Pin your lining to each side of your fabric, right sides together. In the first photo I only have one side pinned. (Remember, the lining is not as wide as the fabric! This will ensure the fabric wraps slightly around the back for a more polished edge.) Sew each side using a 1/2″ seam allowance. Press open the seams and turn shade right side out.
After you have turned your fabric right side out, press the sides so there is about 1/2″ of the fabric showing on the back of the shade. Make sure you get a really nice crisp seam. Turn the shade inside out again, and using your crisply pressed seam as a guide, pin the top edges together, keeping the 1/2″ of wrapped fabric to either side at the back. Sew a straight edge all the way across the top of the shade. Clip the corners, press the seam open, then turn the shade right side out again and press to get a crisp clean line across the top.
I chose to hem my blinds with hemming tape, because it is quick and easy! There are many other methods, but this is the way I hem with the tape: First, stitch the bottom of the shade and the lining together using a zig zag stitch to prevent fraying. Press the seam up once, about half an inch, then once again to the desired length. Press tape under hem as per instructions.
To determine where to place the pleats, lay your blind on a flat surface, then figure out how you want your pleats to look by folding the fabric. Pin the pleats to hold in place when you are satisfied, and if you have a second shade, make sure the pleats are lined up so they match.
Secure pleats by using more hemming tape! I used Heat & Bond Ultra on the pleats for added strength, but alternately, you could hand or machine stitch your pleats in place. I just placed the tape all the way along the top of the pleat on the back side of my shade. Next, I added a quick hand stitch to the end of each pleat for added strength.
There are many different ways to mount your blind, but this is how I do mine! I’ve also seen it done by creating a pocket in the top of your blind and using a tension rod. My window is 6′ wide, so this method is the most secure.
Cut a piece of 1″ x 2″ wood to the length of the inside of your window and screw into the top of your window frame as shown using wood screws. Prime and paint the same color as your trim and it will look like part of your window trim! Then cut a piece of 3/4″ sew on velcro the entire width of your shade, plus about an extra 1″. Attach the soft loop side of the velcro to the top of your shade using the ultra strong hemming tape again. (I found that when I applied heat to the velcro, it shrunk a bit, so make sure to cut yourself the extra inch for shrinkage!!)
Attach the hook side of the velcro to your mounted board using a staple gun. Line up the velcro to attach your blind, and voila! Professional looking faux roman shades. The best part about this mounting method is you can easily change out the blind anytime you feel ready to redecorate!
Sarah
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Thanks, Sarah! Love saving time and money while creating a great-looking window like this!
You can see all of Sarah’s lovely Remodelaholic mood boards here, and head over to her blog to check out her other awesome projects, like her faux bois stenciled wall and these awesome rolling book baskets.
Coming up later:
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What a great idea for a link party. Window treatments can be the very thing that pulls a room together! Thank you for hosting.
Thanks for linking up, Suzy!
Love this diy! I also have used this mounting method and it works perfectly. Thanks for sharing. I’m pinning!
Leslie