Can you turn curtains into Roman blinds?

Those who regularly sew know all too well that sometimes you may find you are left with excess fabric. You may have found use for some of this fabric, such as for cleaning rags and such, however they can be used for so much more. If you don’t want your excess fabric to go to waste then you can use them for some home projects. The same can be applied to curtain fabrics that are old and have been replaced; they get discarded and never used again. You can change that, with using them for home projects such as building your own Roman blinds. 

DIY Roman blinds are a great choice when it comes to using your excess material and fabrics, it saves you buying new blinds and prevents the fibres of your discarded fabrics from breaking due to dust accumulation that occurs when you leave them lying around. Here’s a list of things you need to start making your very own Roman blinds. 

• Yards of fabric (according to your window size)
• Fabric cutter/scissors
• Staple gun
• Wooden stick or dowel for the top pleat
• A plank or panel for the bottom
• Iron
• Liner fabric
• Upholstery hooks and hooks for wood
• Needle and thread

Once you’ve collected everything you need, here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own Roman blinds.

1. Gather all materials

Gather everything you need and make sure to use fabrics that are strong enough for the Roman blinds. You can use some old fabric or, better yet, use Yorkshire Fabric Shop’s velvet or jacquard fabrics for this. You can also opt for mixes of natural and synthetic fabrics using our fabric finder. 

2. Measure your windows

Get a measuring tape and measure the length and width of your windows. Make sure to measure at least 3-4 inches beyond your windows’ measurements for the seams.

3. Prepare and iron your fabrics

Lay your fabrics flat on the table. Be sure to have the same measurements for the fabric and the fabric liner so they fit evenly with each other when it comes to sewing them. Then, iron the seams so they have folds. 

4. Pin and sew the seams

Once you’re done ironing the seams, you can use pins to hold your fabrics together. Make sure to place as many as possible, so the fabrics wont move when you sew them. 

5. Leave a hole

While sewing, leave a hole at the top of the fabric, as this will be where the top pole will be placed. This will allow your fabrics to hang beautifully when you finish the blinds. 

6. Cover your bottom panel

It’s time to let your main fabric rest. Get your panel (which should be the same size as the width of your fabric) and cover it with a lining fabric. This process is easy; it’s just like wrapping a present.

7. Sew the upholstery hooks

Take your upholstery hooks and sew them evenly. You can sew them evenly by taking your measuring tape and measuring at least a two inch space when sewing them. Also, make sure that they are aligned with the other side for better pleats. Once everything is set, you can sew them inside the portion of your seams. 

8. Hook the panel

Your bottom panel must also be given hooks as this would be the foundation of where your strings will glide once you get to pull them. Screw your hooks in line with your upholstery hooks so the pleats will look neat.

9. Staple your bottom panel 

It’s time to put your panel together with your fabric. For easier hold, you can take your staple gun, aim your staple at the bottom portion of your panel, and put them in place. Make sure to staple on the part where the staples are invisible to create a neater look for your Roman blinds. 

10. Put your strings in place

Do knots on each hook, as this provides you with better pulling when the strings are used to use and adjust the blinds. When doing this, you must first lay your fabrics flat on a table, place a straight string in between the hooks, and knot them for every hook. Your strings must also be evenly placed, otherwise it would look crooked. 

11. Place your poles

Remember the hole you made at the top of your fabric? You can now place the pole through it. However, to avoid the poles sliding, you will need to staple them facing the lining fabric. 

12. Place your Roman blinds

You can now take your DIY Roman blinds and place them on your windows. Use the strings to adjust them for easy and efficient light control in your home. 

Now you have your very own Roman blinds at home. It’s quick and cost-effective; feel free to explore our range of fabrics if you’re looking for some to make your own Roman blinds.