Make Your Own "No Sew" Roman Shades

Roman Shades are a stylish option for your windows.  You can dress up the windows in your home with easy, affordable DIY Roman shades made from basic mini-blinds.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Mini-blind to fit the window
Mid-weight upholstery fabric cut 6 inches wider     than the window and 12 inches longer
Fabric glue
Flat artist's paintbrush

Fabric Tip:   A fabric with some body will hold the folds nicely and filter sunlight while providing privacy. Look for a fabric in the home decor section of a fabric store, which tends to stock these heavier fabrics. Gather the fabric about a yard from the end and let it fall to see how it drapes. Look for slightly billowy folds for the best shades.

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Picture 1

Step 1 ( Picture 1)


Lay the blind on your work surface with the front facing down. To set the length you want the shade to be, follow package instructions to adjust the plug underneath the thick bottom slat.

Step 2  (Picture 2)

Snip away only the thicker strings that connect the slats on both the front and the back. Don't cut the string in the middle of the slats, which is what pulls the shade up and down.

Measure how long the shade will hang over the window and divide the measurement by seven. This is how many slats you will need to leave on the blind strings. Snap off and remove the rest.

Place fabric facedown under the blind. Account for the fabric that will be wrapped around the top of the blind and lay out the slats in 7-inch intervals. Mark these placements on the blinds. Mark the fabric where it folds at the sides, top, and bottom of slats. Remove the shade and press the fabric folds to create the hems.

Picture 2

Step 3 (Picture 3)

Place the fabric under the shade and use the paintbrush to brush glue onto the front side of the slats. Secure into place at the marked 7-inch intervals, tucking the ends of the slats beneath the folded edges. Use clothespins to hold the fabric in place while the glue dries.

If you're still not sure, you can watch the video below.  Enjoy!