How to Make Roll Up Canvas Shades

The right window treatments can add a level of class and distinction to any room. A great choice to consider for the window treatments of your next room are roll up or “roman” shades. Canvas material is a perfect fabric for this project because of its thickness which will add weight to your treatment, as well as adequate protection from the sun. Like regular blinds, when you pull the cord the shade will lift up and roll away to reveal the view. Unlike regular blinds, they can add a decorative quality to a space.

Things You'll Need

• Canvas material
• Screw eye bolts
• Cord
• Stiffening material
• Sewing machine
• Vertical hoops
• 1-inch by 1-inch trim wood pieces
• Fabric glue
• Iron (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the windows you want to cover.

2. Cut your fabric to size, leaving a 1-inch seam allowance on each side.

3. Hem the perimeter of your pieces of fabric. Iron flat around your seams for a cleaner look.

4. Glue several strips of stiffening material horizontally across the length of your shades. Determine the intervals at which you glue your strips of stiffening material by dividing your shades into pieces.

5. Sew two rows of plastic hoops vertically along the length of your shade. Attach these hoops to the strips of stiffening material.

6. Staple the top of your shade to a strip of 1-inch by 1-inch trim wood.

7. Nail the shade and wood inside the top frame of your window.

8. Insert a small screw eye bolt into either side of your trim piece for your cord to run through. When the cord is pulled, the windows can roll up.

9. Thread two lengths of cord through your vertical hoops. The length of cord should be at least twice the length of your individual shades to account for rolling. Attach these lengths of cord to your screw eye bolts.

Tips & Warnings

• For a more complete look, consider adding a lining material to the back side of your canvas material.