How to Make a Liner for a Roman Shade

A Roman shade is a window covering that pulls up with a cord from the bottom to open. After opening the shade, this cord is fastened at the bottom to keep the shade in an open position at the top of the window. As the shade is opened, the fabric folds neatly by a pulley system fashioned by plastic rings and cording.

Roman shades are a great window covering choice for smaller windows. These shades are quite popular and are easy to purchase ready-made. It is not a difficult or time-consuming project to make your own Roman shades, however. Making your own will enable you to choose the exact fabric that will complement your decor and will likely be less expensive than purchasing ready-made Roman shades.

The liner of the Roman shade should be a complementary fabric to the main curtain fabric. The liner will receive the bulk of the sunlight on the shade (if there is any), so expect this fabric to fade. The liner will also protect the main shade fabric from fading.

Things You'll Need

• Liner fabric Shade fabric Sewing machine Sewing notions Tape measure Wood strip for weighting

Instructions

Making a Liner for a Roman Shade

1. Measure the inside width and length of the window. Add 1 inch to both the length and width measurement for seam allowances.

2. Cut one piece of fabric out of the shade fabric according to the measurements taken. Cut another identically sized piece of fabric out of the liner fabric. Choose two fabrics that are generally similar in weight for best results.

3. Place right sides of fabric together and pin. Sew around all four sides, but leave a six-inch opening for turning. Pull the fabric through the opening so it is now right side out.

4. Place a wood strip that measures 1 inch by 2 inches smaller than the width of the window into the bottom of the shade to weight the shade. Slip this in through the opening and allow it to fall to the bottom of the shade.

5. Hand-stitch the opening closed. Press the shade well to ensure crisp corners and edges.