How to Make a Canvas Roman Shade

Roman shades are a great way to add shade to any window or simply enhance the look of your room. They not only have a clean simple look but are usually easy to operate. Having custom roman shades made for your windows can be expensive but you can make your own out of a canvas drop cloth that you probably already have lying around your home.

Things You'll Need

• Canvas painting drop cloth
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• No-sew tape
• Hot iron
• Pencil
• Roman shade ring tape
• Sewing pins
• Sewing Machine
• 1/2-inch dowel rod cut to 1/2 inch shorter than width of window
• Sewing Needle
• Thread
• L-brackets and screws
• Pull cord kit with screw eyes
• 1-by-2-inch board, 1/2 inch shorter than the window width
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Self-adhesive hook-and-loop strips

Instructions

Measure and Cut

1. Measure the width and length of your window and add 1 1/2 inches to the width and 2 inches to the length for the seams. Cut your piece of canvas according to the measurements. Fold over the top and sides and iron on the no-sew tape to create a hem on all cut edges.

2. Measure across the top of the shade and mark the center with a pencil. Measure and mark 10 inches out on either side and mark that as well. Cut three strips of the Roman shade ring tape to the length of the shade from beneath the top hem to just above the bottom hem. Pin the ring tape into place vertically down the center and sides of the shade starting at the marked spots. Sew the strips into place with the sewing machine, removing the pins as you sew.

3. Fold over the bottom of the shade and iron it flat. Place the wooden dowel rod inside the fold and hand sew it closed with a simple hand stitch.

4. Attach the L-brackets to the top of the window and the pull cord kit to the bottom of the 1" x 2" board with the drill and screwdriver. Attach a strip of the self adhesive Velcro to the front of the 1" x 2" board as well as on the back top of the Roman shade and press the two together to attach the shade to the board. Thread the cords through the eye screws and then through the rings down the center and both sides of the shade. Tie a knot at the end to secure them into place. Hang the board by attaching it to the L-brackets in the window.

Tips & Warnings

• The shades can be easily switched out; make a different shade for each season. Roll them up and store them until ready to use.

References

• How To Make Roman Shades