How to Make Decorative Roller Window Shades

Vinyl window blinds are so 1980. When you need to replace yours -- and if you have them, you do need to replace them -- there is an inexpensive way to update your window treatments. When you make decorative roller window shades, you get a professional looking window treatment personalized to your decor.

Things You'll Need

• Vinyl roll-up shade that fits your window
• Tape measure
• Staple gun
• Staples
• Fabric
• 1/4-inch dowel
• Saw
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Thread

Instructions

1. Take down your old vinyl shade, leaving the hardware installed. Unroll the shade to the very end, cut or rip the vinyl off right where it is stapled to the roller.

2. Measure the roller itself from end to end with a measuring tape. This is the width you want to use for your replacement material. Measure your window from inside the top of the casing down to the sill. Add 6 inches. This is the length you need for your replacement material.

3. Cut a 1/4-inch dowel with a saw to the width measurement.

4. Cut your fabric to the appropriate length measurement. Fold back the bottom inch of the length and sew a channel for the 1/4-inch dowel.

5. Lay out your fabric, ensuring it is the same width as the the roller is long and cut to the proper length measurement. Smooth it out to ensure it is free of creases or wrinkles.

6. Align the old stripped roller shade at the top end of your fabric -- opposite the edge with the sewn channel. Staple new fabric to the old shade roller with the staple gun spacing the staples about 3 inches apart.

7. Roll new material tightly and smoothly from top to bottom. Place the new shade in existing hardware on your window. Insert the dowel into the channel. Tug the bottom end a few times, letting the shade go up and down to increase the tension.

Tips & Warnings

• Use medium-weight fabric with selvage-width edges (hemming would cause bulkiness which would interfere with the appearance and function of your blind). For a roller blind measuring 36 inches across, look for linen or burlap. Pre-made table runners and lightweight rugs can sometimes be adapted as well.

• Attach a decorative pull to the center of the bottom edge for an added touch.

• Don't pull too hard or you can damage the roller mechanism.