How to Make Blackout Shades
A homemade blackout roller shade is not only easy to make, but it's an inexpensive alternative to high-priced blackout shades and curtains. WindowBlindsTips.com considers blackout roller shades to be the most effective way to darken your home theater, bedroom or other room where you need to block out maximum sunlight. Utilizing purchased roller blinds, you'll be sitting in a darkened room in an afternoon. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Cut the fabric. Measure the width of your roller blind. Add 1 inch to this measurement: this will be the width of your fabric. Measure the depth of the roller blind. Add 1 inch to the depth to find the length of your fabric. Cut fabric to these dimensions.
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2
Fold over the hem 1/2 inch at the sides. Press. Fold the bottom and top 1/2 inch. Press. Sew the hems.
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3
Pull the roller shade all the way down until it clicks.
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4
Remove the creases on the shade by steam ironing. Place the roller blind on the ironing board and cover with a damp sheet. Iron on a medium-high setting. Hang the roller blind to dry thoroughly (if you are in a hurry, dry with a hair dryer).
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5
Spray an even, thin coat of spray adhesive onto the wrong side of the blackout fabric (the side that is showing the edges of the sewn hems).
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6
Attach the blackout fabric to the blind fabric. Press down and smooth out. To line up the fabric properly, start in the bottom left-hand corner. Work your way up and over, smoothing with your hands.
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7
Leave to dry flat for 24 hours before hanging.
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Tips & Warnings
Determine the size you want the shade to be; add 4 inches to the width and 8 1/2 inches to the length. Cut the shade and lining fabric to size.
Be careful not to use too much spray adhesive. A thick layer will leave unsightly bulges on your shades.
