How to Make Top Down Shades

Add a little privacy to your world with top down window shades.

Many types of window treatments are available. Some can be simple, while others can consist of layers of fabric. The one thing they all have in common is that they can cost lots of money. If you are looking for a simple, but impressive way to dress your windows, consider top down shades. Not only are they good looking but they also provide privacy. This project will supply you with the instructions to make a top down shade, which is a version of a Roman shade. By choosing your own fabrics, you can achieve a custom window treatment look.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Fabric, two coordinating fabrics, amount determined by the size of window
• Scissors
• Iron
• Straight pins
• Needle
• Coordinating thread
• Sewing machine
• Dowel rod, 1-inch diameter, length determined by size of window
• Disappearing ink fabric marker
• Plastic drapery rings, determined by size of shade
• Screw eyes, two sets
• Drapery cord, four to five yards

Instructions

1. Measure the width and length of the window from inside the window trim or casing. Add 2 inches to the width and length for seam allowance.

2. Lay the fabric for the outside of the shade on a flat surface. Measure and mark the outer fabric according to the measurements taken. Cut the outer fabric and set it aside. Measure and mark the fabric for the lining according to the measurements taken. Cut the lining fabric. Press each fabric section before sewing.

3. Pin the outer fabric and lining fabric right sides together with straight pins. Sew a simple straight stitch with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine around all four sides. Sew 1 inch from the cut edge of the fabric, but leave a 8- to 10-inch opening in the middle of one of the long sides for turning the shade right side out.

4. Measure and mark for a 1 ½-inch seam that will be about ¼ inch away from the edge of the fabric at each short end of the shade. Sew the two seams. These seams will form rod pockets at each end and will hold a dowel rod. Insert a 1-inch dowel rod into each of the rod pockets and hand-stitch the ends of the rod pockets closed. Turn the top down shade right side out and press. Hand-sew the opening used to turn the shade right side out by turning the raw edges inside and securing with small, neat stitches.

5. Mark the position of the drapery cord rings on the shade with a disappearing ink fabric marker. Place the first, uppermost ring marking just below the top dowel rod. Mark the position of the rings along the dowel rod itself. Place three vertical lines of rings evenly across the width of shade; one at each end of the dowel rod and one in the center of the shade. Mark the position for the rings.

6. Mark the horizontal lines of rings every 8 to 12 inches down the length of the shade.

7. Sew the drapery rings into position.

8. Screw three sets of screw eyes into the top inside casing of the window. These should match the vertical positions of the rings at the top of the shade.

9. Thread the drapery cord through the center set of rings starting at the middle screw eye at the top of the shade. Continue to feed the drapery cord through to the bottom of the shade and then up to the upper dowel-mounted rings and through the end set of eyes. Repeat for each screw eye. Pull the cords to one side and knot the cords. Add a little fabric glue to secure the knot. This will allow the shade to lower from the top.

10. Thread the drapery cords through the center set of rings starting at the bottom of the shade. Continue to feed the drapery cord to the top of the shade and through the middle screw eye. Continue threading the drapery cord through to the lower dowel-mounted rings including the remaining set of screw eyes. Repeat for each screw eye. Pull the cords to one side and knot the cords. Add a little fabric glue to secure the knot.This will allow the shade to raise from the bottom.

Tips & Warnings

• This is a cost-effective and private window treatment, perfect for apartments and dorms.

• Take appropriate precautions with window treatment cords when children are present in the house.

References

• Terrell Designs: Make a Top-Down/Bottom-Up Roman Shade