I have 2 windows that flank our living room fireplace. I wanted to add a little something to soften the window although we have no issue with privacy. A faux roman blind is perfect for this situation. It adds the warmth of fabric but is only decorative. I started off using a lightweight fabric that is probably meant for clothing and found that weight really does matter.
The fabric wouldn't hold the folds of the blind and the whole thing ended up looking sloppy. Lesson learned! I bought a cotton canvas that is the perfect weight and creases without even using an iron which is perfect for a project like this.
Start by determining whether you want the blind to hang in or outside of the window frame. Measure the window's width and height. I use the entire height of the window just to give fullness to the blind. Add 1" to each side and the top and 4" to the bottom for hems and these are your measurements for the fabric.
Use a square to get a straight line and cut the fabric.
Iron 1/2" hem and then fold again another 1/2" on each side and top. The bottom will have a 2" hem and than a second 2" hem. The double fold gives a nice crisp hem.
Sew all the hems in place.
Determine how many pleats you want in your blind and how deep you would like them. I chose 3 pleats at 3" each.
Start at the bottom and using a ruler create the first 3" fold. Pin in place and continue working up until you have as many pleats as you like.
Once all the pleats are pinned sew across the width of the pleat to hold it in place. Be sure to sew where the seam will be hidden by pleat above.
I used a 1" x 2" piece of wood cut to the size of the window and attached the blinds with a stapler.
Attach the blind to the wall using an L bracket.
Great job Carol!! I have a project I'm about to begin and this just may be the perfect window solution, I'm off to search for a great fabric! To see more of Carol's great DIY projects, make sure to visit her blog, The Design Pages.
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19 comments:
love the design pages and this faux roman blind...might have to tackle this for the powder room and/or office!
I did some no Sew Roman shades too...but I wish I would have seen this one. It seems so much easier. here is my tutorial..http://thepricesdaybyday.blogspot.com/2010/04/no-sew-roman-shades.html
Great solution to soften the window and also to add a pattern and color to a room!! kathysue
This would work really well in my laundry room & kitchen window to soften them up. Plus I think that even I (who is sewing machine challenged) could give this a go. Thanks!
Trust Carol to create a wonderful looking blind! She is a fantastic designer and DIY maven {and a great friend too!}
I love Design Pages! This actually looks doable even for someone like me who barely understands what sewing IS. :)
Carol never ceases to amaze me...This would be a great solution for the window over my kitchen sink :)
Carol is so creative! This tutorial makes it look quite simple, so maybe i can tackle this one myself!
this looks so great - I am definitely wanting to try one now!! thanks for the great post.
This is really very great work. Also, The adaptability of this appearance lends itself to use with all kinds of fabrics from more heavy, full-bodied to softer, more lightweight.
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I was trying to figure out what type of curtain to make for a kitchen window and this is perfect! Thank you for the excellent instructions.
Thanks for Posting!!Nice Blog.
Window Blinds UK has become one of the leading manufacturers of blinds in the UK.
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The collection of fabrics is just amazing. That ideas was surely refreshing.
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When people speak of "Express" blinds or "Value" blinds and "Cut Down" blinds are all basically the same thing: pre-constructed blinds that are partially finished and can be used after a Little intervention on hate part of the store. The come in 2" variation in size and the clerk will pull them out of the inventory and trim them down a little for your specifications. The same is done for hate length, depending upon the length of you window.
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Good solution for windows....all the shades look so right there.
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The diy faux roman blinds are given here. Read to know more about it
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I absolutely respect and appreciate your point on each and every object.
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Excellent DIY idea! The thing I like about this blind is you can easily change it anytime you want. If you want a different color and design, you can easily create one. It’s all up to you what style and color you want to use. Thanks for sharing this amazing DIY project! +Rene Veeravalli
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