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Instructions

This section contains free instructions on how to make various types of Roman shades for your own DIY Roman blinds. Terrell shares her years of experience making shades with detailed step-by-step instructions and lots of opinionated construction tips for a perfectly functioning end-product.

The best way to navigate is to click on a Major Topic Below. Then use the left-hand navigation column to work your way through the topics.
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Measure and Sketch Your Pattern

Begin planning your project by reading this section. After reading about how Roman shades fold and recommended fabric and linings, you will decide how to mount your shade and measure your window. You will use the Pattern Form to sketch your own shade template.
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Make a Classic Roman Shade

This Roman shade opens from the bottom and is the most common variety. By incorporating some simple hardware, you can produce a shade that operates perfectly. You can use these instructions to make a one-fabric shade or to turn your fabric art into a pieced Roman shade.
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Make a Top-Down/Bottom-Up Roman Shade

This very popular shade is easy to make. Based on the Classic Roman shade, an extra set of cords is added so that the top drops down for a view out your window. It can also be raised from the bottom. Learn about the simple changes required for your shade to operate flawlessly in both directions.
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Make a Top-Down Only Shade

If you don't need to raise your shade from the bottom, this section is for you. Just like the Top-Down/Bottom-Up shade, it hangs from the headrail and is not attached to the bottom of the window. The headrail (mounting board) is covered with a Valance.
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Make a Safety-Compliant Classic Roman Shade

A Classic Roman shade opens from the bottom (pulls up) and is simple to make. These instructions add a cord shroud for the lift (back) cords, which makes this shade Safety-Compliant.
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Make a Valance

A fabric Valance can be used alone on a bare window, dress up an existing window treatment or be used to hide the hardware of a Top-Down shade. Read the complete instructions on how to make both an Inside Mount Valance and an Outside Mount Valance.
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Make a Mock-Roman Shade Valance

A Mock-Roman Shade is a cross between a Window Valance and a Roman shade. It is also called a Faux Roman shade or a Stationary Roman shade. It looks like a fully raised fabric blind, but does not operate.
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Video Clips

I am honored to be a frequent guest on the PBS television program "Creative Living with Sheryl Borden". Check your local listings to see if you get this wonderful home economics program, which has aired for 31 years. You can view my segments here.
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Safety Issues for Roman Shades

In mid-December of 2009 there was a voluntary recall in the United States of up to 50 million Roman-style shades and roll-up blinds because of a risk that young children could be strangled by the cords. This section provides you with information on how to assure your shades are safe.