Preparing to Make a TDBU Shade
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This very popular shade is actually easy to make. Based on the Classic Roman shade, an extra set of cords is added so that the top drops down. The shade can be lowered from the top to maintain a view and still provide privacy. It can also be raised from the bottom to allow access to cranks to open your window.
The main differences between the Top-Down/Bottom-Up (TDBU) shade and the Classic Roman shade are:
· You have to make your Headrail before you close the top of your shade
· There are two set of pulleys (or screw eyes)
· You must use a Projected Installation so that both sets of hardware fit on the board
· The shade can only be pulled up to the bottom of the lifting hardware.
· You make a Valance to cover the lifting hardware. This Valance is part of your overall design.
Once you understand how a Top-Down/Bottom-Up shade operates and have read and followed the directions for measuring and sketching a pattern for your shade, you are ready to make your Top-Down/Bottom-Up Roman shade.
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Like a Classic Roman Shade, a TDBU Shade is made with a fabric front backed with a drapery lining. The same type Headrail with pulleys or screw eyes and perhaps cord locks, is attached to the wall or window. Unlike a Classic Roman shade, the Top-Down shade is not attached to the headrail with Velcro (or staples). The shade "hangs" from a second set of lift cords that are tied to the top of the shade. Since the Headrail is exposed when the shade is "dropped", it is covered with a small Valance.
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The top edge of your TDBU shade differs from a Classic Roman shade. It holds a Stiffener Board and the Top-Down lift rings. The Stiffener Board is required because the top edge of the shade is visible when lowered. Without the Stiffener, the top edge sags between the Top-Down rings. The Top-Down lift rings must be sewn to the shade at the top of the pocket that holds the Stiffener Board. An additional "flap" of fabric extends up beyond the pocket to hide these rings and the knots used to hold the lift cords in place.
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Operating the Top-Down Cords
The shade is “closed” (fully covers the window and is fully extended) when the shade is pulled all the way up to the bottom of the Mounting Board Hardware. The Top-Down Cord is at its longest when the shade is in the closed position. It is cleated-off, or engaged by a cord lock, which holds the shade up. Releasing the cord lowers the shade. It drops in accordion folds because it is guided by the Bottom-Up Cords. A knot in the Top-Down cord stops the shade at the lowest position you want it to drop. Without the knot, the shade would fall to the floor. |
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Operating the Bottom-Up Cords
We start again with the shade “closed” fully covering the window and fully extended with the shade pulled all the way up to the bottom of the Mounting Board Hardware. The Bottom-Up Cord is at its shortest when the shade is in the “closed” position. The pull cord hangs freely from a knot just after the last pulley or the cord lock. When you pull on the Bottom-Up Cord, the bottom of the shade raises up in accordion fashion. |
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Read the entire section Measure and Sketch Your Pattern. Be sure to read the page on Hardware Calculator Tips for Top-Down Shades before using the calculator. When you have completed that, you will have:
· Decided how to mount your shade.
· Measured your window and determined your Finished Shade Width, Finished Shade Length and Ideal Stackage.
· Used the Hardware (Folding) Calculator to determine the fold depth and number of lift lines for each shade.
· Sketched a Pattern for each shade.
· Purchased fabric, lining and hardware for your shade.
· Gathered your measuring and manufacturing tools.
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Continue the instructions for Make a Top-Down/Bottom-Up Roman Shade by clicking on "Sew Hem and Side Seams" in the left-hand navigation column.
If you want to make a Top-Down Only Shade, there are separate instructions.
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