Shade FAQs

I receive many inquiries from readers about specific aspects of making Roman shades. This section is full of details on hardware items, installation tips, how to handle unusual windows and a discussion on making variations on Roman shades such as Hobbled and Relaxed.

Alternate Batten Methods

For those of you who don't want to glue in your battens (or can't because the glue stains your fabric), read this description of alternate methods for incorporating battens into your shades.

Bobbin Pulleys

Instructions for making your own pulleys from a "reader" of this web site.

Cord Cleat Overview

Read about what you should consider when choosing a cord cleat.

Cord Drop Overview

Complete information on all of our cord drops and instructions for threading your cords into the drops.

Cord Lock Pulley FAQs

How to thread a cord lock pulley, lift cord shredding issues, pros and cons of using a cord lock pulley.

Large Striped Shade

Read lots of information that will help you make your large shade.

Hobbled Roman Shade

A Hobbled Shade has permanent folds, which are created by doubling the fabric between the folds.

Relaxed Shade

A Relaxed Shade drapes in the center because it only has two columns of lift rings. They are also called soft shades or London shades.

Grommet Shade

Doug Millar of South Portland, Maine sent me these photographs of his Inside-Mount shade along with his explanation of how he used grommets to bring the lift cords to the front of his shade.

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