A1. How do I get started making a Roman shade? This is an easy question. The majority of this very web site is an educational tool devoted to many types of Roman shades. First, browse the Galleries for inspirations. You will probably see a room or window set-up similar to yours as there are already almost 100 shades and valances shown, with tens of more sitting in a pile on my table waiting to get loaded onto the site. Second, read the How To section for detailed information on how to make a Classic Roman shade, a Top-Down/Bottom-Up shade, a Top-Down Only shade and a Valance. Third, measure your window (or windows) and use the Hardware Calculator to determine the best fold depth for your shade. Fourth, purchase your fabric and hardware. Fifth, make your very own, custom shade.

If all of that sounds too scary, you can purchase a One-Fabric Sample Roman Shade Kit. This won't fit any of your windows, but you will refer to this sample shade over and over again when you make shades for your own windows. We've cut the fabric and provided all of the hardware necessary to make a small (19" x 30") working one-fabric Roman shade. All fabrics, lining material, hardware, and complete instructions are included. You can complete a working sample shade in 2-3 hours! 

A2. How do I decide on fabric and where do I purchase it? Read the section on Fabrics. Now the fun part begins. Go to your local fabric store (check the Yellow Pages in your area). I always get swatches of several choices. Sometimes you can get these free. Sometimes you will have to purchase an eighth-yard or a quarter-yard. Believe me, it is worth "auditioning" the fabric in your room. Tape it up on the window, or next to the window and see how you like it, both in the daylight and in the evening. Once you have decided, hurry back (the bolt won't last long) and purchase what you need.

A3. Where do I get the necessary hardware and supplies to make my shades? Everything required to make shades using the directions given on this site can be purchased at our Online Store. Many of the "More Details" descriptions of the products in the Shopping Section steer you to local sources. General fabric stores that carry decorator fabric will have a variety of drapery linings. Be sure that your use a lining that blocks ultraviolet light, such as Rockland Industries Roc-lon Thermalsuede. You can often find shade hardware in your local hardware store or home sewing store.

A4. What skills do I need to make a Roman shade? First of all, you need to know how to operate a sewing machine. You must be able to sketch out your design to scale, measure and cut accurately, and use basic tools (hammer, screwdriver, hand saw). I think that you will very much enjoy all of the steps involved in designing, making and installing your own shade. I am a book-learner. Visit your local book store or home improvement store for manuals on basic skills. If you don't know how to sew, sign up for a course at a local sewing machine store or a local fabric store. A one-day course is usually all that you need. I sew a straight line when I make my shades. I don't use a zigzag, or blanket stitch, or button-hole stitch. Sewing machines are really simple and easy to operate. The hardest part is winding the bobbin and threading the machine.

A5. What equipment and tools do I need to make a Roman shade? See the Hardware and Tools page. 

A6. How do I measure my windows? Follow the instructions on the Window Measurement page. If you are really unsure of yourself, you can hire a Drapery Installer to measure for you. Check your local Yellow Pages, under the heading: Drapery Installer. You will typically pay around $40 for a quick trip. You can also inquire about their charges for installing your shades. Sometimes they will measure for free if you will be paying them to put the shades up later.

A7. How do I determine the Stackage (the length of my shade when fully raised)? See Folding a Shade.  If you want to have the "best looking" Stackage for your  particular window, draw it too-scale on a piece of graph paper. I usually start with a 15-20% stackage. For example, if my window is 72" long, 15% of 72" is 10.8" and 20% of 72" is 14.4". So for a 72" long window, a stackage of 10-3/4" to 14-1/2" looks nice. I hold a ruler up to the window when I am deciding upon an Ideal Stackage. It is almost always bigger than I would have guessed. These are not miniblinds. Roman shades made from fabric look silly when they stack to a couple of inches. Treat the stackage as a design element. They make their own valance when pulled up. Once you have determined an Ideal Stackage, it is easy to determine the fold depth for your shade using our Hardware Calculator.

To summarize: Ideal Stackage is what your perfect shade will pull up to. There are no hard and fast rules, just guidelines. Using a scaled drawing and a ruler held up to your window are the best way to visualize how your shade will look when it is raised completely. When you are using the Hardware Calculator, it attempts to give you this "ideal" number, but this is not always possible because the shade has to fold correctly.

A8. Can you sell me a pattern for my shade? I have actually given you all of the tools necessary to generate your own "pattern", for free. Read the How To section, use the Hardware Calculator to determine your fold depth, number of folds and Lower Drop. If possible, start with a small shade. Once you have made one, you will realize how easy it is to make a custom shade. You don't have to order another pattern for that next window, which, of course, is a different size from the first one you made. I am always available for a reasonable amount of consultation. The Contact page gives you several ways to communicate.

A9. I don't sew! Will you make a Roman shade for me? No. Sorry to be so blunt, but the only sewing that I do are commissioned pieced (fabric art) Roman shades. I am often asked to make shades (particularly the top-down variety) using the customer's own fabric (COM). I am NOT a drapery workroom. I am busy full-time making commissioned shades. They are a whole lot more fun than making plain shades. They also command a much steeper price. I am flattered with the requests for COM shades, but the answer is always no. You can find a local seamstress to make your shade. Your local fabric store may have a list that they recommend, or you can check your Yellow Pages for Drapery Workrooms. If you do indeed want to commission a pieced (fabric art) Roman shade, Click Here for complete information.

A10. A local seamstress will be making my shades for me. Can I print out your directions and give them to her? I get asked this a lot, particularly with the Top-Down shade instructions. The answer is a qualified yes. This is an educational site. I certainly can't stop you from printing out the directions and giving them to as many people as you wish. I do hope that you will purchase your supplies from me.

A11. I have a small drapery workroom. I want to use your directions to make shades. Can I? Okay, now we are getting into murky territory. At some point I may get my act together and produce spiffy-enough directions to actually sell them. Then I would want money in exchange for your using my instructions when you make money. But right now, once again, I can't stop you from printing out the directions ..... Please be aware that this is how I make my living. Use your best professional discretion about what I have shared with you. Something that would really help me, and all of the readers of this site, would be feedback on anything that is confusing or doesn't work well!

Don't see the answer to your question? Ask Terrell.


Contact Information:
Terrell Designs, owned by Terrell Sundermann 
5325 Sanford Cir. E. Englewood, Colorado 80113
Phone: (303) 758-0188  Email:

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