Fabric Measuring and Cutting Tools
The fabric tools required to make a Roman shade are quite simple and are shown below. For those of you who have never used a rotary cutter, I urge you to purchase one and give it a try. They almost make the fabric shears obsolete.  All general fabric stores, as well as quilt fabric stores, carry items 1, 3, 5, 6-8. You will need to go to a hardware store or a home improvement store to find an aluminum ruler, steel tape measure and Carpenter's square. 

1. Self-healing plastic cutting mat. I like a large mat (24" x 35"). I have 4 of these and as my project gets larger, I butt several mats together.
2. Aluminum ruler (48" and 72") These are invaluable when squaring your shade.
3. Quilter's ruler. This see-through ruler is used with the rotary cutter to accurately cut your fabric
4. Steel tape measure. Don't use a cloth tape measure, it will stretch. I regularly use two of these when I am in the final sewing stages to make sure the shade is the correct size.
5. Marking pens. I use a lead pencil and sometimes a white charcoal pencil.
6. Seam ripper. Boy I hate to use these, but sometimes I goof. Oh yes, you also need this to carefully cut a hole in the lining for the weight rod.
7. Rotary cutter. This works just like a pizza cutter. I like the medium size, the blade is about 1-3/4" in diameter.
8. Fabric shears. I only use these for rough-cuts when I am cutting lining off the bolt. I always use the rotary cutter when actually cutting things to the correct size.
9. Carpenter's square. Absolutely necessary when trimming your side seams (perpendicular to the bottom of your shade) and top (perpendicular to the sides of your shade).

One item is not in the photograph: you will need straight pins. I use long silk pins (they have a very small head) and also long glass-headed pins.

Mounting Board Manufacturing Tools
The non-sewing tools required to make a Roman shade are quite simple and are shown below. If you are mechanical enough to use a sewing machine, you can master these tools. They are quite inexpensive and every woman (and man) should own them. Visit your local hardware store. 

1. Screwdriver. This is used to turn the screws used to attach the pulleys and Cord Locks to the mounting board, attach the board itself to the wall or window trim and attach the cord cleat to your wall. I use Phillips head screws, and so use a Phillips head screwdriver.

3. Ice Pick. I use this tool for two purposes. It can be used in place of an awl to create a "starter" hole for screws. For example, to attach the pulley to the board, hold it in the correct place then make holes where the two screws will go. I also use it when threading lift cords through the cord drop.

4. Hammer. Use this for all pounding activities: completing the stapling process (for those of us with weak hands), making a starter hole with the ice pick (tap on the wood handle, rather than push down with your hand), etc.

5. Wire Cutters. Use this to cut the plastic Roman shade ribs (battens) to the correct size. You can also use a wire stripper for this purpose.

6. C-Clamps. Use these clamps to hold the weight rods and mounting boards while you saw away. If your are lucky enough to have a vise, use that instead.

7. Staple gun. Use this to attach fabric to your mounting board for a finished look. You also staple the hook fastener portion of the Velcro to the mounting board using a staple gun. This tool is often hard for a woman to use, especially if you have small hands. Just take your time and use both hands to squeeze the handle if necessary. Then use that hammer to drive the staples the rest of the way in. You don't need very long staples. I prefer 1/4" ones, or at most, 3/8".

8. Metal file (the number 8 is hard to read, it is sitting on the top of a piece of sandpaper). Use this to remove any sharp edges on your metal weight rod after you cut it down to the correct length. You can use a metal nail file if you wish. The sandpaper is used to remove rough edges from the mounting board.

9. Hand saw. This is used to cut the wood mounting board to the correct length. Secure with C-clamps when sawing (see Item 6).

Nice to haves: an electric drill is wonderful. You can use this to drill pilot holes for your screws and to attach your screws using a Philips-head drill bit.

Continue the Learning Process with "Common Techniques"

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

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