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How to Make Easy Roman Shades

Step 1

How to Make Easy Roman Shades

Cut pattern and fabric

Measure the height and width of your window. Add 12" to the length and 4" to the width. This is the size you will use to cut your fabric. Make sure any design details on the fabric are centered.

Step 2

How to Make Easy Roman Shades

Hem the sides

Hemmed edges for a nice finish. Starting with the long sides, make a double-round hem. Lay the fabric pretty side down and make a 2" pleat on one of the long sides. Measure and adjust it so you know it's nice and straight, then iron the pleat. Remove the pins and fold the pleat in half so it's just an inch wide. Pin and iron again, then sew over the hem with the sewing machine, about 1/8" from the inside edge of the hem. Use the edge of your presser foot as a guide and remember to sew again. Repeat the process on the other side.

Step 3

How to Make Easy Roman Shades

Create bottom hem

The bottom hem will be super wide so it gives the whole shade enough weight to hang straight down. Fold like you did with the long sides, but this fold will be 4". Look at it and adjust it to lay flat, then fold the hem again using the 4" hem as a guide, so you have a 4" double hem. Pin and iron again..

Stage 4

How to Make Easy Roman Shades

Rod pocket hem top

For the top hem, make a hollow pocket to slide the curtain rod through. With the pretty side down, fold the fabric 2", press and press, then fold again another 2", press with the iron. Sew through the hem. Again, use the presser foot as a guide. Put a sharp edge on both ends of the seam to make it nice and sturdy.

Step 5

How to Make Easy Roman Shades

Cut and attach ribbon bows

Choose a ribbon that is at least 1" wide, in a color that complements the fabric. You need two pieces of ribbon, double the height of the window plus two feet. Fold the ribbon pieces in half and lay over the top of the window. rod pocket, with half the tape behind the panel and half in front, pretty side out, then spread them evenly, about a quarter of the way from each side, making sure to that the ends are even..

Step 6

How to Make Easy Roman Shades

Pin Ribbon Ties

Pin the tape in place, make sure the pins are all the way into the tape on the other side. Sew them in place along the top seam.

Step 7

How to Make Easy Roman Shades

Create arcs

Tie the ribbons to the length you want for the shade to hang down. We use double bows, but the ends can also be folded and hidden.