Sewing Roman Shades

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It is very helpful to make a diagram of the Roman shade on paper, including the hem, the correct number of spaces between rings, and exact length of fabric in the folds. This diagram should be different for outside-mounted or inside-mounted shades. This will also help you choose the distance you would like to see between each fold.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Sewing Roman Shades:

1. Seam fabric widths together and if necessary, trim to cut width determined. Repeat the same for lining fabric. Stabilize the side edges of the fabric by applying liquid fray prevented or by finishing the edges with an over-lock or a zigzag stitch. Press less than 1.5" on each side for the hems.
2. Place the shade fabric facing down on flat surface. Place lining on the shade fabric, the wrong sides together and the upper edges matching. Place the lining under the side hems up to fold lines.
3. Merge or fuse the side hems over the lining, using ½" strips of fusible web.
4. Press under an equal amount to the hem depth at lower edge of shade fabric. Then press under again to make a double-fold hem and pin in place.
5. Mark a line across the top of the shade to indicate projection of mounting board. Mark placement for rings in first vertical row, 1" from side of shade. With top, mark 8" below marked line for projection and with bottom, mark at upper edge of hem. Space mark a distance apart equal to twice the distance between rings and repeat for opposite side.
6. Mark placement for rings in the first horizontal row at upper edge of hem, spacing rows as determined in your diagram of the roman shade. Continue marking placement for all rings and pin the lining to shade fabric at each ring placement mark.
7. Tape or pin the lengths of twill tape side by side, to work surface. Mark a line across tapes ½" from one end and mark additional lines across the tapes, spacing marks as calculated for distance between the rings.
8. Insert ½" ends of tapes under top edge of hem up to first line and after centering one tape at each ring placement mark, pin in place. Stitch hem in place after catching tapes in stitching.
9. Pin the twill tapes to ring marks, beginning at the bottom of the shade. Center the tapes on the ring marks and pin through all the layers.
10. For attaching rings by machine, fold the shade right sides together along first horizontal row of pins and place rings next to folded edge. At the center of twill tape, stitch over the ring and folded edge with about 8 stitches. Repeat the same for horizontal rows.

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Making Roman Shades
Fabric Roman Shades
Insulated Roman Shades
Relaxed Roman Shades
Hanging Roman Shades
Roman Shades Hardware
Types Of Shades