How to Make Outdoor Blinds
Have a covered outdoor porch or screened patio and would like to have a bit more privacy but don't have the money to buy new blinds? How about making your own? They are easy to make and not as expensive as store-bought blinds.
In this article you will learn how to make your own outdoor tie-up shades that will not only add privacy but will give your patio the look of an outdoor room.
Things You Will Need
- Outdoor fabric
- Fabric ribbon
- Sewing machine
- Sewing pins
- Inexpensive 1-inch curtain rods and hardware
- Electric drill
- Electric screwdriver
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Measure the height and width of the opening where you would like the shade to hang, then cut enough fabric for this area, adding 2 inches to the top and 1 inch to the bottom and sides. Cut four 12-inch-long strips of ribbon.
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To create a rod pocket at the top of the shade, fold the fabric over, forming a 1-and-1/2-inch opening. Pin the pocket into place with sewing pins. Sew along the folded edge of the fabric, removing the pins as you sew along the line. This will help you to keep the pocket straight.
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Fold the fabric over on the sides and bottom to create a 1-inch hem. Pin the hem into place and sew it closed along the fold line. Remember to remove the sewing pins.
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Fold over each end of the ribbon pieces 1/2 inch and sew them to the top front and back of the shade along the pocket rod seam approximately 6 inches from each side edge of the shade.
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Drill holes and attach the curtain rod hardware to the top of your porch overhang or screen enclosure. Thread the curtain rod through the pocket of the shade and hang on the installed hardware. When you want to raise the shade, simply roll or scrunch the fabric up and tie the front and back ribbons together in a bow. Untie when you want the shade down.
The Drip Cap
- Have a covered outdoor porch or screened patio and would like to have a bit more privacy but don't have the money to buy new blinds? Measure the height and width of the opening where you would like the shade to hang, then cut enough fabric for this area, adding 2 inches to the top and 1 inch to the bottom and sides.
- Cut four 12-inch-long strips of ribbon.
- Untie when you want the shade down.
Resources
Writer Bio
As a freelance writer and online marketing consultant, living and working in South Florida, Tiffany Holley provides copy writing services and online marketing strategies for businesses and website owners of all types. Holley specializes in SEO content writing, product reviews, search engine marketing, and social media marketing for businesses.
Photo Credits
- www.everystockphoto.com
- www.everystockphoto.com
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