How to Make Roman Blinds Using a Curtain Rod

Measure the length of the curtain rod. If the rod curves back toward the wall, measure around the rod from wall to wall. Measure the distance from the rod to the window sill.

Cut fabric and lining 1 inch wider than the curtain rod and 1 inch longer than the distance from the rod to the sill.

Place the lining and the fabric with their right sides together and all edges aligned. Starting 2 inches from the top of the shade, sew the along this side with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Continue sewing along the bottom edge and up the other side. Stop sewing 2 inches from the top on the other side.

Clip the bottom corners by cutting off the corners of the seam allowance at a 45-degree angle. Turn the shade right side out and press it.

Sew Roman shade tape along each edge of the back of the shade. Roman shade tape has plastic rings sewn along it. The lowest rings should be placed 1/2 inch from the bottom edge of the shade.

Add rows of tape parallel to the first two. Space the tapes so they are no more than 16 inches apart. Keep the rows of rings on the tape even. This is important for both the appearance and operation of the shades.

Iron in 1/2 inch on the top of the shade fabric and the lining. Stitch along the top of the shade close to this fold. Make another seam 1 1/2 inches below the first seam to make a casing at the top of the shade.

Hang the shade on the curtain rod by running the rod through the casing. Rehang the rod.

Screw a cup hook into the top of the window frame for each row of ring tape. All the hooks should be positioned behind the shade so they do not show from the front. If the curtain rod is straight, position each eye directly behind the corresponding tape on the shade. If the rod curves back toward the wall, move the eyes on the sides toward the center a few inches. The hooks can be on the front or inside of the frame.

Tie a cord to each ring along the bottom of the shade. Run the cords up through the row of rings on the tape and through the corresponding eye on the window frame. Run the cords through the row of eyes on the window frame so that all the cords go to one side of the window.

Lower the shade to it's lowest point. Tie all the cords together close to the top of the shade. Cut the cords below the bundle to a convenient length.