Basic Roman Shade Part 1: Fabrication tutorial - How to make a working flat Roman shade or blind

Detailed tutorial teaching about the supplies, materials, and techniques you'll need to know in order to make a professional, functional, tailored, flat Roman shade. Learn about the best fabric and lining to use, shade rings, lift cord, how to string a shade, prepare a board, and mount your shade using velcro or staples, plus other tips and techniques.
***Correction in video instructions: To determine the cut width of the lining, add 1" to the finished width of the shade, not 2" as stated in the video. Sorry about that, and thanks to a sharp viewer who caught the mistake!

[@boost-your-bandwidth]

Finally: You made making Roman shades make sense to me for the first time. Other tutorials left me confused and determined never to try this. Thank you!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you!

[@rem1249]

An excellent tutorial. I specifically appreciate the fact that there is no background music while you are talking

[@joanborden434]

I agree music can be distracting and annoying..

[@lucyeramosv6138]

🎉😂😢🎉🎉❤🎉❤😮❤😅🎉😢😂😮❤

[@lucyeramosv6138]

🎉😂😢🎉🎉❤🎉❤😮❤😅🎉😢😂😮❤

[@ManahsRoom]

Me too background music distracts me to the point where I can’t concentrate and understand the tutorial, so thank you 😊

[@jessicairvineyoutube]

I like your very clear video, and particularly appreciate that when you're speaking you don't play music to obscure the spoken content! THANK YOU :)

[@CharmaineField]

This was the clearest instruction video I have seen on making Roman Blinds. I feel really confident to make a blind now. Thank you so much ❤

[@user-yi8yw1gu8c]

Very good and straightforward instructional video. I specifically wanted to know how to use only cords and rings vs. the shade mechanism. Your instructions are great and I like that you FF through the parts that are clearly repetitive. Thank you!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thanks 😊

[@brettepruitt8960]

This video is first rate because the instructor has a clear and well-modulated voice (no annoying Valley Girl mumble and fry). Plus, it’s precise, well filmed and you get the feeling the instructor is an old hand at this, not a first-timer who may never make another roman shade.

[@franb5964]

Great tutorial! Thanks so much for sharing your expertise in this. Can't wait to make my shade!

[@karlmielke3922]

I made this. It wasn’t easy but I did it. It was a lot of learning like how to sew and everything that goes with it. I watched my mom sew my entire life and didn’t know how good she truly was. She did everything from needle point to award winning quilts and an embroidery business. My wife could have done it but I wanted to prove to myself I could do it. It turned out good. Nobody would notice the imperfections except for me. Keeping the material square was challenging. I am a carpenter by trade and it’s hard enough to keep solid wood square as oppose to flimsy material! Thank you for the tutorial. I appreciate it!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

That's amazing that you accomplished this with no sewing experience! Well done!

[@michaelm3338]

Thank you! This is the most helpful video I have watched. Not just on to make roman shades, but the style you instruct. You get to the point. You're easy to understand. So very helpful.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you 😊

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

What a great set of instructions. Thank you for taking the mystery out of Roman shades. 🙂

[@nicm1007]

Outstanding tutorial on professional-grade shades. Thank you!

[@kcalais1]

Haven't made one in years and have recently been asked to make three. This video is not only a great refresher but, OH WOW, more helpful than you know. I love my KZbin angels.

[@wandagreenlee1818]

That was a great tutorial on the Roman shade. I've wanted to learn how to do this, but other videos I've watched were not as detailed and clear as yours. Thanks for sharing! I look forward to learning more about home decor sewing.

[@katarzynaszwarc3847]

Beautiful work 👏 and thank you for sharing your method 💐

[@gaylekennon4504]

You made how to make a Roman shade make sense! Great instructions! Thank you!

[@amywing175]

This is such an excellent tutorial. I don't sew at all, but I feel confident I can do this. Thank you!!!

[@tnmountaincottage]

Thank you for your tutorial! I love my Roman shades.

[@susandorry6149]

I've made a roman shade before but not like this and I love how you showed so much detail, so happy I watched and will be watching it again because I'll be making some very soon, Thank you

[@maryoswald7120]

Excellent job with regard to not just your finished product, but your teaching style

[@valentinarodoracio8145]

Awesome! Most comprehensive video I’ve seen , gonna try it! Thank you .

[@micheledirckze6668]

Thank you very much for being so clear with the details .you are a lady who loves her fabric and super neat queen.

[@mcaliente1]

Wow! Thank you for this! Best video I've come across so far and I have looked at so many!

[@nkha23]

I stumbled on this and found it fascinating. I've been putting off buying window treatments for my living room because I'm not wowed by anything. However, I have a machine that also does embroidery. Now my creative juices are flowing and I can totally see myself embroidering designs onto the fabric and making my own Roman shades. Thank you for this video! Feeling inspired now

[@annepoler5566]

Woo hoo! Just finished shade #5 for my kitchen, and it will be installed probably later today. This tutorial is so helpful and makes the process easy. Thank you so much for making this tutorial! I recommend this as a starting point. Do read the correction in her description about the width to cut your lining.

[@tiddleywinktoffee3672]

Thank you so much for all of you assistance in my goal to get 2 shades out of a small piece of fabric. They both turned out amazing and your kindness in answering a few of my questions was amazing. You rock

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

My pleasure 😊

[@ireneochoa6972]

I'm s🫶🏽o glad I found your tutorial. I'm making a much wider shade and this is going to save me some work and I feel more confident.

[@suevanderriet1672]

Fantastic tutorial! This is the best one on you tube. Thank you... And no irritating music.

[@janeenpfeiffer3465]

Very informative! I feel more comfortable with trying to make some after watching!

[@janeenpfeiffer3465]

I couldn't find part 2...

[@theresejohnson4017]

Thank you so much ! Your tutorial was right on! I haven’t made one of these in 20 years and feel totally confident that I can complete one now!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Awesome!

[@ELogan-yn3uc]

Thank you! great tutorial, thorough and clear. Answered some questions I had been searching answers for.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Awesome, glad to be of help :) Tomorrow I'm uploading a new video on how to make a relaxed Roman shade. Check it out!

[@edenfremgen7370]

I’m in the middle of starting up my workroom so I am so thankful for this Channel

[@patti7904]

Thank you! This is the best video for Roman shades. (I have watched many others.)

[@margaretpride8340]

I just discovered your channel, wowwww, I am so happy. Even though I have been sewing for years and made many, many custom drapes, I learned some great tips. Yeaaaaa

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Welcome!

[@SuperBookdragon]

New sub here . Thankyou SO SO much for not having terrible distracting music with your videos. Your instructional style is superb.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you! But there are plenty with terrible music 😅.

[@shelalambert9393]

I have watched 5 videos on how to make Roman shades and this was the most informative! Thanks for showing me what I needed before beginning!!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@wheelerrr]

Thank you so much for this! I made a blind for the bathroom using your video and it’s worked so well. Your instructions were super clear. Cheers from the UK!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

That’s great!!

[@sarenaknapik9208]

Excellent step by step instructions with super close up photography to illustrate exactly! what you're doing! Super tutorial. And no awful distracting music! Thank you.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

😊

[@nickwilliams6239]

Thank you for this video. It gave me the knowledge to repair my Roman shades. I am not great at sewing but with your instruction I was able to go buy what I needed and then was able to sew some rings back on and restring the shade so it would work correctly again. Many thanks!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

That’s fantastic! Good for you!!

[@eileenlewis303]

Thank you for yet another excellent tutorial 👌

[@user-xi8rw2nb9v]

Nancy - you're the best teacher ever. Made my shade - have never made one before - and love it. Your directions perfect. Thank you!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you so much!! Good job on successfully your making your first shade 😊

[@dgaino]

I’m so glad I came across your video on making roman shades. You have explained much clearer than anyone else has. I’m feeling more confident now making my first roman shade this weekend. Look forward seeing more videos from you. 🤩

[@janhaley1212]

I enjoy watching your videos! Thanks!

[@mimbrown4398]

Loved this, thankyou. Super easy to follow and has worked fantastically, very pleased with the finished blind.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Congrats on your successful project! Glad I could help :)

[@samanthafaye2012]

Tapering the hem towards the inside!! Genius. Sewing hack of the year. Thank you so much!!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

That is a good trick!

[@tracyvision]

What an informative video! I decided recently to make Roman shades for my new home and have been watched many DIY Roman Shade videos. This is far and away the BEST! Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge and including your many tips and tricks. My shades are going to look great thanks to you!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you!! 😊

[@paulohlsson27]

Hi Tracy, how's your day going with you?

[@lckaren]

Thank you!very easy to follow and no dowels!

[@noreenprice6816]

The best tutorial I have seen on making Roman blinds

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you!

[@vanessabeaton3900]

Very nice video. I am a beginner sewer and I understand this so much.

[@gretchenweber7734]

I have made one Roman shade by following your tutorial. It looks great! I have five more to make for my new house. Thank you for the detailed, easy-to-follow, clear instructions for making a beautiful, high-quality shade that is worthy of long-term use in my new house.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

❤️ Thank you for your kind words!

[@catherinegudauskas1431]

Beautiful and the best vido instructions I have found!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@julialaird-4495]

This has been lovely to follow and I have managed to make my first blind.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Congratulations!!

[@kayemoore8553]

I have watched so many videos on making a Roman shade and your’s is the best I have ever looked at by far. You are so detailed and I can understand every thing you say (no background noise). I know I have watched your video over 50 times maybe more. I have never tackled anything like this but I know I will finish it thanks to you🥰🥰

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

😊🤗😁

[@celerinoverde7516]

Thank you very much for this video. I have learned a lot. Now i can do my own blinds.

[@MrOllieman10]

This is easily the best video...I'm contemplating making roman shades for my windows and this has dwf given me the confidence to do it...thank you so much!!

[@nainaingleshwar6775]

WOW you are so detailed and incredibly thorough!! You are clearly a pro at this... I like the fact that you used fabric glue and gave so many good tips. Thank you! :)

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you!! Yes, I’ve been at this a long time 😌

[@nicolepoluch3060]

I agree! She's really is a pro and her teaching skills great also!

[@julieroberts9285]

What a well made video, clear instructions. Thanks

[@IvankaB]

Thank you so much for this! This is the BEST, most complete and clearest "How to" video I have ever seen on this topic. You are a fantastic teacher! I subscribed to your channel.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you!

[@melzelle]

OMG - I couldn't believe it when I heard you say Lewisville, TX! Go Fighting Farmers! You are really good at teaching and demonstrating. Thank you for the videos! You helped me understand why my sofa cushion covers weren't squared now I have been able to sew new washable covers for them that fit like the old ones and I didn't need to take the old ones apart! Plus you removed the mystery from invisible zippers and I've been able to make a duvet cover which I've had the fabric for since before Covid! Please keep posting!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Haha I wondered if anyone from Lewisville would see the video! Thank you for taking the time to write such a kind and supportive comment. It means the world to me!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@melzelle It’s possible I guess!! I had the shop there in the early years of 2000

[@estherbrowne2017]

Thank you…really save my day searching the easiest way to make my own roman shade….btw…it’s beautiful…

[@user-pi6rk5bm2e]

What a great tutorial, thank you so much! I thought everything was very clear. I intend to watch your other videos on this.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you! 😊

[@carolynsibley1882]

Excellent and no music you are easy to lip read and follow your hands 🙌

[@orisisorisis6946]

Muchas gracias por su tutorial, muy útil y lindo resultado. Saludos

[@patsoderberg8553]

Excellent tutorial from a professional who shares tricks that are tried and true,

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you!

[@annemiura7767]

Just like everyone else, I have to say this is the best video I have seen. Thank you so much. I love the close ups and there’s no music to drown out your very excellent instruction. Now I feel confident that I can make the Roman bling I need for my bathroom 😁

[@annemiura7767]

Of course I mean Roman blind but come to think of it, bling isn’t too bad either !!!!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you! Nothing wrong with a little bling in your blinds!!

[@sammy77sam77]

Thank you SO much for this video. I completed my roman shades yesterday! ❤

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Awesome!!

[@annebrittmeese8971]

My favourite roman blind tutorial!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you!

[@dgal1391]

Easy, comprehensive and fun to watch. I've always wanted to do a Roman shade and now fell completely at ease to attempt one. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!!!!

[@PreciousByLiJaLi]

Thank you for this excellent video and the great tips ❣️

[@incojoca]

All I can do is to repeat, what all other comments already said! Although my english is not good, I understood everything! Thank you so much for this video and your brilliant way to explain and show how things work. I will try it. Thank you for sharing your knowlege from Germany.

[@BongiweHewana]

Thank you very much you are a good teacher from South Africa

[@nancywatson9084]

This is beyond excellent!!

[@irisgatinspiringart4714]

Thank you for this video tutorial 💗 you are the greatest

[@judihopewell2499]

Superb detailed lesson. Thanks.

[@snevermore]

Watching your video for the umpteenth time because I need to make two more roman shades ('blinds' in the UK). Your calm, confident, friendly voice and sensible explanations helped me make a matched set of three lovely Roman blinds for our bay window before Christmas; now I have to make two more and I know I can because you're holding my hand all the way. Thank you so much!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Your comment is such a wonderful start to my day! Thank you, and I'm so glad I was able to help :)

[@lorenabernal745]

Wow! Super love your tutorial. I love the fact that you want everything done neatly and perfectly (which is also me 🙊), so thank you for this very detailed tutorial! 😍 I've watched a couple tutorials and yours is the best! ❤ I'm going to do this for our restaurant's windows! 😍

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you!!

[@wywyeditz]

simply beautiful

[@poddy6530]

So step by step, I made Toile de jouy kitchen blinds in blue. They look so fabulous. Thank you for the wisdom...

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

That’s awesome 😊

[@poddy6530]

You have to be brave eh? I didn't want to cut the fabric and I measured and measured and measured. Now I'm looking at the rest of the windows

[@maritzamusanti496]

Thank you for this excellent video . 👌

[@gerryivkovich1857]

This was fabulous! I have been sewing for years and my son just asked me if I could make Roman shades for his bedroom. Now I'm sure that I can. Thanks so much and have a blessed day.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I love this!

[@melzelle]

Using your tutorial I was able to make my first roman shade and it looks like a professional made it. I am getting ready to make my second one now, and have 3 more on the to-do list. I watched a bunch of different videos and this is really the best one. Please keep posting sewing tutorials!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Good for you!! That’s so cool 😎 I love getting comments like this ❤️

[@ddon6320]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare I was wondering about the installation? Loved your explanations and instruction!!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

There’s a video on measuring and installing!

[@judystarasinic4709]

Awesome video! Thank you so much!

[@rizpahjael1]

Wish I found your videos first! Lol. I did save it for next time. (But I did fix some of the details on my blind, missing from the other tutorials.) Thank you! 😊

[@carolgeyer763]

Very clear directions.

[@merudolph6758]

Thank you for making this video!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

You’re welcome! 😊

[@lavsec6767]

Muito obrigada! You're Very clear. Thank you.

[@brendaplotz4897]

I loved this video so much that I subscribed..Thank you!

[@user-ld9ul8zz1m]

Thanks for the tutorial! I can't wait to try one! Also, I love the cover on your table; I haven't been able to find anything like it!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you!! I made a video about the table cover if you’d like to try making your own.

[@MaryBrownMedia]

Thank you SO much for a detailed video!! Your explanations are professional and easy to understand! I did a Roman shade based on another KZbinr no names and the 6 minute video seemed to be more about her being on camera and the video production aspect. It was no tutorial and I had to guess my way through everything. She sewed literally everything. So I had to have my husband help hold my curtain while I sewed the final product with 3 dowels inside. It was laughable! Thank you SO much for your help and a legitimate tutorial!!!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you for the support!! I too have noticed there are many out there that seem to be far more interested in being on camera, becoming influencers, or promoting a product, than they are about serious teaching. I'm the opposite! The thing I most dislike about doing this is being on camera and the actual video making aspect, but it's all worth it knowing I'm helping nice folks like yourself :) Happy sewing!

[@dNEj4q3ce]

Thank You very much you making it easy to understand. I will try to make one for my window and hope it comes out looks like yours.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

There is always a bit of a learning curve the first time you do anything but I’m confident you can do it!

[@madonnacole1758]

Love this!!

[@nellabarwise6958]

Thank you this was the best explained video I'm definitely saving this video

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you 😊

[@ghazalakhurshid2723]

Wonderful tutorial..

[@brendagriffin6437]

My husband wants me to make insulated Roman shades for the bathrooms and the kitchen as our curtains are more decorative, but we are losing heat in the winter and it's hot in the summer as they are all on the south side of our home. Thank you for this tutorial. I think I can incorporate enough of this video to add the insulation portion instead of the lining. We'll see! 🙂

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Yes! You can actually add an interlining of flannel or other insulating fabric between the face fabric and the lining fabric. It works great. You’ll get a slight indent or tufted effect where each ring is sewn, so as long as that doesn’t bother you it will turn out great:)

[@brendagriffin6437]

I came out good for my first try and adapting it for insulation fabric. I am using fabric panels! One is the Northcott soaring Eagle, another is wolves and I have a 3rd that's bright leaves in a circle. I added coordinating fabric to sides so it looks framed. Thanks again!

[@lateknightcreations]

Ahhhh you make it look so easy! I live near Lewisville, Tx!

[@LynnEsselstein]

Excellent tutorial with clear instructions including the rationale when needed. Thank you! Please clarify I do not need a cord lock but can just pull the cord down thru the screw eyes, braid the cord and wrap with a cord cleat. The application is not in a space where children can access the blind and be injured (I am aware of the safety standards). There are two 31” wide windows straight ahead in a window seat alcove that is 36” deep x 72” wide with right angle side windows so using a cord lock means the cords need to go down the center between the windows to make the cord lock work. I appreciate any additional considerations you may have for this situation. Again, thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

It's little hard to envision the window for cord locations suggestions, but if you send a pic to the email listed on my channel page I will certainly advise! You do not need a cord lock, but you do need a screw eye at the same location as the tension lock I show, or one near the end of the board, for all the cords to run through. There is also a video on outdoor roll up shades that shows other stringing options - not sure if that might help?

[@LynnEsselstein]

Had a hard time finding the email. I sent pics but don’t think you got it.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@LynnEsselstein I did get them! I replied to your email.. maybe check your spam folder?

[@priscillagordon1931]

Excellent video

[@user-sd2ee3mz7w]

Bravo ! Your are a master and I am a happy student. Skill, clarity, and perfection. I am so lucky to have found your tutorial. Many Many Thanks :)

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Well thank you!!! That’s very kind 😊I’m so glad you found my channel too!

[@user-sd2ee3mz7w]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare Now if you could just help me out with replacing the loops with the magnets.... it seems to be a super cool idea so I am going to use your tutorial replace the loops with magnets and add a 1 1/2" pocket for some dowels below each of the 8 inch folds. I have very short and extremely wide windows that need some extra horizontal fabric supports for a cute travel trailer. I am making the shade out of a canvas drop cloth with a black and white saddle stitch grosgrain ribbon. I will try it first with magnets and if it doesn't go well...lI am now equipped to happily do the loops. You are so wonderful and such a lovely gift of knowledge. If you have any tips I am all ears, eyes and fingers crossed :)

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I have the utmost confidence in you that you'll figure it out!

[@user-sd2ee3mz7w]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare Haha ! Have a wonderful week :)

[@peggygaul9032]

Thank you for getting back to me. The finished width is 26” and I used three sets of rings across and four vertical rings in each.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Sounds like it might be a ring spacing issue. If you want to send a picture of the shade in the window pulled up before you dress the folds to my email I can probably advise better.

[@harvamom]

This was the best instruction I've seen on how to make a Roman shade. I'm so glad I don't have to put rods at each of the fold intervals. Hopefully, the weight rod will be enough.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

It will!! If it’s a large shade invest in a 3/8” brass weight rod. You can find them on Rowley Company’s website :)

[@harvamom]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare Thank you for responding. The shade I am making is 61 in. wide and 48 in. long. Can I still get by with no rods/dowels?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

You never need rods if your rings are spaced right! Vertical rows should be 9-11” apart for most fabrics. It means more cords but only a bottom weight rod :)

[@harvamom]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare Wow! So glad for this info! It's not even for a window, but for a Murphy bed in our very bland travel trailer, so it will be great I can eliminate the dowels. Thank you, thank you.

[@seamuswarren]

This will probably save me $400. Thank you. 🙏🏼 😊