How to Make Roller Shades with Blackout Fabric for Windows! - Thrift Diving

-These DIY custom roller shades with blackout fabric cost me about $33 each to make using bright floral fabric with blackout fabric as the lining.
*Blog post with step-by-step written instructions: COMING SOON!
//MATERIALS// (may include affiliate links)
-Pretty drapery fabric (fabricbistro.com/products/whi...)
-Black-out drapery lining (amzn.to/3ywVTlt)
-Vinyl roller shades ()
-Roller shade hardware (www.lowes.com/pd/LEVOLOR-Trim...)
-Double-sided tape (amzn.to/3c5stDs)
-Spray adhesive (amzn.to/3IsJ8wP)
-Sewing machine (optional)
-Sewing thread (optional)
-Heat n Bond tape (optional, amzn.to/3uGlmYi)
-Iron (optional)
-Tape measure
-Scissors or rotary cutter
-Ruler or yard stick
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MAILING ADDRESS:
Serena Appiah
P.O. Box 463
Spencerville, MD 20858

[@Tootsie26]

Your SheShed would literally become my second home. The florals give it the perfect pop.

[@ThriftDiving]

LOL, all it needs is a toilet! Oh, and running water. :) I soooo wish I had those things. Thanks, Anita!

[@edijaneluciadasilva335]

Ww

[@margiemudge6607]

When the spray adhesive warms up from the sun, your fabric will bubble all over the place. I didn't realize this when I made mine three years ago. They still look great from the inside of the house but from the patio, they look pretty sad. Love your fabric! I hope you are loving your she shed!

[@grannyjann]

My sister just sprayed the vinyl with adhesive and applied the fabric directly to it. Worked beautifully for years.

[@EllieDreamsDownUnder]

I have spent a lifetime working 6-7 days a week and just recently I leaped into full time YTing. Suddenly I have the weekends I've never had to create beautiful things. As soon as I started watching your video I knew I'd subscribe. Love love your blinds and I'm planning to give them a shot here at home. I also love the concept of your channel, the thrifty and imaginative ideas you turn into reality. Thanks ☺️

[@ThriftDiving]

Aww, thanks, Ellie!! Good luck on your own journey!!!

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

Man..... if you walk into the shop & are NOT instantly cheered up with those shades then you gotz to go home!!! Had a challenging few weeks Serena, your video cheered me up Homie. The shades fit your personality 100%. Hoping all is well, Dirty Jersey out!!!

[@ThriftDiving]

Awww, Mike, sorry to hear you've been having a tough time! Hopefully nothing too serious?? The blinds are definitely cheery, which is what I'm hoping for when walking in to the shed! Right now, when I walk in, the stifling HEAT and humidity are the first things that I notice, though. LOL. This mini split is taking forever, like 6 weeks since the HVAC guy ordered it, and I'm STILL waiting. Summer will be over by the time I get some relief. Thanks for checking in! See you on IG! :)

[@TheNjuanarena]

I’m going to try this with a shower curtain for the fabric! So much cheaper and sooo many options.

[@marilynkozlow8400]

The shades are adorable. The perfect pop of color 🥰

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you!! I love the pop, too! And I like that I can roll them all the way up if I need to keep them from getting too dusty! :)

[@DentRaptor]

Sweet love it

[@DanaConquersBoutique]

I love floral patterns… so pretty!

[@ThriftDiving]

Thanks, Dana! You should have seen the fabric I *WAS* going to get. Much more expensive, and definitely NOT as fun as this one. Glad I had the insight to cancel that order and stick with the more affordable pretty fabric!

[@heidibee501]

I love the patterned fabric. It would brighten up the dullest day. Very nice.

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you, Heidi! You should have seen the fabric I was GOING to buy.....Goodness, I made the right choice. LOL

[@user-T89]

That is a BEAUTIFUL facbric! You always have such good ideas to elevate a space in a functional way. Well done!

[@ThriftDiving]

Awww, thank you so much! I am glad I went with this fabric! I almost chose another fabric that really wouldn't have been so happy as this floral fabric. :) Thank you!!

[@MsShanarun]

I bet the hardest part was choosing the fabric. It is perfect! We have a skylight in our front entry, that I use 2 tension rods and a sheer white fabric.That stays all year come up because I don't feel like getting a ladder out to take it off in the Winter. Our skylights in the kitchen, have a manual slide open and close which we reach with a long rod. And we have some very very high shades on the 2nd "story" of a vaulted ceiling. Those use a battery. However about once a year, we have to get out a super tall ladder to recharge the batteries. That part is a drag. But I guess worth it! Perfect results, thanks for sharing all of your tips!

[@antiquesrestoration3874]

Wow...this video was right on time. My neighbors cut down a tree that used to shade my kitchen window. Now, I need to deal with all the direct sunlight and heat that are coming in now. A roller shade sounds perfect. Of course, you made it look easy and I'm encouraged.

[@curtainsup9]

these came out good -better than I would have thought. I have made them using professional backing and glue which wasn't cheap...I pesonally would add a simple short valance to cover the roll.

[@ThriftDiving]

I'm sure that was expensive! I was actually thinking, too, that Heat n' Bond would be a good choice for joining the pieces to prevent them from separating. As for the valance, yes, you can. But I don't mind without.

[@LChalifoux]

Wow - excellent tutorial! I love that you included all the details you discovered the hard way - "mistakes" aren't a bad thing, they're how we learn! Even though I've been a quilter and home sewer for about 20 years, I picked up a couple of great tips I hadn't come across before. Using your cutting table as a square edge: we're so used to cutting mats, quilting rulers and rotary cutters that I just never thought of that. Ditto using the edge of the table with the slider on your seam ruler to make easier to fold over your fabric. I finally feel I'm ready to tackle this project for my bedroom windows. Liked and subscribed! 👍 One important safety caution: spray adhesive works great, but it's very toxic, flammable, and can explode in high temperatures. (!) Just a reminder, everyone: Before you use *any* chemical product (even commonly used products that are supposedly "safe"), always carefully read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use, protective gear, first aid, storage, and disposal. A safe maker lives to make another day! 😎

[@mlwashington4118]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THE BLINDS!!! Yes, the spray adhesive is very handy!!! Martha

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

They are beautiful! And it’s not only privacy but security. You will have a lot of expensive tools and equipment out there. You don’t want people to be able to look in when you’re away.🐝🤗❤️

[@ThriftDiving]

Exactly! I haven't really put anything out there yet, for that very reason (because the shades aren't totally done). But I also haven't done the floor yet, so I can't really bring anything out there until that gets put in (once the mini split gets installed--SOON. It's been 6 weeks on order!). But yeah, once there are tools in there, it will need to keep out prying eyes! Glad you like it!

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@ThriftDiving I really like it! I had a detached garage I made into a studio in my last home. I designed some beautiful security bars made to look entirely like vines. I drew them out and told the blacksmith to make way more air than metal. Just have the spaces too small for the average mans shoulders. They were beautiful! And to make it a little more secure, he sharpened all the leaves. If someone tried to get in there, they would need a trip to the hospital. They didn’t look like security windows. They looked like art pieces. You might think about something like that when all your equipment is installed.🐝🤗❤️

[@ireneferrante2313]

This popped up at the perfect time. I have been looking for shades for the bedroom. Think there might be a project ahead!!! Love the shed,it is beautiful.

[@mariamercy7317]

Yay, just what I need! Although knowing how extra, extra lazy I have grown, I think I'll just get the roller blinds and glue some fabric to one side... Going to try to make it "Down-up" cause it's what I need. Thanks Serena 😊 Hmmmm, or maybe a privacy shield on the bottom half of the window and the blind as you show.

[@lucindareppert9503]

I love the bright vheery design of the fabric, wonderful choice. I agree with another comment, I would make this my second home for all my get away moments . You did a fantastic job and the learning process is part of the journey.

[@woodstover]

I think I would have rolled them up the other way so I didn't see the white at the top. As for your skylights, the best way to keep the heat out is to cover them from the outside with something like a sun-sail material. That keeps the heat outside of the room. Great video, I'm wanting to try this for myself! Beautiful material!

[@ThePubliusHuldah]

this is fabulous ❤❤❤ Thank you, Thrift! I want to reuse my existing cheap roller shade mechanisms and replace only the fabric. You showed us how to do it!

[@maryowens9179]

Beautiful window shades. Great job.loving the colors, very cheerful. Thank you for sharing this ❤

[@brandygriffiss]

Thank you for sharing your talent! I've wanted to do this for years! Thanks for sharing your mistakes!! It's beautiful!

[@bernadettepesce773]

Excellent video. Love your candor about mistakes (we all make them!) and learning from them. Thank you.

[@Lisa-qp6mr]

Loved this! Thanks for sharing-I needed a quick solution within a tight budget while I find more permanent window coverings. Super helpful info!

[@silviainthislife]

You are absolutely brilliant!!! You've given me the idea of constructing a tv cover with this mechanism, thanks for the inspiration.🥰

[@alkakudke]

Cute one, you did it so happily. The colourful fabric adds liveliness into the room 👌

[@ChrysanthsMum]

It came out beautiful! I love the pattern you chose. Hoping to do this myself once I get a table!😊

[@jashley0212]

I’m so glad I found you! Beautiful job. I love the fabric you picked and you have definitely inspired me. Thanks!

[@LauraN-do2of]

Sewer tip. If you need the fabric to be square you can rip the fabric to make sure you are on grain and the shades hang square.

[@LadyJDIY]

I am new to sewing would you be able to explain this a little bit further how do you tell that you are on grain?

[@colleenosullivan857]

@@LadyJDIYthe fabric will only tear along the grain. It just works that way

[@ednataylor6621]

Ms Serena your She Shed looks very nice 😊 I like the shades you put up in the windows, it really did add pops of color you are very talented and I hope you can continue to keep bringing those informative and wonderful videos I have learned a lot in restoring furniture, building furniture and all sorts of things watching this channel. I like the video on your outside patio lounge you did a wonderful job and I also have learn how to work power tools and not be afraid of using them, thank you for the information ,hope you and family stay safe

[@vicievee1095]

WOW!!! Absolutely beautiful!! Thank you so much!! I needed this for my bedroom windows!!

[@lindag2214]

This is the 1st video I've seen one by you. I think you're awesome! You have great taste & I love that you got right into it. I cannot wait to make my shades! Most people don't realize how much it takes to make these videos. Thank you so much for this detailed video. You've made it look so easy(I'm positive it isnt all that easy, so thanks again!)

[@calgal8915]

Love this, I’m going to take down the broken blind in my garage and replace with a shade. Thanks for the idea and inspiration!

[@t_sname6397]

Well done project, thank you! Here's a tip: Remove the original fabric from the roller only as a last step. Roll it out all the way and used it as a guide to get the new fabric square to the roller. Then, after new fabric is taped to roller, peel old fabric off roller. Alternatively, align and sew new fabric to old fabric along and close to the roller. Then cut old fabric portion away. This saves the step of aligning and taping new fabric to the roller.

[@loriford7037]

I just love the fabric you chose & thanks so very much for doing the tutorial along with original mistakes tips so we could benefit & get it right the first time. Again, so appreciate this. I like the technique better than doing expensive Roman Shades & thought they looked so beautiful in your Shed. Love, love, love the pos of color! :)

[@ellenfuller4393]

I need this in my she shed! My hubby put up a screen on the out side of the window. I literally couldn't see my machine. I'm so glad mine's finally done.

[@angelacarpenter510]

Love that fabric! It’s so bright and cheery! My laundry room needs something at the window might try this!! 🌷

[@lmcsquaredgreendale3223]

Absolutely love the fabric you chose. I really appreciate your showing the error of not using fabric adhesive. I have a 125 year old house and the majority of windows are wide and tall with the average being 60 inches tall. It was customary in old houses to always install most of the windows facing south and west for light and despite having replaced the windows with energy efficient windows they still create horrendous heat in the summer and I can feel the cold that they produce in Vermont winters. I purchased a room darkening venetian blind for the worst window as a test but it didn't block the heat. It is the largest window in the house and it faces directly west (36" x 60") and I was planning on making a roman shade but your solution will work far better because I can still use the drapes I have purchased. I made roman shades for another room but didn't use drapes and I didn't like the look of a roman shade with the drapes; it just looked to busy if that is the right expression. Thank you so much for the tutorial because you have offered me a solution that won't break the piggy bank. I am off to hopefully buy a roller shade and if they have one in the appropriate size I will order black out fabric and since the drapes are a mix of lovely bright flowers (It is my bedroom and it is in the gable end of the attic and the largest bedroom in the house.) I can choose any one of the colors I prefer and go with a solid color for the roller blind.

[@joycedavis9996]

hey, serena! i drop in every so often to see what you are doing. the she-shed looks so good but those roller shades are fabulous and vibrant just like you! seems like a lot of work to me but well worth it! your talents and ideas never cease to amaze me! keep on doing what you do, girl, it looks great! ps: ❤️ your tee 😉

[@gabrieladeuschle3596]

I just bought some new beautiful curtains for my patio door. I have a bay window across from the room that have black and white buffalo checkered curtains that look like Roman shades. If that makes sense. It's the kind that have this pretty droop in the middle after you tie them up at the ends. Anyway, I think I'm going to buy another panel and create roller blinds like this to match them. My curtains are a beautiful floral and they wild look so pretty behind the checkered curtains! Thank you for the idea! I wish we could show you our end result with before and after pictures so you could see what I'm talking about lol! Loved your video! Thank you for sharing!❤

[@helensmith7177]

Great project and I LOVE your fabric choice! Thanks for doing this, I may just have to make a few for my garage!

[@judystophel1904]

I love these! Great job and the fabric is so pretty and happy.

[@helencoppard8059]

Thank you for sharing. Your blinds look fantastic, love the colours.. I must have a go at this myself..❤❤🎉

[@ThriftDiving]

They're super easy! Mine still look great! :)

[@juanitasullivan3372]

Thank you thank you thank you!!! I've been looking for an alternative to typical window mini blinds. I really dislike the new "cordless" blinds that don't stay in their brackets. I never thought of making my own shades and this is fantastic. As a seamstress I find this easy to do.

[@b.l.wilson9724]

Absolutely love this as well as everything else you do! I’m a huge fan.

[@daisymay9448]

I love how clean your work is!

[@MEBON-ol3zk]

Beautiful fabric and resulting in your success .... such a nice job!!!!!🥰

[@Everythingfreshandsassy]

Hey there! It’s always so nice to see a neighbor here! I love the fabric you chose! You can pick up all kinds of accessories to the room from these colors! Awesome job!!!!!

[@nishurani8671]

Awesome and beautiful idea ❤❤

[@MissLady-pq4hc]

You are as real as they come. Thank you for all the great videos.👍🏼💙

[@torysetliff]

I have these shades from Walmart and this is exactly what I was hoping to do!

[@Ana-bu3hh]

Thank you for the tutorial.... shades can be so expensive so it's nice to have the option to make them.

[@MrSullismom]

Very imaginative and professional video! Making the shades is a lot of work but worth it because buying shades costs a small fortune!

[@blufaerie]

Oh that fabric is lovely!!! This was a great project!

[@fishingpinky3165]

I just found your channel. LOVE LOVE LOVE your She Shed! I want to make the blinds and you just showed me how! Thank you.

[@rootlori8117]

so pretty!!!! I need to make curtains for our Boler trailer soon so am looking for inspiration! :)

[@patriciahankel911]

As always one awesome project again… Beautiful woman to inspire so many others…

[@sophievanderbilt1325]

I just spent 3k on custom roller blinds for a few rooms in my house…and I still need more! I’m going to try your tutorial for the guest room and a few other areas (seriously this house has like a million freakin windows 😅). Thank you SO MUCH for this advice! $33 per window is sounding pretty good to me. Your shed looks so cute already!

[@louloubell6586]

The fabric you used is beautiful. I love bright colours. There are roller blinds with a chain you use to roll them so maybe this would be a good option so they will open all the way. I love your space. I'm about to build a new home and am going to build a workshop in my backyard with a kit log cabin. The logs all slot together in the corners. I have more tools than most men and can't wait to have my own space to store them neatly.

[@OcalaBrew]

Nice job! Thank you! I have to do this for our new tiny house when we get it built!

[@maryjocunningham5578]

Fantastic! I’m so happy to hear that you do things ‘half ass’ backward. I can’t remember doing anything the right way first.😵‍💫 Great video! Thank you for sharing.

[@rethamoore4282]

Love your blinds , the color is great with the white walls !!

[@pamelarobinson6087]

Hello I would have never thought it to do that but guess what I’m gonna give it a try because I love it so pretty and is it just gives the room a pop of color and it’s just beautiful I will be giving it a try thank you for sharing😊💖

[@lilianinafrica2243]

How very cheerful, I'm watching it at 4:30 in the morning (in Capetown/South Africa) because one of my dogs woke me up to go outside and what a coincidence, yesterday I bought a carpet in the same colours with floral motives and super easy to clean, from a Chinese Shop. It cheers up the 'eating area' and so did your video. Just for explanation, my one dog is so old and accidents happen and I had to roll up all my carpets and put them away and decided to gjve them to a needy person. You might wonder why I watch at night? Our government does rolling black outs since months sometimes 4 times a day for 2 hours, can you imagine? 8 hours?? You did a great job and fun to watch. Thanks💟💟💟

[@zaeemahrobinson8720]

Been looking forward to this video as I have 4 windows..2 large where I need to replace fabric on roller blinds so will heed your advice. Well done! Another great DIY, love the fabric colour and your shed looks fantastic.

[@leeglee111]

This is fun and love love love your shades!! Ty for sharing your talent with us!! 💗💜

[@terrilaughlin1121]

Those are beautiful shades. I love that fabric. Thank you!

[@karmatingz5797]

great blinds. I will be trying this for myself soon. Thanks for the tutorial Serena👍🏾

[@user-me4vh8wi5n]

Thank you for the demo. I love your pink floral print.

[@dutchgram3799]

Love the fabric! Your she shed is a dream.

[@lbl1371]

The shades are gorgeous and that tshirt is everything. ✌🏼

[@lisamartin1230]

Wow! this is a lot easier than doing roman shades and just as pretty. I'm tired of buying drapes for my living room. I'm going to do this for sure. Also thanks for explaining the mistakes along the way. Mistakes are how we learn. Subscribed

[@jandroid1962]

I LOVE that fabric. Great tutorial!

[@bethleblanc656]

Beatiful floral blinds I love it! I'll try to make them. Thank you. Please post more home decor ideas like this. I've just discovered your channel.

[@beckyhp7776]

Love the bright pop of color!

[@vickihoskins7900]

I love this tutorial… Im going to do this for my 20’ genealogy chart. For your skylights, just add sticky film . It lets the light in, but cuts down on the heat. My son in law just installed some on my skylights..he bought the stuff at Lowes. It’s called Heat Control Window Film by Gila.

[@litasanford7595]

I’ve always wanted to do this. Thanks so much. Both your directions and your demonstrations were excellent!

[@ThriftDiving]

So glad I was able to lay it out for you nicely! :) Thanks, Lita!

[@jayzanique1]

Thank you for Sharing ❤and that fabric you picked are Beautiful.

[@laurice8056]

I REALLY Love your shades!😍The pops of color look Amazing! Thanks for sharing your mishaps and mistakes along the way. You took one for the team, Sis 😝. I look forward to trying to make some shades too. But maybe I’ll use some paper or a cheap bed sheet, or table cloth for a pattern BEFORE I cut my pretty fabric. Thanks again for sharing 🤗

[@jennifersutton3115]

I love it! Great idea. Bright colorful print very nice.👍

[@Penny-bt4gc]

Love the fabric. Great diy video. You made it look so simple and easy.

[@ThriftDiving]

Thanks so much, Penny!!

[@donnaveracka7439]

Hi! Love this, so pretty! They look great, you've given me some incentive to try this...😬 As always enjoy your videos and always learn something.

[@dorothyedwards7225]

I love the floral print, and how you crafted a shade. I love your SheShed, how wonderful!🌝🌈💓🌼🌸

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you so much! I love it, Dorothy! :)

[@DivinelyGuided2911]

I love it! I found that material at Michaels. I love it. My window is much bigger and I'm still working on getting it to go up. I'm going to mess around with the tension rod like you mentioned.

[@joantomlin7281]

You could roll the blackout fabric carefully onto some kind of tube (pool noodle, PVC pipe, cardboard fabric tube????) to make it easier to glue the layers together. I love your ideas

[@SBL1932]

What a good well demonstrated video. Thank you for sharing. Such great ideas

[@Sunshinelady]

Great job, they’re beautiful!!

[@firetopman]

You just changed my life. Thank you.

[@peggygilbertsen9099]

You are so talented and very fun to watch. Thank you!

[@liraandrews124]

Awesome and beautiful! Thanks for sharing, you have given me great ideas.

[@lo1001]

I love this tutorial ❤ I can't wait to give it a go.

[@joyceschetter5871]

Creative video project. I always wondered how to make shades. Thank you!

[@rosemarygregory9458]

What an excellent tutorial! Thank you so much.

[@user-vg9on3je9u]

Love it!! I will be doing this to my extra rooms.

[@mysevinsky]

I have had this EXACT same idea in my mind for the past two years and have been wanting to make.... I kept putting it off because I thought I was being silly and it wouldn't work, but I am SOOOO happy to see that someone else also made it and it WORKS! Thank you for making this video!!!! I have kids and pets and can't stand the broken slats of the regular blinds so I have been wanting roller blinds but didn't want them to look so plain!!! You did a fabulous job!

[@mysevinsky]

I was also thinking... If we didn't need them to be black out... It could also work to use adhesive and apply our fabric directly to the roller vinyl, no? Just brainstorming 🤔🤔🤔

[@ThriftDiving]

Yes, you can do that by applying the fabric to the vinyl! Just be sure your edges are clean once you roll them and spray adhesive them to the vinyl. :)

[@marietamura4534]

Yeah, was looking for another video from you. Great project. Perfect for the space.

[@ThriftDiving]

Yes, I am glad I was able to get another video out! I have been moving slow since summer break. Having the kids around means lazy starts to our mornings, so my "create" time has been cut in half, I feel like!

[@dreamdesign9443]

Fantastic turtorial thank you for sharing. I would have just used the vinyl that came with the roller as the black out fabric as it's already cut to the correct size except for the bottom you would have to cut to adjust size in length depending on length you need and your not wasting the vinyl. Just a thought for others wanting to make one! Excellent easy to follow!! Sweet She Shed!!

[@Rubiepurl]

Wow those are great! I definitely want to make some of these!

[@ocelotcat]

Great idea, thank you for sharing the technique. 🙏💗