How to make your own top-down bottom-up shades | DIY

[@happygirl2809]

I LOVE the fabric!

[@lisecsheehan]

Me too, can we have a source for the fabric? Please, and thanks.

[@RandomBatHome]

of course! Here's the link: www.twosistersecotextiles.com/collections/all/products/astoria?variant=31499813584954 any linen would work, but this one is particularly beautiful.

[@tbarnes2624]

Wow well done!

[@marytaylor3831]

Thank you, this was great. I know it's probably tricky to capture but the main thing I wanted to see was how you thread the cords through the locks. I made some top down bottom up blinds but can't get them to function properly.

[@RandomBatHome]

You're welcome! Yes, it took me a few tries to get it right, it was a frustrating project but it saved me so much money compared to buying the shade.

[@SproutTV]

Thank you for this informative video! Do you think I could convert existing roman shades(bottom up) to top down bottom up? Wondering if it's possible to use the fabric I have and just get the new hardware? Thank you!

[@RandomBatHome]

I think it depends how the shade is attached at the top, like would it be easy to cut the fabric away and not have the valance part look bad? Otherwise I think it would be doable, but creating the top edge of the shade will be a pain and you might need to hand sew it since the lift cords are already installed. Good luck!

[@Dahlia_sunset]

Thank you for the explanation. Do you think it is also possible to adjust standard bamboo shades to roman top down bottom up shades?

[@RandomBatHome]

Hmmmm, you'd have to cut the fabric where it meets up with the valence top so it could be lowered. And then add a rod pocket to the top for a weight. And then reconfigure the cords to add a second condenser. So I guess it seems like a lot of work to adjust vs starting from scratch

[@Vfarz]

where do you buy the mechanism? This is a great idea!

[@RandomBatHome]

www.sailrite.com/Cord-Lock-for-Roman-Austrian-Shades I really like this cord lock! It's high quality and allows the cords to enter from both sides of the lock. I haven't had any issues with any of them since installing the shades.

[@dlmurray55]

@@RandomBatHome Have you tried many cord locks? I'm guessing not all work smoothly as others? I take it you just need 2 of these cord locks for each window shade of this size? Also do you work for Sailrite or do you just like them a lot? I just don't know them well as a site and want to trust them but don't know much about them. I mean I also use amazon but I don't trust them most the time either though lol.

[@RandomBatHome]

@@dlmurray55 I've only tried the Sailrite and a random cord lock from Amazon. The Amazon one did not hold the cords in place from both sides like I wanted and were very cheap feeling. I don't work for Sailrite and I only found them once I was looking to make shades myself. So far, all the cord locks I've used have held up well!

[@KathleenCaroselli]

I’m going to try this, heaven help me. 😬 Your video was wonderful! Any chance you have written instructions? This exactly what I’ve wanted. I googled, Can I make bottom up Roman shades. and found your video! I’m so grateful! Thank you!

[@RandomBatHome]

I intended to write instructions, but never got around to publishing them. I do have my own notes, but maybe this is the push I needed to write that blog post!

[@EconMBAStudent]

Thank you for posting this, as you say making, these is far less expensive than buying them. At 5:37 minutes I noticed you have some plastic doodads that you threaded the cord through. Could you advise where I get these from and what they are actually called. In appreciation.

[@RandomBatHome]

it's called a cord lock! I ordered this one from Sailrite and the quality is really good, so I would recommend. I tried ordering some from amazon and they didn't hold up the shade

[@kimmcamp]

Is this the same gear mechanism found in slat blinds?

[@RandomBatHome]

hmmm, I think it would be the same cord lock at the top, but am not positive

[@Klutzy68]

This is my favorite type of window covering and you make it look so easy! I would love to do this on my sliding glass doors which are 6 feet wide. Is it possible?

[@RandomBatHome]

thank you! hmmmm, I think if you broke up the shade into multiple parts, maybe 2 3ft sections, you would have good luck! I think one shade would get too heavy to operate.

[@RENDAEXTRAIDEIASTELETRAB-sq5yu]

Genius ! Tks a lot !!!!!!

[@bud2023]

❤