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: thriftdiving.c...
//MATERIALS// (may include affiliate links)
-Pretty drapery fabric (fabricbistro.c...)
-Black-out drapery lining (amzn.to/3ywVTlt)
-Vinyl roller shades ()
-Roller shade hardware (www.lowes.com/...)
-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

[@grannyjann]

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

[@n2xrcise]

That's what I was thinking.... good to know it works.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@jaynewhite6699]

I am glad I saw this. I thought about using wallpaper and putting it on the shade. This looks so good and with fabric you would have so much more to choose from. Love your taste♥️

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you so much, Jayne! Good luck making this!

[@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.

[@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.🐝🤗❤️

[@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.

[@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😊💖

[@MrSullismom]

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

[@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!

[@bellaluce7088]

*PRO TIP from custom blind companies:* Measure width of window enclosure at top, middle, and bottom, and use NARROWEST measurement to ensure a good fit. Buildings shift and settle, so what fits one part of a window may be too wide for another section. Love how cheerful these look! 😃

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@googleuser2426]

Ask me how I know..... hahaha. You did a great job. These looks really nice.

[@TheNjuanarena]

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

[@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.

[@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!)

[@Rubiepurl]

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

[@bbrosser694]

Wow! I'm absolutely impressed with your beautiful roller shades. I love the fact that shades can really lift the overall look of any room while providing sun-protection. Great Job that looks professionally made! Thank you for sharing.

[@joyceschetter5871]

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

[@angelacarpenter510]

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

[@evelynj.amponsah8417]

Beautiful Transformation, love the fabric. Can’t wait for the total reveal.

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you! It's going SOOO slow. I am looking forward to it getting done, but it's been long just waiting for the air conditioning! Then the flooring is next! :)

[@dorothygwilliams5500]

❤ your video, as for the tension 50 years ago this window blinds were popular, occasionally I'd use a fork to reset the tension, thanks

[@ThriftDiving]

Ahhh, great idea!!! Thanks for that suggestion!

[@donnavrahnas9154]

Okay so I just found you and I am BEYOND OBSESSED WITH YOUR TALENT.

[@ThriftDiving]

That's so sweet, Donna!!! Thank you! Glad to have you on board!

[@AliciaFerrer-p6m]

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

[@ollie-d]

Great guide, thank you! I need to make a weird set of roller shades that starts about 20% down from the top of the window and has a cutout to accommodate a cat bed and air conditioner. This video gets me most of the way there!

[@ThriftDiving]

Good luck!

[@donnakkasper6634]

For your skylights do what RVer’s do. We get foam insulation and cover it with fabric, then push it into place. Stops the heat, and the light too unfortunately, but right now, it’s the heat we need to stop. Good job! Are you going to do a Mr. Cool mini split for your shed?

[@evewilson7909]

I have been trying to find a video such as yours since years. ❤❤

[@jayzanique1]

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

[@SBL1932]

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

[@liraandrews124]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@nishurani8671]

Awesome and beautiful idea ❤❤

[@TehFeelz243]

Wow! You made it look easy but I can see it's just too much work for me. You are amazing.

[@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! 😎

[@Treesinthewind414]

Off topic…I love your shirt! I need to wear one like that to work because I hear a lot of comments from “others” stating ‘we are lazy people’ when we had to work our butts off for free for centuries and still deal with oppression and discrimination when we work at these companies that barely compensate us for our hard work.

[@QueenOfKings0402]

Came here because of Alexander Gater using your tutorial. What a great idea.

[@ThriftDiving]

Oh wow, I don't know who that is, but I must look him up!! Thanks for the heads up!

[@QueenOfKings0402]

@@ThriftDiving sorry I spelled her name wrong, it’s Alexandra. That’s my fault.

[@Pepsi_Please]

LOVE! I think if I attempted this..... I still have PTSD from what is now referred to as, The dreaded ceiling fan support install of 04. I've since moved, but I'm sure the story lives on to this day, though only whispered in polite society. Let's just say, that every toddler in a 5 block radius learned a REALLY bad word that day. Screamed 3k times at brain liquefying decibels over the course of 3 hrs. I still cringe at the memory. It WAS 109° and my neck WAS jammed into the ceiling, and.... and..... and..... Oh, I give up! I have to say, I WAS a "screaming" success in the end! 🤣🤣

[@blufaerie]

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

[@tiffanyhollywood2108]

Soooooo nice! What a great idea and So pretty! I can't sew, though! I might try throwing some colorful contact paper on some shades, instead! 🤭 Don't judge me! 😆😅

[@terrilaughlin1121]

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

[@daisymay9448]

I love how clean your work is!

[@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! :)

[@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.

[@yvroser902]

Great tutorial . This a great business to offer on line

[@CathySimi]

Looks great! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@rachelkerr37]

That is soooo cute!....I wonder if wallpaper or tact paper would work 🤔

[@lo1001]

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

[@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!!!

[@guestleona8808]

I just watched this video…I love it 😍! Can a small cornice box or valance be added on top?

[@darniataylor7749]

Great project and it seems fairly easy to do. I love the fabric you used. Could this be done without a sewing machine? Maybe using Stitch Witchery?

[@ThriftDiving]

Definitely! I forgot to mention it in the video, but yes, you can use something like that, or Heat n' Bond, so that you don't have to use a sewing machine!

[@MedEducationist]

Beautiful colours!💕 Good job! 💕 I just have a little stupid question... Was there any reason you didn't sew your printed fabric on the Walmart blind ? . I mean using it instead of blackout fabric? That could prevent waste of the material, but I've never done this, so maybe I'm just babbling... As I admitted, it's already sounding like a stupid question to me.. Lol 🙈

[@friedpicklechips]

I LOVE the print you found! What would you think about using a thin fusible Pellon for joining the fabrics? I use it for fusing cotton lining to canvas for totes and it works really well!

[@ericataylor9063]

Great video

[@IN-D-YHN]

Beautiful

[@bernadettepesce773]

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

[@toni5810]

Love the fabric for the shades!

[@lorettacook1754]

I love that idea.

[@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

[@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.

[@RebeccaSenge-ko9tx]

Love. Love. Love. Thankyou!!

[@ginaventura865]

Love the print

[@judihopewell2499]

Now it looks so good its time to stop calling it your shed, it is now a studio !

[@dr.shahidiqbal6711]

Beautiful

[@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

[@ThriftDiving]

MATERIAL LIST (Below.....may contain affiliate links): -Pretty drapery fabric - fabricbistro.com/products/white-magenta-hot-pink-purple-green-mustard-chartreuse-orange-cotton-floral-upholstery-drapery-fabric -Black-out drapery lining - amzn.to/3ywVTlt -Vinyl roller shades - www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Blackout-Tear-to-Fit-Roller-Shade-37-1-4-x72-White/55509214 -Roller shade hardware - www.lowes.com/pd/LEVOLOR-Trim-Go-6-Piece-Roller-Shade-Brackets/50199659 -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

[@cynthiagugg8725]

Thank you for providing the material list - I was having a hard time finding the adj roller shade. GREAT video - looks fantastic, easy to follow, and you get to the point (some videos have much too long intro). Hope mine turn out at good as yours look!

[@lenoramcginnis4794]

Love this!

[@dagarvelo]

I love your shades! I do have a question, though. Couldn’t you just glue/attach the fabric to the existing vinyl shade?

[@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!

[@natalianakoriakova8084]

I highly doubt it will cause the clue sprayed covers surface with a very thin, even layer.

[@TheErinPalm]

I bet double sided interfacing might work best.

[@lori8966]

Thanks for the feedback, I'll use a staple gun

[@Missmurder8905]

You could probably use washable fusible interfacing. So once you wash the fabric, it washes away. People use it a lot for quilting.

[@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.

[@BlessedKomal]

Thank you😊

[@Anita-ps3cr]

❤love it

[@jgirlaldrich6559]

great video. 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!

[@kellyismyname777]

Beautiful choice! Love the pop of colour! May I ask why you didn't just adhere the fabric to the actual shade the blinds came with? Thanks in advance.✌🏼

[@daniaa.oliva-pena7338]

Beautiful! I love it ❤

[@brandygriffiss]

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

[@mog-gyveroneill2500]

You could reverse the pole, and wind the fabric so it is the good side showing, it would fall from the front not the back of the pole, and the white backing wouldn't show.

[@ThriftDiving]

Yes, you can do it that way, too! :) I think it would actually mean that you wind the fabric around the rod from the other direction.

[@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

[@sharronjosey5669]

Great Job

[@gingerblack4528]

This is a great idea! I rent so are there any attaching hardware that could be double stuck to an aluminum frame? I live in a highrise and we have vertical blinds that I have hidden and don't use (improperly installed, vertical blinds keep falling off)! All I do has to be temporary!

[@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.

[@jfranco5124]

Lovely 🤔😊💖

[@ramanshinde1542]

Very good 👍🙏

[@doristabares6835]

Me gusto mucho tu video esta muy lindo

[@ruthnamaste]

They're so cute! I'm wondering, how do they look like from the outside? And, can you use the same material on the outside/external side of the blind or would it be too heavy?

[@ThriftDiving]

Great question! I forgot to show that part. On the backside, from the outside of the window, you see the white black-out fabric, with a little bit of the floral hem. They're pretty cute from outside, too! I think if you tried to do 3 layers of fabric (inside floral, blackout, and outside floral), I definitely think it would be too heavy. Unless you found a more expensive roller shade rod. These little cheapie ones from Walmart wouldn't support it, I don't think. If you don't need the blackout fabric, you could just use two layers of the floral fabric (if you want the pretty floral fabric to be seen from the outside, too, and just use the spray adhesive to glue them with their "wrong" sides together. Hope that makes sense! :)

[@ruthnamaste]

@@ThriftDiving thank you so much for your prompt reply! Keep up the great work! I love and have learned a lot from your videos, podcasts and tutorials! 🥰

[@mlwashington4118]

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

[@veronicaalmeda8014]

It's not rlly showing how to make the rolling shades, she had bought one already and only added the extra fabrics.

[@dm6623]

So…

[@hismusicnme]

A few suggestions - If using spray adhesive, spray the vinyl rather than the fabric, it should be a bit easier to smooth out. Also, I would do the bonding of fabric and vinyl first before any measuring or cutting of the fabric. Once the two materials are bonded together, it should be much easier to make the seam allowances without too much concern of being square. Less anxiety and quicker.

[@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 😉

[@toecutterp]

Your she said would be my home, if I had one

[@terrimcfarland1152]

Cute!!

[@ginenelafontaine8343]

Great tutorial, I've wondered how to do this for ages. You show us what to do and what not to do. I'll be using your directions. I can't believe Lowes carries shades with cardboard tubes (bad form!). The only thing I'm afraid of is the spray adhesive. I've had 3M spray adhesive discolor on lamp shades after a few years. Thank you for this!

[@wandabowring4816]

Go to an art supply store and buy a better quality spray glue. There's many to choose from.

[@mrazik131]

i think the cardboard is thin layer to mark the cuts and that is removable under is metal rod. it comes off the cardboard part...

[@ChrysanthsMum]

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

[@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!!

[@BunnyLang]

How fun! Thank you :)

[@oceansmith7480]

Beautiful curtain. How can I get it to roller up? What kind of rod and hook to make it roller up? Please tell me. Thank you!

[@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!