Rome wasn't built in a day, but Roman blinds were built in 45 minutes

I decided the attic needed blinds.  Given the slant of the roof line in the attic, I thought drapes might be visually too much and take up precious space.  Enter, roman blinds (or roman shades).

I went to visit the queen, Martha Stewart, for inspiration.  And by inspiration, actually recall what a proper roman blind looked like.  

I couldn't find any tutorials online so here is my first attempt at it in 1:12 (ish) scale.  I used the iPad as my camera so the pictures are hit and miss.

Supplies

• Black and white quatrefoil fabric for the front and solid black for the liner (liner is visible from outside the house)
• Iron-on hemming tape
• White ribbon
• "No Fray" adhesive from Aleene's
• Pins, iron and ironing board

First, I did a quick measurement of the frame and cut my fabric to allow for a wee hem and to be long enough for 2 blinds.  If you're burning your fingers with an iron, do it once!

I cut the black backing fabric slightly more narrow and hemmed it too.  No chance it will peak over the front edge.






Then I cut my 9.5mm white craft ribbon in half

and used the iron-on hemming to secure it to the front of the blind

I then used the same iron-on hemming to attach the black backing fabric to the back of the quatrefoil fabric.

Note the pin in the photo.  The area above the pin is where the drape will be adhered to the frame.  This is important as you need to ensure you have enough length when you cut the strip for 2 blinds.

The blind is now cut to the full length of the window plus the additional allowance for the adhesion to the frame.

Dry fit at this point to ensure everything is good!

Then use the iron-on hemming to seal your last raw edge.

The pin remains to keep that frame allowance in my view so I don't get carried away and forget.

I then did the pleat fold for the blind.  Google image Roman blinds to get large detailed images if it seems confusing. Press the pleats with your iron

I then used tiny strips of the iron-on hemming on the back of the blind to secure each pleat.  Its a delicate balance with your iron, you have to press long and hard since its a thick pleat, so don't burn your fabric!

I used Aleene's No Fray fabric adhesive on the ribbon.  I painted it on with a brush.  I found the ribbon, when cut, would fray too much for my liking.

I adhered the blinds to the house using 3M Command Adhesive strips.  Who knows when I might want to swap them out?

There you have it!  Two Roman blinds cut from a long strip of fabric.