How to Make Roman Shades Using Mini Blinds?
Roman shades are quite expensive in general. There are different ways you can make roman shades. Mini blinds are affordable, and hence, making roman shades with them can also be relatively inexpensive. When it comes to the design and quality of the fabric, it is complete the user preference. Consider using a decorative fabric, and the blackout fabric or the lining fabric must blend with the main fabric. The following the list of steps to make Roman Shades using min blinds.
What You Need
Cutting
We begin making the roman shade by cutting the fabric. The dimensions of the window must be accurate. To be precise, you can measure it twice so that there will be no mistakes. Always measure the window carefully and then start cutting. You will alsohave to keep in mind that it must be three to five inches longer and wider than the window. When it comes to blackout fabric, this is also completely a user preference. The lining piece must be slightly smaller. You will now have to remove the blinds that you have already installed.
Cutting the Ladder Chain
Now you need to cut the ladder chain accordingly. At this stage, you may end up doing a mistake. Keep in mind that you do not cut the center cord. The center cord runs through the blind's hole. If you cut it, it will look like a ladder with the center cord. With it, you will be able to tilt the blind. Following this, you need to remove the bottom footer board.
For this, you will have to pop off the plastic plug that connects the ends of the cords. With the help of a flat head screwdriver, you can pry them off. Leave them safely in place as you will be requiring in it again. Now you can cut the ladder cord from the bottom piece. Again keep in mind that you don't cut the center pull cord. In some cases, you will also have to unknot the cord only.
Creating Strong Slats
To create strong flats, you will have to group two blinds slats together. This will make sure there will be improved durability. It also helps to keep the fabric in a secure position. By taking the hot glue gun, you will be able to create an instant bond. Most importantly, you don't have to worry about getting anything extra as you have many slats.
Arranging the Slats
We now move on to the next stage which is arranging the slats. Make sure that you arrange the slats appropriately and distribute them evenly. You will also have to grow this that's by making them face up in the middle. This has to create ample surface area for the main fabric. However, you will have to leave a gap of 3 to 4 inches in the no glue zone. Following this, you can check the center pull cord that will provide you space for movement. If it is dry, you can set it aside by folding up the blinds carefully.
The Gluing Stage
In this stage, we will glue the header to the main fabric. For this, you can keep the fabric on the work surface. Orient it in a proper direction so that you can start working accordingly. Now you need to position the header by at least 1.5 inches from the top of the fabric. Glue the header at the right spot. You will again have to glue and wrap the header. You can now start tucking it around into the frame of the header.
Keeping the Fabric in Place
Now take the liner fabric and place it on the top of the main fabric. Follow this by threading the pull cords through the blinds' holes. It may sound a bit difficult but you can surely do it. With the help of tape, you can now tape the end of the pull cord. Do it until the bottom so that it can stay in place.
Gluing Again
Securely line up the liner fabric under the header bar. Glue it in place and run hot glue along the vinyl slats. At this stage, you will have to skip over the holes where the pull cords run. Gently press the blind slats onto the main fabric. You need to repeat this process for all the fabrics. Again you will have to glue the sides of the lining fabric with the main fabric.
There are two ways of doing it. First, you need to create an inseam of 1/4 inch and then glue it at the fabric's edge. Another way will be to fold the fabric and glue it directly to the liner and fabric. However, you will have to keep it folded with a thickness of up to 2 inches. Always create a crisp line and also make sure that it is not wrinkled.
Securing the Bottom Bar in Place
Now you can measure the header bar's top to bottom by knowing the appropriate dimensions of the window. Make sure that you add 1.5 inches at the bottom. You can now cut the main fabric and the liner fabric liner should 1 inch shorter. Follow this by gluing the bottom of the main fabric to the liner fabric. Again, you will also have to leave a gap of 3 to 4 inches so that the pull cord can come through. Repeat it by gluing the bottom of the main fabric.
Here, the distance should be 1.5 inches above the end of the fabric. An important thing to keep in mind will be to put the bottom bar at 90 degrees. Once you are done with it, you will also have to secure it. Now you can add some extra fabric and again glue it in place. By using scissors, you can cut holes in the bottom bar.
The Final Touch
In the last stage, you will have to make the pull cord out of the line of fabric. You can do it by using your fingers and find the two pull cords. Remove the tape and start drawing the pull cords through the two holes. With two plastic caps, you can also set aside the vinyl blinds. The next step will be to thread the pull cords and keeping them securely at the bottom bar. Now knot the pull cords so that it does not pull back. You can leave any excess cords so that you will be able to make necessary adjustments. Your roman shade using mini blinds is ready, and you can install it conveniently.
