Roman blinds are a very sophisticated addition to a room. This is because of the variety of material that can be used and the perfect fit it has in your window. They are material blinds that fit perfectly to the inner framing of your window. The pull strings are threaded through the material; therefore when you want to raise the blinds, the pull string with cause the material to fold horizontally onto itself as it raises.

Roman shades, by which they are also known, are usually made out of light to medium weight fabric that is lined. Even while roman blinds are closed, there is usually a delicate horizontal overlapping. This detail creates a rich intricate detail to any room. The material could have permanent horizontal pleats in it, which remain rippled even while fully closed, or the cloth could be flat and smooth. The amount of light that the window blind will let in is dependent on the material used. A richer, thicker fabric, like suede or something to match your couch, will create a darker more private room when the blinds are closed. While a lighter weave fabric, for example cotton or linen, can lightly shade a room, and still allow some air and light in.

 Roman blinds are said to be quite straight forward to make by hand. The DIY method is rewarding and also lets you choose the exact material to tailor the blinds to your décor. I think it adds a special touch to have made something for the room that you put effort and time into. If you do not feel so creatively-inclined, but still would like more custom window coverings, I suggest picking out the perfect fabric from a store and bringing it to a seamstress that can professionally create the blinds for you.

If you choose to make your Roman blinds by hand, here is what you’ll need to do:
1. Cut the fabric to the size needed (either you can measure the window or follow a pattern) and add an extra 2 inches to the width and length of the fabric for the seams to be sown.
2. Cut the lining the same measurements as the fabric
3. Lay out fabric, back side towards you. Cover with lining, ensuring the edges and corners match perfectly, iron out wrinkles, and pin both material together.
4. Stitch down the left and right side and along the bottom.
5. Create a double row of stitch at the bottom, which will make a pocket for the dowel to slip into
6. Mark with a pencil your two inch seam at the top of the fabric, and proceed by measuring and dividing the remaining length of fabric into equal sections (between 8-12 inches). Leave a half section at the bottom.
7. To create the pockets for the dowels, cut fabric 3 inches wide and the length of your blind. Fold each piece in half aligning the raw edges,
8. Begin stitching ½ inch in across the edge of the pocket and down on side, when done, turn right side out
9. Pin the pockets to the penciled lines of the equal sections of your blind and begin sewing along the length
10. Slide the dowel into its pocket and over sew the open ends
11. Hand sew plastic rings to the outer edges of the pocket, this is for the cord to thread through. Place the rings 2 inches in from the edges of the blind, 8-16 inches apart along the length of the blind, and rings along the middle of the blind
12. Turn down one inch of the fabric at the top of blind, so that the back side of the flipped inch is facing you.
13. Pin and stitch a piece of Velcro to the flap, and attach the opposing side of Velcro to the top of the window.
14. Screw an eyelet into the batten, directly above the lines of rings
15. Take your cord and knot it in place in the first ring at the bottom of the blind. Continue by threaded it through the rings towards the batter. Do this for each row of rings, and finalize by bringing all trails of the cords to the one side of the batter.
16. Trim the cords to be even at create a knot to secure them.
17. Place a cleat at the side of the window, which you can wrap the cord around to hold it in place when the blind is pulled up.

To create a dramatic and layered effect, combine curtains with your roman blinds. You can hang a curtain of any material around the window frame, to outline the blinds. In my opinion this would best suit a larger window, or a window that is in a bigger room. Otherwise, the look may be too dramatic and overbearing for the room or window. Whatever your interior designing may be; have fun decorating your home with the versatility of roman blinds.