Tutorial: Simple Blinds

Below are instructions for a very simple window shade.  They are loosely based on a pattern I purchased several years ago—Vogue 1247, a “very easy” pattern.  I love these shades because they are endlessly adaptable, and I have dreamed up so many variations that I have not had the chance to implement. 

Window treatments are so expensive, often because they involve so much fabric, but these use only twice the size of your window (I suppose you could even make them unlined if privacy is not a concern).  These could be made using new or thrifted fabrics.   I have also dreamed of making little window quilts, because I think the stitching would play so interestingly in the light.   There is even the possiblity of embellishing these with appliques or trimmings.

Please email me if you get the chance to make these, I would love to post some on the blog.  Also, let me know if you find any mistakes in this tutorial so I can correct them as soon as possible.

Note: Keep in mind that you need to be able to reach the top of the shade in order to operate it, so if you are short or have very tall windows this could be a problem.

Shade hanging from top and second loops

Directions:

1 Place hooks in the upper corners of your window frame.

Note:
I have used white cup hooks from Target on the pictured window, but there are obviously more creative options here, including decorative hooks or very small knobs.  There is also room to deviate with the placement of the hooks.  For example, if you place another set of hooks half way down the window, you could open the shade from the top down.  You could also place them at even more intervals for greater possibilities.

2 Measure windows.

3 Add 1” to horizontal and vertical measurements to allow for ½” seam allowances.

4 Cut two pieces of fabric to these measurements, one for front, and one for back. 

Note:
The front piece can be made of one piece of fabric, or many fabrics pieced together, but keep in mind that because light shows through curtains, your seams will be visible, so make them as even and neat as possible. 

For the back, it may be best to choose a light non-printed fabric to minimize fading.  You could use a curtain lining fabric, but you could also use thrifted sheets or other used fabrics.

5 Cut out fabric for loops, keeping in mind the design possibilities here. 

Start with one 2” x 30” strip of fabric.  Fold in ½ lengthwise, stitch long edge together (½” seam allowance).  Trim seam allowance to scant ¼”.  Turn and press.  Cut the long strip into six, 5” segments.  Bring ends of each segment together, basting if necessary.

Note: 
The above measurements will make loops that are about 2 ½” long.  Check your hook placement to make sure that that length is adequate to make it from the edge of the shade to your hooks.  Make the loops longer if necessary.

6 Lay shade front flat, right side up.  For loop placement, take the vertical measurement of the shade and divide by 5.  Place one loop on each side ½” from the top of the shade, aligning raw edges of the loop with the raw edge of the shade and pinning. Place another loop 2/5 of the way down the shade, and another 4/5 of the way down (on each side).

Note:
There is quite a bit of room for experimentation when it comes to placing these loops.  The above measurements simply get you a neatly folded shade at the top of your window when fully folded up.  If you placed more loops down each side, you would have greater flexibility in how these can be arranged on your windows.

7 Place shade lining on top of shade front and loops, right side down. (Right sides are now facing with loops sandwiched between)  Pin front and lining together. 

8 Sew around three sides of shade, leaving top or bottom of shade open for turning.

9 Turn shade.

10 Turn the 4th side of shade under ½” and pin.

11 Press shade.

12 Topstitch all four sides of blind as close as you can to the edge (1/4” or less).

13 Hang blind as desired on the hooks.

Note: I will add more photos if the sun ever comes out again in Michigan.

Comments

[beki]

Oh, I get it now! Thanks for posting this. I see some shades in my near future...

[daria]

oh, thanks for posting this how-to! I think I'm going to be making some window quilts for cold season in our single-paned back hallway, & this hook+loop thing might be the perfect solution for hanging them.

[Krista]

No. WAY.

I have spent the last few days pondering in my head exactly how to go about making these great blinds!

I just about fell off my chair, a tutorial!! You are too kind...

I will be using this for certain.

They're so nice, thank you!!!

[claudia]

Excellent tutorial for lovely blinds!

[Christy]

Those look great! I have been pondering what to do in the boys' rooms and this is definitely something I can accomplish! Thanks for the tutorial!

[Mary]

Thank you! You've solved my little window covering dilemma and now I see a bit more privacy in my near future!

[christina]

i love it. we have been looking for window coverings for my girls room and this may be the answer.

i will let you know if i make some of these....

[amandajean]

I would also like to say thank you for this great tutorial. I love decorating, and I feel like I do ok with most of it, but I ALWAYS get stuck on the window treatment part. I can't wait to try these out for my family room...the windows have been naked for nearly 2 years and that needs to change soon. And if I can do it inexpensively, even better. I liked how you were dreaming of the possibilities: quilted, embellishing, etc.
(I just found your blog and I am enjoying it very much. I am also in MI but way on the other side of the state.)

[Bettsi]

What a great shade! I'm imagining all kinds of uses for this! Thank you!

These are great! They look simple to make, and simple to hang.

Thank you for the tutorial

AnaMaria

[Carole Haenga]

Hi there... I came across your suite for blind making and I am very interested in using this design for my kitchen as I have 7 separate windows... It look like down the side of your curtain you have tabs that make the curtain more stable... Is this correct and if so what are they tied around....Cheers,Carole

[tiel]

loving the blinds. Does the pattern allow for the fabric to cover the entire height of the window?

[dominique]

this is a great idea. thanks a lot for sharing it.

[Stephanie King]

Ahh yes. Michigan is still not warm- but at least the sun is out=) I love your stuff.

[joyce]

Excellent shades. They are like Roman Shades but a lot easier. I need some for my bedroom window. Now I know what I will be doing today!

[gotpoeply]

Sorye lpease :(
Wreongcatzegoty...

will be careeful

[Webmaster Chick]

Ohhhh! I love the idea of hanging the shades at 3/4 height, like cafe curtains. That's a perfect solution for my dreary basement suite office.

Thanks so much.

1 Place hooks in the upper corners of your window frame.

Note:
I have used white cup hooks from Target on the pictured window, but there are obviously more creative options here, including decorative hooks or very small knobs. There is also room to deviate with the placement of the hooks. For example, if you place another set of hooks half way down the window, you could open the shade from the top down. You could also place them at even more intervals for greater possibilities.

2 Measure windows.

3 Add 1” to horizontal and vertical measurements to allow for ½” seam allowances.

4 Cut two pieces of fabric to these measurements, one for front, and one for back.

Note:
The front piece can be made of one piece of fabric, or many fabrics pieced together, but keep in mind that because light shows through curtains, your seams will be visible, so make them as even and neat as possible.

For the back, it may be best to choose a light non-printed fabric to minimize fading. You could use a curtain lining fabric, but you could also use thrifted sheets or other used fabrics.

5 Cut out fabric for loops, keeping in mind the design possibilities here.

Start with one 2” x 30” strip of fabric. Fold in ½ lengthwise, stitch long edge together (½” seam allowance). Trim seam allowance to scant ¼”. Turn and press. Cut the long strip into six, 5” segments. Bring ends of each segment together, basting if necessary.

Note:
The above measurements will make loops that are about 2 ½” long. Check your hook placement to make sure that that length is adequate to make it from the edge of the shade to your hooks. Make the loops longer if necessary.

6 Lay shade front flat, right side up. For loop placement, take the vertical measurement of the shade and divide by 5. Place one loop on each side ½” from the top of the shade, aligning raw edges of the loop with the raw edge of the shade and pinning. Place another loop 2/5 of the way down the shade, and another 4/5 of the way down (on each side).

Note:
There is quite a bit of room for experimentation when it comes to placing these loops. The above measurements simply get you a neatly folded shade at the top of your window when fully folded up. If you placed more loops down each side, you would have greater flexibility in how these can be arranged on your windows.

7 Place shade lining on top of shade front and loops, right side down. (Right sides are now facing with loops sandwiched between) Pin front and lining together.

8 Sew around three sides of shade, leaving top or bottom of shade open for turning.

9 Turn shade.

10 Turn the 4th side of shade under ½” and pin.

11 Press shade.

12 Topstitch all four sides of blind as close as you can to the edge (1/4” or less).

13 Hang blind as desired on the hooks.

Note: I will add more photos if the sun ever comes out again in Michigan.

23 October 2006 in Tutorials | Permalink
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