Sewing Custom Roman Shades

Sew decorator-quality, lined Roman shades that will enhance any room! Raise your understanding of these popular window coverings and create three custom looks using basic sewing skills.

Raise the bar on your decor and confidently sew versatile Roman shades that enhance any room. Join professional drapery and home decorating expert Susan Woodcock as she guides you through how to sew a stylish flat shade, a washable stationary shade and a structured dowel-pocket variation. Learn how to achieve a perfectly tailored fit, create the illusion of larger windows and always choose the right fabric for your room. Susan will also share tips on fuss-free construction and installation to ensure a shade that folds beautifully every time. Plus, get tips for cord safety and alternatives for homes with small children. Gain the skills you need to create exceptional shades that bring balance, cohesion and elegance to your home!

• 7 HD video lessons with anytime, anywhere access
• Downloadable class materials, including a supplies list and yardage calculator
• Hours of detailed instruction
• Answers from Susan in our virtual classroom

• Watch classes on your own schedule: wherever, whenever you want
• Your access never expires
• 100% money back guarantee

1. Anatomy of a Roman Shade (13:53)

   Meet your instructor, interior designer Susan Woodcock, and learn about the components of the Roman shades you'll make. Susan explains what tools and supplies you'll need and she shows you how fabulous this window treatment can look in your home.

2. Selecting Your Fabric (17:14)

   Choosing the right fabric is key. Learn about the best weights and types and consider how a patterned fabric will work with your shade. Susan walks you through the extra planning you'll need for a directional motif. She also discusses lining options for extra insulation or light-blocking. A worksheet provided with your class helps you calculate yardage.

3. Preparing the Fabric (17:09)

   You're ready to make your shade! Get tips on setting up your work space and laying out your fabric. Susan shows how to square up and cut your fabric and goes over options for seaming wider shades. You'll mark and press the side and bottom hems and mark the bottom rod pocket.

4. Lining & Hemming (13:04)

   Finish the bottom rod pocket, then add the lining. Sew along with Susan as you whipstitch the side hems by hand and finish the bottom hem with your sewing machine.

5. Creating the Lift System (30:02)

   With your shade assembled, it's time to add the rings and cords. Susan discusses the optimum placement for the cord rings and shows you how to sew them on securely. You'll learn how to cover the top board with fabric using a staple gun — no sewing required! — then add eyelet screws and attach the cords.

6. Installing the Shade (21:43)

   Now it's time to mount the shade. Susan discusses optimum bracket placement and shares an easy trick for drilling the holes. Once your shade is in place, you'll level the cords, add a pull and install an anchoring cleat. Susan addresses cord safety and shares instructions for making a cordless, stationary shade and a tension-rod version that requires no drilling.

7. Dowel Pocket Variation (15:58)

   For a sturdier shade that will be raised and lowered every day, consider a rod pocket version. Susan walks you through the pocket construction, dowel insertion and ring spacing. You'll soon have a chic covering for any window!

System Requirements:

• Supported OS: Web Browser