How to Measure Fabric to Make Roller Blinds

Equipment Needed

Fabric
Fabric stiffener
Matching thread
Set square, ruler, pencil and sharp scissors.

Double sided adhesive tape, approximately 0.5" (12 mm) wide.

Measuring and Estimating Fabric Quantities

1. If you can tell the material or fabric you chose needs to be stiffened, it should be done in advanced because it may cause shrinking. Allow an additional, at least 2" (5 cms) to the width and length.

2.  The width of the blind should be the exact same width as the roller excluding the end fixtures.

3. To find the length of the blind you should measure from the roller to the window sill and then add on an additional minimum of 12" (30 cms). The additional length is to allow the roller to be covered with fabric and the casing to have some allowance. If the blinds are outside of the recess, add an additional 2" (5 cms) to the length.

Also, if the blind might be hanging in an area that it might come in contact with any substance that might make it dirty near the bottom, it would be recommended to add an extra length at the bottom so at any time it can be cut as you feel needed.

This is perfect for mothers with messy children. Of course this adds to the longevity of your blinds. If the blind is meant to be decorative it is wise to add an extra 6” (15 cms) to the length at the bottom.

Making Roller Blinds

1. First, stiffen the fabric by following the directions given on the back of the Fabric stiffener box. Then allow it to dry and proceed to press it.

2.  Cut the fabric to the needed size. Make sure you use a set square. This will get you a perfect square shape.

3. Next, lay the fabric down completely flat on a flat surface. Make sure it is wrong side up. Then turn up 1.5" (3.75 cms) at the bottom edge and stitch close to the raw edge. Now this measurement should be only a little bigger than half the circumference of the dowel. It will be capable of being adjusted to fit any size dowel.

4. Then cut the dowel about 0.75" (2 cms) shorter than the width of the blind and slide it into the casing.

5. After that, lay the blinds down flat and by using a pencil, mark, by drawing a line across the width, 0.5" (12 mm) down from the top edge. If the blind is going to be set to roll from behind the roller, mark the line on the right side of the fabric. If not, mark the line on the other side of the fabric.

6. Place a sheet of double side adhesive tape along the marked edge at the top.

7. Lay the roller on a flat surface.

8. Take the protective strip off of the adhesive tape and press the top edge of the fabric onto the roller. You need to make sure the fabric is aligned exactly along the marked line on the roller.

9. By hand, roll up the blind. Then slot up the brackets and pull the blind down.

10. Work the blind until it matches your desired tension.