skip to main content

Home Decorating

Sewers - questions

9 years ago

Hello, my name's Shee and I dislike sewing. I want to make a faux roman shade for my kitchen window. Right now I'm using cheap fabric to practice and I'm already frustrated.

I'd like to use a coordinating fabric along the sides and bottom. When and what am I hemming? The sides and the trim fabric? At what point do you attach it the trim fabric?

I'm going to have to do an inside mount and was going to use a tension rod, but is it going to be that noticeable/weird that I have a rod pocket sewn across the top vs. using a piece of wood, drilling the wood into the frame and using velcro or stapling across the top? I really don't feel like messing with the whole board thing. I'm getting ready to try to attach the plastic rings to the back and was going to use string to tie over the tension rod. Well, I just realized I can't do that if I'm making a rod pocket! I'd have to add another tension rod behind to tie the strings or pick up split rings to go through the rings on that back. (Think it would be easier to use the rings.)

I'll admit I don't like most of the DIY roman shades I see online. I think most aren't convincing and look cheap. I will either get this to look nice, or suppose I'll end up paying someone to make it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Step 6 of this tutorial shows split rings used

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

1929Spanish
9 years ago
Here's what I would do with the coordinating fabric, depending on the weight and assuming the weight of both fabrics is the same. I would sew the two fabrics together at the sides and bottom. Then I would turn the edges over the main fabric, folding the raw edge under and stitch. If the trim fabric is lighter weight, then I would sew it so that it completely wraps around the base fabris - meaning cut the base fabric the full size, then trim the edges.

I've sewn for forty years, but I also hack things together from time to time. The above suggestion might just be one of those times, so listen to others as well!Ã°ÂÂÂ

The tension rod will be a problem because a tension rod does not exist that will hold up to the pulling.
User
Original Author
9 years ago
1929Spanish - The fabrics are both about the same weight. I'd say a good medium weight. Maybe even heavy. I wanted to mention I'll be adding a liner. Then wondered if the trim should just go between the two. The window is only 29" wide so I'm thinking the trim shouldn't be anymore than say 1-1.5" wide. I'm not sure if I'm skilled enough to fold the raw edge under and stitch right since it's pretty thick.

It won't be a functioning shade so there won't be any pulling on the tension rod. I'd like the shade to cover 1/3 of the window.

I realized that even if I use the clip rings, I still need to attach them to something.
Related Discussions
Purchasing a Lot - What to ask?
Q
Comments (5)
What is your governing municipality? Go there and to the assessor to look up the property's history. (You only know there was a market there; what was there earlier? Let's hope it wasn't a gas station, for instance!) Who has *clear title* to the property? (Mortgage/no mortgage?) Are the taxes up to date? What are the current taxes and how much will your new construction raise them? Does the municipality or county or state have any plans for the area? (Wider streets, mall in your backyard, etc.) What is the zoning for this lot and neighboring lots? What is the exact legal description? (Number such and such, in so and so's division, exact description of lot lines and easements, etc.) What are the zoning restrictions as to footprint size, height, distances from lot lines, etc.? Get a copy of the building code. Do you have to use copper and iron or is PVC OK, etc.? What does it cost to get a building permit? Is there anything to clear, tear down -- or remove from underground? (More permits.) Who inspects your construction? How long does it take to get a building permit? Is there an updated survey of the property? A topographical survey, too? I probably should have put this first: Unless you firmly believe neighboring properties will be improved, why would you build the most expensive house in the neighborhood? You say you'd be $50K over, but not what percentage that represents. Is it significant?
...See More
running sump pump into the sewer line question
Q
Comments (3)
in some areas you can discharge it into a STORM sewer line, but you cannot in a waste sewer line anywhere. Aaron's rent to own built a new store next to one of our offices. the contractor ran their downspouts to the city sewer instead of the storm sewer line and it cost them a few thousand in fines PLUS a stop work order until it was fixed. they were not supposed to do the hook up, the contractor did it anyway instead of calling the city to come make the final connection. your best bet is to goto the permit office and get a permit. the city will likely make the final connection, you will just have to run the line out to a point they designate. IF they allow private systems to tie to the street storm drains at all.
...See More
Sewer easement questions
Q
Comments (2)
"Do you think the current neighbors will agree to creating an easement? " You probably already have one. It would be more likely to occur on the chain of title for the properties you are crossing than on yours.
...See More
Can I add a sink drain to a toilet vent?
Q
Comments (0)
I have an unfinished laundry room directly under my main bathroom. I want to add a toilet and sink to the room before I finish it. There is already plumbing set up for the toilet that is connected to the main sewer drain. My question is could I somehow convert that vent into a drain for the sink and add a new vent onto that? Thanks.
...See More
Annie Deighnaugh
9 years ago
Maybe my faux hobbled roman shades would be helpful. I didn't trim the edges, but used straps I made out of coordinating fabric using stitch witchery. The way the fabric is sewn, each pleat hides the stitching from the pleat below. I did use velcro and a rod, but a tension rod would work. Depending on the fabric, the stitching may be more or less noticeable.

If you want to border the roman shade, I'd cut the shade to the finished size you want, leave it unhemmed, and then wrap in the contrast binding using mitered corners. Below is one method for making double mitered corners....

Here is a link that might be useful: Mitered binding
User
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks Annie for the pics and that video was very helpful! Everything I typed in when searching didn't bring up anything similar. And hair pins are a good idea!
I like the straps you made on yours with the coordinating fabric too. Did you hand stitch your pleats? Use rings?

I just may try the easy method of hanging and draping with multiple tension rods and see if I can make it work to my liking without messing with rings.
Annie Deighnaugh
9 years ago
No hand stitching or rings....a single row of machine stitching holds the pleat in place. Since they aren't moving, there's no need to do rings. The flap from the pleat above hides the machine stitching...except on the top row, but it doesn't bother me and it blends in well enough. You may want to do rings on that top one instead, or blind stitch the shade so it doesn't show.

I can't remember where I found the instructions for doing this...it was either on line, or I spent a bunch of time in the library too looking at sewing books for ideas at that time.
User
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the clarification Annie. You know, I have a couple sewing books that might also be helpful for me to page through.

Related Stories

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Know if an Open Bathroom Vanity Is for You

By Becky Harris

Ask yourself these questions to learn whether you’d be happy with a vanity that has open shelves

STUDIOS AND WORKSHOPS A Stitch in Time: Creative Sewing Spaces

By Susan Redman

Sewing rooms have become popular again as people of all ages embrace simple crafts they can do at home

PETS So You Want to Get a Cat

By Mitchell Parker

If you're a cat lover, the joys outweigh any other issue. If you haven't lived with one yet, here are a few things to know

VINTAGE STYLE Antique Sewing Machines: Tailor Made for Nostalgic Decor

By Tiffany Carboni

In full-on vintage rooms or contrasting modern looks, old sewing machines and tables are stirring up the past in a most stylish way

HOUSEKEEPING What's That Sound? 9 Home Noises and How to Fix Them

By Mitchell Parker

Bumps and thumps might be driving you crazy, but they also might mean big trouble. We give you the lowdown and which pro to call for help

BASEMENTS Design Workshop: Is It Time to Let Basements Become Extinct?

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Costly and often unnecessary, basements may become obsolete — if they aren’t already. Here are responses to every reason to keep them around

LIFE If You Could Talk to Your House, What Would You Say?

By Sheila Schmitz

‘Pull yourself together’ or ‘thank you for transforming my life’? Notes to homes around the country hit us where we live

REMODELING GUIDES Should You Stay or Should You Go for a Remodel? 10 Points to Ponder

By Ventana Construction LLC

Consider these renovation realities to help you decide whether to budget for temporary housing

WORKING WITH PROS How to Hire the Right Architect: Comparing Fees

By Dylan Chappell Architects

Learn common fee structures architects use and why you might choose one over another

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Hardwood Floors

By Bonnie McCarthy

Gleaming wood floors are a thing of beauty. Find out how to keep them that way

Sponsored

Hope Restoration & General Contracting

35 Reviews

Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

More Discussions

need a loveseat, lighting, coffee table? Rugs?

3

help, what should we do with our fireplace/tv wall?

12

Help with bedding to match!

16

What do I put on walls or mantle to help this space?

15

Need help with a dining room table?

0