Mock Roman Shade Tutorial

My shade started like this

As an unlined panel with side hems and a bottom hem.   First thing I did was cut off one of the side hems.

Now it's time to figure out your measurements. 

Step 1:  I wanted my finished shade to be 28 w X 46 h 

Step 2:  add 6" to your width measurement for the side hems.

Step 3:  add a few inches to the top for stapling to the board and to give yourself some wiggle room for adjustments.

Step 4:  The bottom of this panel had a 4" hem already in place that I knew I would just fold up once for the bottom of the shade.   If you don't have a ready made panel to use and are using fabric just add 8" to the bottom measurement.  This will be your double 4" hem.  It could even be 6" for a 3" hem if you want to keep your yardage low.

Step 5:  Add some length to create the folds at the bottom.  I added 25 inches.  If you want more folds add more to the length.

To recap:  I have 28" + 6" for a cut width of 34".

I have 46" + 5" (top board) + 25" for creating the folds + 4" to fold up for hem (yours may be 8") = 80.  My cut size is 34"W x 80" H.

Now you have your cut measurement.  It's easier to see this on the finished shade.

Now that you've determined your cut size of fabric, go ahead and cut it!


Now you're ready to cut your lining.  Lay out a piece of lining that's bigger than your piece of fabric.  Put the fabric on top of it and cut the lining to the same size as your face fabric.

Now it's time to sandwich in your lining.  Put your face fabric down with the good side face down on the table.  Lay your lining on top.  I put my lining on the inside of the existing hem line.  I knew I was going to fold this up over the lining after the side hems were glued.

Now you're ready to iron over your side hems 3" on each side.  Tuck in again and iron again ending up with 1 1/2" side hems.  Now you can glue or fuse side hems down.  (if gluing let dry overnight)

Fold up your bottom hem over where the weight bar will be. 
Stitch bottom hem.  Slide the weight bar in last.  I ironed brown grosgrain ribbon to the front.  If the weight bar was in place it would have made that difficult.

If you've made this mock roman you're just a bit away from completing a working roman shade!  There are only a few more steps. 

Here's the very dated Before

 

and the much improved After!

 I'm going to slip two more dowels into the folds so I don't get that puckering.  


In addition to your fabric, ribbon, fabric glue or fusible tape, you'll need a piece of 1 X 2 and a stapler.  You can find a manual Stanley Stapler for about $20.

I made this shade the same way.  I wanted the tack stitches to show so it would have a homespun kind of look.

p.s. not really styled but you get the idea....

Good luck!