How to Make a Roller Blind Out of Dowels & Fabric

Measure the length and width of the window. Measure not just the window sill, but inside of the window casing if you have inset windows. Add 12 inches to the length and 2 inches to the width.

Mark the measurements on the fabric and interfacing with tailor's chalk. Cut out the fabric and interfacing. Set the interfacing aside and iron only the fabric using an appropriate heat setting.

Check the directions on the interfacing's label and adjust your iron to the heat setting advised by the manufacturer. This is often the steam and wool setting. Bind the interfacing to the backside of the fabric by ironing it adhesive side down. Iron using gentle pressure in one spot for 10 to 15 seconds before moving onto another spot to ensure that the interfacing and fabric fuse perfectly. Once interfacing has been applied to the backside of the fabric, turn it over and iron the face side.

Mark a 1-inch border on each side of the fabric fused with interface, lengthwise. Use a metal ruler to help you draw straight lines. Apply seam sealer down the lines you marked and allow it to dry. Cut the marks in a straight line using scissors.

Iron the fabric fused with interfacing along the edges where you just cut off the excess fabric. Apply more seam sealant if you see fraying occur.

Hem the bottom of the fabric that will serve as the bottom of the shade by folding back 3/4 inch of fabric. Tape it down using no-sew tape. Iron the hem into a sharp crease. The iron will also set the no-sew tape. Use a heat setting that is appropriate for the type of fabric you are using.

Fold the fabric at the top to form a pocket for the wooden dowel to slide through. This will be the top of the shade. The pocket should be slightly more than 2 inches in diameter for the 2-inch dowel to fit through the hole. Seal the pocket by using no-sew tape. Iron the fabric over the no-sew tape to set it.

Saw the wooden dowel so that it is the exact width of the window minus the width of the mounting brackets. For example, if your window is 24 inches wide and the roller shade mounting brackets are each 3 inches, you should cut your dowel down to 18 inches.

Read the directions on the roller shade kit you purchased and mount the brackets accordingly. This usually involves screwing the brackets into the sides of the window casing or on top of the window if you do not have inset windows. Use an electric screwdriver.

Affiix the pins that usually come with the roller kit onto the wooden dowel. These will help the dowel attach to the brackets.

Slide the dowel through the pocket created at the top of the fabric. Once the fabric is positioned properly and is hanging in the correct direction, staple the top of the fabric to the wooden dowel using a staple gun.

Roll the fabric up and mount the dowel in between the brackets.