How to Make a Roller Blind

Looking for a new DIY project? Learning how to make a roller blind is the perfect means of upgrading your space, while learning a fun new skill! With so many fabrics to choose from, in a range of patterns and designs, you can completely revitalise any space!

It’s simple, all you need to make roller blinds is the following materials:

Fabric (the sturdier, the better!)
A roller blind kit
Measuring tape
Scissors
A pencil, marker or something to mark the blind with

With the right tools, materials, and skills, making a roller blind at home is easier than ever. Just make sure to set up shop in a quiet space free of pets and children - you don’t want the fabric to become damaged, and this will help you to protect any paws or little hands from sharp objects, like scissors!

Step 1: Make the important decisions!

Some people think the first step regarding how to make a roller blind is measuring their blinds. Unfortunately, this is untrue. If you want the perfect roller blinds, you need to make two key decisions: one, the fabric that will become a blind, and two, whether you want the blind to fall inside or outside of the window frame recess.

The first decision should be relatively easy to solve, as you can pick from a whole range of fabrics and designs. Next, you need to decide if you want to blind to fall on the inside or the outside, considering factors such as light, aesthetics, and whether there are any other features, such as handles or locks that might be difficult to reach.

Step 2: Treat the Blind

If you are creating a roller blind from fabric, you will need to treat the fabric. This helps to stiffen the fabric, making it more suitable to act as a blind. If left untreated, the fabric may not roll up correctly, or the fabric could start to crease. Note that any professional rollers that are ready to hang are pre-treated.

Note that the process is slightly different for Roman blinds, as a different mechanism is used.

Step 3: Measurements

If you want the blind to fall on the inside of the recess, you should measure the width across the top, middle and bottom of the window, relying on the smallest measurement for the more accurate fit, or taking 5 mm from the pin measure.

Want the roller blind to fall outside of the window? You should measure the same places, adding a few extra inches on each side to allow for better light control and privacy.

Step 4: Gather The Materials

Ready to make a roller blind? Set up your station! You should lay out the fabric on a flat surface and get all your tools ready, as having to adjust the fabric halfway could lead to incorrect measurements or failing to fit the blinds correctly.

Some of the tools you need to make a roller blind include:

A sharp roller, cutting blade, or Stanley knife for cutting purposes
3m double-sided tape
Masking tape
Roller blind kit including the accessories like the tube size, chain system, and end brackets. While we do not currently stock these, you can similarly use a Roman blind kit for a hanging blind.

Just make sure to get the pin measurement of your windows so you can purchase the best fit - accuracy is vital when learning how to make a roller blind.

Step 5: Start The Project

The steps in making your own roller blinds can be summarised as follows:

Crease the material on the line where the cut will be made, helping to guide the cutting process. This will accurately help you to create roller blind fabric.
Carefully cut the material using a sharp tool, such as a Stanley knife or scissors.
Attach the cut material to the roller blind, using the double-sided tape on the roller blind tube, ensuring the fabric is centred and straight.
Run the two layers from one side to the other side, and repeat this step immediately below the first layer. The tube should now be covered approximately 70mm across.
Place the material on the flat surface, before slowly placing the roller tube on the material, pressing firmly, and attaching them together with masking tape.
Roll the blind up while ensuring that it rolls in a straight and even manner, before readjusting if necessary.
Finish the blind by placing a crease on the bottom hem, folding it again, and then using 2 layers of double-sided tape to hold the pockets.
Install the brackets and put up the blinds.
Congrats, you now know how to make a roller blind!