2
Say it with stitches Before you put together this blind with
its fresh, modern look, you can first embroider inspirational messages on it for your child.
Roman blind Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Time: one day
Taking measurements for the blind First decide on the placement of the wall batten. It is best to place the batten above the architrave, as windows are not always perfectly square. Placed above the architrave, the blind can also be made wider than the window frame. Once the batten placement has been decided, take the blind length measurement from the upper edge of this position.
How to calculate the pleats The depth of the pleats will depend on the size of the window. For tall windows the pleats can be between 20 to 30cm. Blinds for shorter windows should have pleats between 15 to 20cm. Decide on an approximate pleat depth (for example, 20cm). Subtract 2cm from the finished length of the blind (this is for the Velcro at the top edge), and calculate how many of the approximate pleat depths will fit into the remaining length. If the resulting number is uneven, then divide the blind length by that number to calculate the precise pleat depth. However, if the resulting number is even, subtract one and divide the blind length by this number to calculate the pleat depth. The goal is to divide the finished blind length (minus 2cm) into an uneven number of equal length sections (for example, 7 x 22cm sections).
Placement of the dowels The first dowel is placed between the first and second sections, counting from the bottom hem. The following dowel is placed between every second and third section, counting from the previous dowel.
Cut the fabric • Cut the fabric 10cm wider and 7cm longer than the measurements of the completed blind.
• The lining is cut 2cm narrower than the fabric width. To calculate the length, add 1,5cm to the length of the completed blind, plus 2,5cm for every dowel that will be needed (for example, 7 sections need 3 dowels). TIP As a precaution, the lining can be cut 10cm longer than calculated. The extra length can be cut off once the lining has been attached to the blind, just before the Velcro is sewn to the top edge.
You will need white cotton fabric block-out lining tape measure and scissors matching coloured thread water-soluble marking pen pins
6mm-diameter dowels 9 x 19cm meranti batten (hem batten) 22 x 22cm meranti batten (wall batten) screws Velcro, 20mm wide Roman blind rings staple gun screw eyes nylon cord toggle cleat hook and screws
To make 1 On the front of the fabric, draw the words to be embroidered with a water- soluble pen. The bottom 5,5cm and 5cm on each side of the fabric will be hemmed to the back, so avoid placing the words in these areas. Set the sewing machine up for free motion darning (see the instructions for your machine). Using a double strand (two spools) of thread in the needle, embroider the lines and words in sections by holding the fabric taut and moving it along while running the sewing machine. Stop and drop the needle before gripping the next section and continue embroidering.
44 IDEAS 2015
Overlock and press 5cm-deep hems to the wrong side of both side edges of the fabric.
3
Hem the side edges of the lining with a 2,5cm-wide double-fold hem.
4
From the bottom edge of the lining, measure up to the first section as calculated and mark a line with a water-soluble pen. Mark another line, 2,5cm above the first.
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