Can You Make Roller Blinds Out of Any Fabric

Learning how to make a roller blind can be a fun and creative activity, and best of all, it isn't super difficult to do it especially for those who enjoy a DIY project. Once you have made your measurements and gathered your materials, such as a roller blind kit; you simply need to prepare your fabric as we instruct below and attach it to the blind kit, rolling it up and finishing it off.

With the right tools, materials, and skills, you can learn how to make aroller blind at home. Just make sure that you work in a safe area where children and pets don't have a lot of access, or else the risk for injuries from the scissors and other sharp objects, increases.

Make the measurements

Keep in mind that accuracy in measurements is a must among all the steps involved in making a roller blind. Otherwise, challenges like the blinds will not fitting well into the recess may happen. Before measuring the material, you have to decide whether the blinds will be placed as recess fit or as architrave fit.

Recess fit - In this case, run the measuring tape from one side of the frame to the other on the inside. Take down the measurement and deduct 5mm for the pin measure.
Architrave fit – In this case, run the measuring tape from the outside of the architrave to its other side. No deductions should be made; this is the pin measure.

A tape measure stretched across the width of a window, measuring up for a roller blind

Regardless of the fit, they both require you to measure the height of the roller blind from the top of the frame to the floor. This is the drop measurement. Take the measurements for the roller blinds first before buying the materials from hardware stores and curtain suppliers. This way, you can avoid wasting good material and money. Make sure to work on a clean, flat surface like a wide kitchen table or a work table.

Gather the materials

Before we can show you how to make a roller blind you need to gather your materials. The following are just a few of the tools and materials that you will require. Use other items as necessary during the project.

A woman cutting through grey fabric on a table

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. This is not something we currently supply, but we do have a roman blind kit selection instead.

The supplier of the roller blind kit will ask for the pin measurement so that they can provide the best fit. Again, the accuracy of the measurements is extremely important.

Start the project

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

Cut the material - cut according to the desired width. Mark the material with a pencil while ensuring that the measurements are accurate and straight from top to bottom.
Crease the material - crease on the line where the cut will be made. Use the roller Stanley knife for cutting the roller blind fabric.
Attaching the material - attach the cut material to the roller blind. Use the double-sided tape on the roller blind tube, run the two layers from one side to the other side, and repeat the procedure immediately below the first layer. The tube should now be covered approximately 70mm across.

Place the material on the flat surface. Slowly yet surely put the roller tube on the material, press firmly, and then attach them together.
Using the masking tape, run it across the top of the material and then half onto the roller tube.

Rolling the blind - roll the blind up while ensuring that it has a straight up roll, so to speak. Readjust the material, as necessary, so that the material is square on the roller; otherwise, the material will trail off to its side.
Finishing the blind - place a crease on the bottom hem, fold it again, and use 2 layers of double-sided tape to hold the pockets. Install the brackets and put up the blinds.