How to Sew Fabric Shades Easily

Fabric shades block the sunlight from shining into your home while incorporating different prints, colors and textures to your environment. It's easy to make your own fabric shades regardless of the sewing technique you use, and it also allows you the opportunity to make use of fabric remnants. Sewing fabric blinds at home gives you the ability to create themed surroundings for any room in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Portable sewing machine
• Measuring tape
• Bamboo sticks
• Silk ribbon roll
• Hot glue gun
• Snap button set

Step 1

Measure the width and height of your window with the measuring tape. Measure and cut two segments of fabric that match these measurements. Select any type of fabric you desire.

Step 2

Spread one of the fabric segments in front of you, with the print side facing upward. Layer the second segment of fabric over the first with the print side facing downward. This creates a double ply form.

Step 3

Drop the bobbin into the threading chamber of the portable sewing machine. These handheld machines are self-threading. Snap the bobbin into place and then activate the power switch for it to begin threading itself.

Step 4

Slide the top edge of the two-ply fabric form between the clamps of the handheld sewing machine. Operate the foot pedal of the machine to create a straight and firm seam across the edge. Do this with both side edges of the fabric, leaving the bottom edge of the two layers of fabric unattached.

Step 5

Turn the fabric pouch inside out to expose the printed sides of the fabric correctly. Lay it out in front of you flat, easing out any wrinkles or creases.

Step 6

Squeeze a thick line of hot glue along the edge of the fabric that you didn't sew together. Rotate it so it becomes the top edge. Adhere a bamboo stick to the line of glue, measuring the same width as the fabric. This serves as the base for hanging the shade. Bamboo sticks are also ornamental, and add embellishment to your homemade fabric shades.

Step 7

Cut a length of silk ribbon measuring the same as the width of the shade. Glue one end to the top right corner edge of the bamboo stick, and another end to the left corner edge of the bamboo stick. Let it dry for 15 minutes. this creates a loop for easily hanging the shade.

Step 8

Adhere the socket of a snap button set to the lower bottom corner of the fabric shade. Repeat with a second socket on the opposite side of the bottom of the fabric shade. Use a tiny dot of hot glue to adhere the findings.

Step 9

Adhere the pronged side of the snap button set at the top of the shade, just beneath where one of the ribbons connect at one of the corners. Repeat at the other side with the other pronged snap button. Let the fabric shade dry for an additional 15 minutes to give the hot glue time to cool, dry and settle.

Tips

Raise the shade by folding it from the bottom, upward. Snap the button pieces at the bottom with the pronged button parts at the top. This holds the shade open for when you want to let some sunlight in.