Blinds

1. Measuring a window for blinds

2. How much fabric do I need for blinds?

3. About lining for blinds - why use it, how to choose one?

4. What happens to any leftover fabrics?

1. Measuring a window for blinds

The only thing you need to decide before you measure is whether you would like the blinds to sit outside the window frame or within it. Have a look at your window and imagine the blind in place - some windows don't have room for the blind to sit outside.  Outside the frame has the advantage of blocking more light and drafts - though it does take up more space.  Blinds that sit outside the frame can also make your window appear larger.

For outside the frame – measure the length from where you want to install the blind to your desired length, remembering that for Romans the folds are 150mm and the top fold plus the rest closed up under it will obscure some of your window. If you have a small window with space above it, you might like to hang it 100mm above the window, so that the blind doesn't obscure much of the glass when it is not in use. For the length, you may want it to sit on the sill, or hang right pass it and cover any wood detail under your sill. 

For the width, measure the width you want the blind to cover - this would usually include the window frame.

It is usual to make blinds at least 20mm wider and longer than your actual measurements - this is because fabric can contract when ironed, sewn or in the sun and they could then end up looking too small.

For a blind that sits inside the window cavity, -measure the length from the top where you will recess it to the sill. For the width, measure the full width of the recess, then deduct 5mm to enable the blind to pull up and down.

We will also need to know which side of the blind you would like to have the pull cord to open and close the blind.  There is often one side that is more practical than the other - and if not, choose whichever side feels good for you (its often different for lefties and righties).

2. How much fabric do I need for blinds?

For a Roman Blind, you need the width of your blind plus 100mm and the length of your blind plus 200mm.   If your fabric is not wide enough to achieve this, you will need to add the same amount again. 

For the lining , you need  the width plus 100mm and the length plus 300mm (to allow the making of the pockets that contain the fibreglass rods).    If your lining is not wide enough to make the blind, please email us and ask us how much lining to order.  The lining must be joined across the fabric (vertical seams don't work with the rods in roman blinds), so you can need more lining than fabric.

3. About lining for blinds - why use it, how to choose one

You have to line your blinds, as the rods that give the blinds their form are inserted into the lining, enabling the fabric on the front to remain smooth and beautiful.  There are lots of other benefits though:

• it protects your fabric from the harsh New Zealand sun
• it makes thinner fabric less transparent, providing privacy
• it provides a uniform look to your windows when looking in from outside your house
• thermal linings provides insulation, keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer
• blackout linings can make a room darker (though also makes your blind very heavy if you have already chosen a heavy fabric).
• Blackout can also prevent you seeing any variations in the fabric print  - so can be a good option for perfectionists, as most fabrics have the odd flaw.

We stock a range of different linings - click here to see our linings range.

4. What happens to any leftover fabric?

If you have any large pieces of fabric leftover as a result of pattern matching, they will be packed and included in your delivery with your sewn article.  Scraps will not be included unless requested.