How to join my fabric if my roman blind is wider than my fabric width?
For wider roman blinds that require more than one width of fabric, the fabric and lining may need to be joined (and pattern matched if you’re not using a plain) prior to marking out and cutting.
On a blind that requires more than one width of fabric to achieve the finished cutting and making width, use one full width in the centre of the blind and a half or part width (depending on the finished width required) to either side of the full width.
- Pro Tip: For a more attractive and professional looking finish aim not to have a single join right in the middle of the blind. Instead aim to have a full width of fabric in the centre of the blind with two joins equidistant from the outer edges.
N.B. – This does not mean that you require 3 widths of fabric to achieve your finished size. Cut the second drop of fabric in half down the centre vertically and join (pattern matching where necessary) the two uncut edges (i.e. the selvedges) to the uncut selvedges of the full centre piece. You do not need to cut the half drops down in width before you join them to the centre piece, as any excess width will be cut away when you mark out the finished cutting size.
In some instances it may be possible to turn the fabric on its side to achieve the required width without having to join it. To clarify this would mean that the selvedge/s of the fabric would run horizontally across the window rather than vertically down the window. There are two important things to consider here though:
- Firstly is the fabric patterned or plain? Plain or semi-plain fabrics that have a small all over pattern which will still look effective if turned sideways are ideal for this. However, directional patterns, i.e. any image or design which only looks right the correct way up such as trees, animals, people or motifs for example, will obviously not lend themselves to turning the fabric sideways.
- Secondly the fabric width. If you are going to turn your fabric on its side to make your blind, the fabric width then becomes your maximum available drop. If the finished length of your blind is less than the fabric width including the top and bottom hem allowances, then you will be able to use your chosen fabric sideways. You will need to purchase enough meterage to cover the finished width of the blind (i.e. the distance across the window) including the additional side hem allowances. This will eliminate the need to join the fabric.
