How to Make a Linen and Leather Roman Shade

Roll shades don’t have to be boring. This linen and leather version dresses up your window with sophisticated simplicity.

Step 1: Determine Size

Measure the width and height of your window. Add 5" to the width of the measurement and 6-1/2" to the height measurement. Cut linen fabric to these measurements.

Step 2: Hem Sides

Using a seam gauge, fold over the sides by 1/2" and press firmly in place. Fold each side over 1/2" again and press firmly in place. Sew the folds in place, running the stitches about 1/8 inch from the edge.

Step 3: Hem Bottom

With the folded sides facing up, Use the seam gauge to fold up the bottom by 1/2". Press in place, then fold over again by 1" and press in place. Sew this bottom fold in place, running the stitches again at about 1/8" from the edge.

Step 4: Cut Wood

Measure the width of your fabric panel and cut the dowel and the pine board to that measurement, minus 1/4".

Step 5: Insert the Dowel

Insert the dowel into the pocket you’ve made at the bottom of the fabric.

Step 6: Fasten Board to Top

With the side folds facing down, place the pine board at the top of the fabric, centered between the two sides. Pull the fabric over the front of the board and staple it 1" from the top of the board. Roll the board over until the staples face down.

Step 7: Cut Leather Strap

The length of your leather strap could vary depending on the height of your window and the lowest point at which your roller shade will be extended without being fully extended and out of the leather straps. For it to extend halfway, you will need leather straps that are the height of your window plus 6". Cut 3" from both leather straps. From these two pieces, use a craft knife to cut two pieces that are 3/4" wide.

Step 8: Tack Tiny Leather Straps to Board

On the top edge of the wrapped pine board, place each strap 4-5 inches in from the outside edge. Use upholstery tacks and a hammer to nail just the outside ends of the strap pieces in place. Place a full strap under each of the pieces and attach the opposite ends with upholstery tacks, making the top of the strap pieces bow a bit to accommodate the full strap under them. Remove the full straps and set the shade aside.

Step 9: Punch Holes for D-Rings

On one end of a leather strap mark two spots that are 1/2" up from the bottom of the strap and 3/8" in from both sides. Make two more marks 1" higher up on the strap and are also 3/8" in from both sides. Use an awl to make holes at these marks.

Step 10: Sew D-Rings in Place

Feed the end of the strap through a set of two D-rings and fold the end over to match up the holes. Use thread and needle to zigzag over and under the straps several times going through the holes and around the outside edges of the strap. Tie the thread off securely in the back. Repeat for the other strap.

Step 11: Hang Long Straps

Feed the strap through the tacked strap pieces on the top of the roller shade, with the D-rings facing forward and hanging down the front of the shade about 12".

Step 12: Hang Above Window

Install 1-1/2" by 3/4" brackets to the wall over the window. Space them evenly and as wide apart as the measurement for the board and dowel. Use a level for accuracy. Insert the top of the roller shade between the brackets and secure in place with screws or upholstery tacks. Roll the bottom of the shade up evenly and use the strap from the back of the shade to secure with the D rings on the straps at the front of the shade. Adjust the straps as desired.