Flat Roman Shades

Because a Roman shade presents a simple, flat look it requires about the same amount of both decorator and lining fabric as the dimensions of the shade you are sewing with allowances added for seams, hem and mounting. When making a Flat Roman shade pattern you'll have to choose a "rib spacing" distance..

Currently, 92% of the patterns made are Flat Roman. The classic Roman Shade "folds" are created using either ribs or sew-on rings. Ribs provide for crisper folding, rings create more relaxed folds. To fully understand each method please view the sample Flat Roman shade pattern where both techniques are described.

Balloon Shades

To achieve its soft scalloped look a Balloon shade requires an additional 30% more fabric than the width of the equivalent Flat Roman shade. It also requires additional length to allow for seams, hem, mounting and the "balloon" effect that displays at the bottom of the shade when your shade is fully closed. Balloon shade patterns require a scallops choice.

Probably the simplest to make, a Balloon Shade uses a specialized tape to "gather" the fabrics and create the balloon effect. To fully understand how a Balloon shade is sewn and constructed please view a Balloon shade pattern.

Austrian Shades

To achieve the soft gathered look an Austrian shade requires more than double the length of fabric and shade tapes than the equivalent Flat Roman shade. It also requires up to twelve inches more for the width of fabric depending on the number of scallops you desire. Austrian shade patterns require a scallops choice.

An Austrian Shade also uses specialized shirring tapes but "gathers" the fabrics in both the vertical and horizontal direction. To fully understand how an Austrian shade is sewn and constructed please view an Austrian shade pattern.