How to make patio and porch roller outdoor shades?

Now, our step-by-step guide will walk you through how to make patio and porch roller outdoor shades!

To start, make sure you have a large, flat, and clean work surface. Roller outdoor shades require a large amount of fabric; So the more space you have, the more comfortable and accurate you can measure, cut, and sew. Have the iron preheated and place it near your work surface. During the process, you may want to iron the fabric between steps. It is not required, but doing so will make your DIY drapery project a neater finish!

Step 1: Measure and cut the panels.

Lay the Roller outdoor shades fabric on a flat surface, such as a large dining table, or on the floor. Measure the lengths. Remember: measure twice, cut once! Take the time to avoid making mistakes and wasting fabric and saving yourself unnecessary frustration.

Step 2: (optional, for wider panels): pin the panels together and sew Roller outdoor shades together.

If you are creating wider panels, put two lengths of Roller outdoor shades fabric together with the right sides facing each other. Mark a ½ inch seam allowance along the entire length and secure with pins. Sew along the line. Iron the seam allowance open.

Step 3: Pin and sew the side hems.

Mark a 1-inch hem on each side of the panel. Fold the hem in half to create a ½-inch hem and iron. Then fold again to enclose the raw edge. Iron and pin, then sew along the entire length with a ¼-inch seam allowance.

Step 4: Pin and sew the top hem.

How you are going to sew the top hem depends on whether you want a long compartment for a curtain rod or hook or wire loops.

For a “compartment” Roller outdoor shades:

Mark a line at the top of the panel with your chosen compartment height, 5 inches from the top edge. Mark a 1-inch hem along the top of your panel. Fold ½ inch of the top edge of your panel inward and iron. Fold back to enclose the raw edge. Re-iron and pin. Sew across the entire hem with a ¼-inch seam allowance. Finally, fold the finished edge over so that it meets the first mark and sew with a ¼-inch seam allowance.

For hoops: mark a line across the top of your curtain 3 inches from the top edge. Fold the hem in half to create a 1 ½ inch hem and iron. Fold back to enclose the raw edge and iron once more. Pin and sew with a ¼ inch seam allowance. This will give you a sturdy base to insert the rings later.

Step 5: Pin and sew the bottom hem.

Mark a line 9 inches from the bottom of the panel. Mark a 1-inch hem along the top of your panel. Fold ½ inch from the bottom edge of your panel inward and iron. Then fold once more to enclose the raw edge and iron again. Sew across the hem with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Fold the finished edge inward to match the first mark and iron once more. Now you can pin and add weights if you are going to use them. Sew across the hem with a ¼ inch seam allowance. If you used Roller outdoor shades weights, you will also need to sew on each side of the hem so they don’t leak.

Step 6 (optional): Add rings on Roller outdoor shades

If you are adding rings, use a ruler and pencil to measure and mark the space between the rings around the top hem of your Roller outdoor shades. Cut a small X with Roller outdoor shades fabric scissors in each space to facilitate placement. Follow the instructions in the ring kit to attach a ring to each of the marks. Add the rings with pliers and they are ready to hang.

That’s all you need to create fabulous Roller outdoor shades and transform your porch or patio into a luxurious private retreat.