Roman blinds are a practical and can be quite a decorative way of dressing your windows but they also need to be a solution to any problems you may have –  Too much light coming in, no space for curtains, privacy .  Sound familiar?  Probably the main difference between a roller and a roman blind is that most patterned fabrics can be used to make a roman blind compared to the plain options for a roller.  Roman blinds can be made with a standard lining or if a light barrier is required thermal or blackout linings can be used.  For delicate fabrics silks and taffeta’s an extra layer, Interlining can be used, this is like a blanket and gives the fabric more body and also acts as a blackout barrier too.  Roman blinds should always be made with a weighted bar at the bottom and should have supporting dowels/rods in pockets on the back of the blind.  This makes for the “tailored” neat appearance  and is how a roman blind should look with folds cascading down as the blind is lowered.  There are many track options available now using continuous chain, cordlocking brackets or a plain and simple wooden batten.  Things to consider when choosing which header is how high you want the blind to pull up on the window and the honest reply here is a wooden batten as metal head rails do occupy space at the top of the blind.  If you don’t want to drill your wall to fix a wall cleat to wrap cord round then you have to choose either a cartridge track or cordlocking track.  All heading tracks or battens should have Velcro attached/bonded to them this is the way the blind hangs on.

Having decided which track to use your next decision is how you want the blind making.  For most of the time the blind hangs in folds at your window and it’s only when lowered do you see the pattern on it.  Blinds can be made with no visible machine stitching lines on the front referred to as “stab stitch blinds” or  made with pocketed tape machine stitched onto the blind.  IF A BLIND IS A WORKING BLIND AND WILL BE RAISED AND LOWERED EVERY DAY I personally choose machine stitched blinds hands down.  This is a contentious issue in the soft furnishing business and purists will say that all blinds should be stab stitched using small holding stitches at intervals across the blind and some say that they hand stitch Velcro to the top of the blind too.  Well, the number of blinds I have seen come appart and hang like a loose sail is only too common.  Yes, there are occasion when you don’t want a pattern broken up but for the most part the “pull” on a roman blind when raised and lowered must be properly supported which machining does and hand stitching does not.  Machine stitched blinds are supplied by all the favorite high street names…….. Need I say more?  Before you think “have I made hand stitched blinds”, yes I have but have asked enough questions and explained to my customers what they are getting for their money and  made sure that I am happy with the finished product – You are only as good as your last job!  In the 24 years making soft furnishings and over 3000 roman blinds I have never had a blind returned or bits “drop” off.   If I don’t think a fabric suitable for use I will tell my customer.  Fabric is too expensive to waste and at the end of the day if a blind looks a mess it is the person who makes it who will be at fault.  Finally price……..Usually the most expensive part of the blind is the making up and the head rail style you choose, don’t think that the most expensive headrail or hand stitched option is the best.  Discuss with your curtain maker which will work best for your window and your pocket!