When sewing your roman shades, should you use roman shade tape or sew your roman shade rings on individually? Learn the pros and cons of each method to help you decide the best method for you.

You'll soon discover that sewing a roman shade is quite easy. It's a very simple construction.

If you are looking for step by step instructions for sewing roman shades you should check out my e-book "How To Make Roman Shades" at http://www.sewing-roman-shades.com

Ok... now, when you are ready to sew on your rings, the question becomes, do you sew your rings on individually or do you use roman shade ring tape.

Let me first explain what these items are, just in case you are a beginner to roman shades.

Roman shade rings are small plastic or brass rings that guide the lift cord up your shade. Based on how these are spaced on your shade will determine the size of your roman shade pleats.

Roman shade ring tape is twill tape that has the shade rings sewn on in even intervals along the tape. (3" ring spacing, 5" and 7" are the most common tapes available)

So which do you use?

Read below to learn the pros and cons of each to decide which is right for you.

Roman Shade Rings
Pros

• This is the more professional result.
  
• Minimal stitching on the front of your shade
  
• Less obvious against your lining
  
• You are able to customize the size of your pleats by spacing your rings the distance you want for your design

Cons

• Sewing the rings on individually can be tedious
  
• You have to measure and mark your lining to have accurate spacing

Roman Shade Ring Tape
Pros

• Rings are already spaced for you
  
• Easy to sew on

Cons

• You will have additional stitching lines going up your shade
  
• Too much sewing across or up your shade can cause synching and not allow your shade to lay flat or hang correctly
  
• You can see the tape on your lining, although it does blend well with your lining
  
• If you are a beginner sewer, you  may find it difficult to keep the tape straight as you sew

When in doubt, I always recommend you sew the shade rings on individually. You can sew them on with your machine using the zig-zag stitch.

So, although the shade rings are tedious, it's worth the extra effort.

You can find your roman shade tape and roman shade rings at http://www.roman-shades-shop.com

Happy Sewing!

Jennifer Thoden

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