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How to Alter a Roller Blind?

Published in Window Blind Alteration 3 mins read

Altering a roller blind, particularly resizing its width to fit a smaller window, is a straightforward process you can often do yourself. The key steps involve careful measurement, marking, cutting the fabric, trimming the roller tube, and reassembling the blind.

Here's a breakdown of how to resize your roller blind:

Step-by-Step Guide to Resizing a Roller Blind

Follow these steps to adjust the width of your roller blind accurately.

1. Measure Your Window

Start by accurately measuring the width of the window area where the blind will be installed. Determine if you want the blind to fit inside the window recess or outside the recess.

  • Inside Recess: Measure the exact width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window opening. Use the narrowest measurement. Deduct a small amount (typically 5-10mm) to ensure the blind fits and operates freely.
  • Outside Recess: Measure the width you want the blind to cover, usually extending slightly past the window frame on both sides.

2. Mark the Measurements

Lay the roller blind flat on a clean, hard surface. Unroll the fabric completely.

  • Using the measurement determined in Step 1 (minus any deduction for inside recess fit), measure in from the side of the blind you intend to trim.
  • Use a pencil or chalk to draw a straight line down the fabric from the top to the bottom edge. This is your fabric cutting line.
  • Measure and mark the corresponding point on the roller tube and the bottom bar (if detachable).

3. Secure the Fabric

To ensure a clean cut, secure the fabric along the marked line.

  • You can use heavy weights placed along the fabric's edge, or clamp the fabric and tube to a workbench.
  • Some people use masking tape along the cutting line as a guide and to prevent fraying, though this is less critical with a sharp blade.

4. Cut the Fabric

Carefully cut the fabric along the line you marked.

  • Use a sharp pair of fabric scissors or, for a cleaner edge, a rotary cutter with a straight edge or ruler.
  • Cut steadily from the top to the bottom of the fabric.

5. Trim the Roller Tube

Now, trim the roller tube and the bottom bar to the new width.

  • Measure the required length for the tube and bottom bar. Remember to account for the end caps/fittings that insert into the tube. Typically, the tube and bottom bar will be slightly narrower than the cut fabric width to accommodate the fittings. Check your blind's specific design for this measurement.
  • Use a hacksaw to cut the roller tube and the bottom bar to the correct length. A mitre box can help ensure a straight cut.
  • Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper.

6. Reassemble the Blind

With the fabric and tube trimmed, it's time to put the blind back together.

  • Carefully re-roll the trimmed fabric onto the trimmed roller tube, ensuring it rolls on straight.
  • Reattach the bottom bar to the fabric if it was detached.
  • Insert the end fittings back into the trimmed roller tube.

Your roller blind is now altered to fit your window and is ready for installation.