How to Make Zebra Blinds

Love the striking black and white striped look of zebra blinds? Custom-making your own at home allows getting these decorative shades perfectly sized to your windows for a stylish DIY design statement.

With some simple materials, tools, and easy sewing, you can whip up beautiful zebra blinds to spruce up any room. We'll review key steps for measuring, cutting, and assembling custom zebra blinds even if your crafting skills are beginner-level.

Choose Your Fabric

Start by selecting two coordinating fabrics in contrasting black and white or cream. Cotton works well for its durability and easy sewing. Or pick a bold black/white patterned fabric as the front with a solid white or ivory as the back lining. Get at least twice the total finished blind dimensions to allow for hems and sewing mistakes.

Measure Precisely

Carefully measure and record the exact width and length needed for each blind. Consider inside or outside mounting and if blinds will hang above or directly on the window frame. Add at least 2 inches all around for hems and hardware clearance. Measure separately if covering multiple windows.

Cut Fabric Pieces

Lay out fabric with pattern or print sides facing. Smooth any wrinkles. Use a ruler and fabric marker to measure and mark cuts lines across the full fabric width at the recorded blind dimensions. Add 4-6 inches at the bottom for a neat hem. Cut fabric strips using sharp scissors for clean edges.

Sew Side Hems

With matching thread, sew a 1⁄2 inch double folded hem down each vertical side of the main patterned fabric piece. Backstitch over edges. This strengthens and neatly finishes the sides. Repeat for the solid back lining piece cut to the same dimensions.

Attach Top Hem Rod Pocket

Fold over 4 inches at the top edge of the patterned fabric and press. Sew a straight line 1⁄2 inch from the inner folded edge to create a top rod pocket. Repeat for the lining fabric. This pocket will hold the dowel or curtain rod.

Attach Bottom Hem Weights

At the bottom of the patterned fabric, fold up 1 inch then 4 more inches and press. Stitch around the sides and bottom, leaving the hem edge open. Sew enclosed weights evenly across the bottom to hold the blinds straight when hanging.

Assemble Layers

With patterned sides facing out, place fabric pieces one on top of the other aligning all edges. Pin together then sew around all sides with a 1⁄2 inch seam allowance, leaving an opening for rod insertion. Clip corners, turn right side out and press flat with an iron. Insert dowel and hang!

Custom zebra blinds add stylish personality to windows for a fun DIY home decor project. Follow these steps and unleash your wild creative spirit!