There are two possible disadvantages when using quilting cottons to make window shades. First, they almost always come in widths of 42" to 45". Decorator fabrics come in 54" widths. So you are more likely to have to seam quilting cottons to achieve the required width of your shade. If you are making pieced Roman shades, this is never an issue, as you will be sewing together hundreds of fabrics anyway. Secondly, quilting cottons do not have a fabric protectant finish. This is not really a problem as you can spray your shade with a product like Scotchgard before installation.

If I can't find what I am looking for in the quilt fabric shop, I will visit a full-range store that also carries decorator fabrics. I still look for the 100% cotton fabrics, because I feel that they hang better. I don't particularly like the heavy weight tapestry fabrics, both because that is because of my own style and they fray easily. You may want that look. If you know how to sew them, sheers make beautiful Roman shades. 

Great Fabrics for Roman shades:
   100% high-quality cotton - you need to Scotchgard these after you have made your shade
   100% high-quality cotton decorator fabrics - these are usually already treated with a fabric protectant. Check the tag on the bolt.
   high-quality blends of cotton and polyester - you need to Scotchgard these after you have made your shade

If you know how to sew them:
   Sheer fabrics that have plenty of "form" to them, don't use flimsy, stretchy sheers
   High quality Linen
   Silk - note that many silks that are not specifically designed for window treatments are very unstable to light. Be sure to line them with a good drapery lining and only put them on windows where they do not receive sunlight on the front of the shade.

Not recommended for Roman shades:
   Heavy decorator fabrics
   Loosely woven fabrics
   Stretchy fabrics

Linings for Roman Shades
I always back my shades with a drapery lining. One of the most important reasons to do this is to provide protection from ultraviolet light for the fabric on the front of your shade and also for your furniture and floors. I like using a light-weight lining that lets the sun filter in, but still provides privacy. You can purchase drapery lining in any general fabric store. It comes in large rolls and is usually 48" to 54" wide. Some linings are available in widths up to 104".

Reasons to back your shade with a high quality drapery lining
   provide protection from ultraviolet light
   provide insulation, both from heat in the summer and cold in the winter
   provide added stability to your shade
   provide a means to "hide" the internal parts of the shade, such as battens and weight rods
   provide room-darkening properties (when using Blackout lining)

I personally like Roc-lon Thermalsuede lining, which is made by Rockland Industries and is widely available. (You can purchase 54" wide Thermalsuede in white at our Online Store.) It has a cotton/polyester front and is backed with a thin foam (not rubber) coating. It is stable and the shade lining can be cut either on the horizontal or the vertical, whichever involves purchasing less yardage. As its name suggest, Thermalsuede was developed as an insulating lining. It's amazing how effective it is in keeping both the heat and the cold out of your room. At the same time, it is light-filtering, rather than light-blocking. I really like this property since the room is not totally dark when you enter in the morning. I lower my shades during the summer daytime to block the intense Colorado sunshine. My shades "glow" with the backlight and the room takes on a wonderful, cool tone.

Another lining that you may be using is Blackout. This lining is used when you want to completely block out the light coming in a window and is commonly used in bedrooms and home theatres. If you think you need to use this lining for added insulation, I would question the assumption that it is necessary. Thermalsuede, as already mentioned, performs almost as well as Blackout in terms of insulation. Blackout lining is about twice as heavy as Thermalsuede. Keep that in mind if you are making a large shade.

For tips on sewing both Roc-lon Thermalsuede and Roc-lon Blackout linings, click here.

I use one more variety of lining: Rain-No-Stain, also from Rockland Industries. It is designed for situations where your shade will (or might) get wet. This means for a shade on a window IN the shower or tub area. It is not necessary for shades in the bathroom that are exposed to a damp environment. 

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Contact Information:
Terrell Designs, owned by Terrell Sundermann 
5325 Sanford Cir. E. Englewood, Colorado 80113
Phone: (303) 758-0188  Email: