You will need

• iron-on buckram (1.5 times the length of the window)
• pale-pink chiffon (1.5 times the length of the window)
• wax paper
• plastic rings
• 22 x 22mm pine (as long as the window is wide)
• white PVA
• paintbrush
• 22mm Velcro (to fit the window)
• staple gun and staples
• cord (4 times the window’s length)
• toggle
• screws
• wall plugs
• cleat

To make
1 Measure the window and cut a piece of buckram 1.5 times the length of the window and 5mm narrower than the width of the window.

2 Place the chiffon on the iron-on side of the buckram with the wax paper on top to protect the fabric from the heat. Iron the chiffon onto the buckram, then trim off the excess.

3 Press concertina pleats.

4 Stitch plastic rings onto the back of the blind on both sides. Position each ring a few centimetres from the side and on every fifth pleat. Also stitch a ring to the top edge, on the side where the cord will be attached.

5 Use a dry paintbrush to apply a thin coat of white PVA to the pine plank and leave to dry.

6 Staple the stiff side of the Velcro to the plank and stitch the soft side to the top of the blind.

7 Tie the end of the cord to the bottom ring then thread the cord through all the rings to the top, including the extra ring at the top. Let it hang down the side of the blind, then trim. Repeat with the rings on the other side. Insert the ends of both cords into the toggle.

8 Screw the pine plank with the Velcro to the inside of the window’s lintel, and attach the blind.

9 Screw the cleat to the wall on the side where the cord is, so you can wind the cord around it when the blind is open.

Text and image: Ideas magazine