Custom Workroom Conference is the only annual education event and trade show specifically for custom window covering, upholstery, and soft furnishing workroom businesses, and we'd be thrilled to see you in person at the Marketplace! 

​Judi is also teaching a class there on the 25th. She'll be co-teaching BIZ-5 How to Build a Framework to Easily Evaluate Pricing along with Julie Thome, which will be a terrific learning session!

​Hope we'll see you there!

If you’re looking to give your Roman shade a more professional, tailored finish, try adding an integrated return at the top. It’s a small design detail that makes a big difference—especially with patterned fabrics—showcasing both your shade and your fabric at their best.

We’ve posted a basic return template in our FAQ section for 2” and 3” headboards. The template gives you the shape to add on both sides of your face fabric at the top, along with your preferred seam allowance.

Here’s the quick overview:

1. Build and String the Shade – Complete your Roman shade as usual.
   
2. Prepare the Return – Cut a rectangle of face fabric (pattern match if needed) to fit behind the return flap lying flat on your work table.
   
3. Stitch the Pocket – “Pillowcase” stitch the seams, turn the pocket right-side out, and insert your Skirtex pattern.
   
4. Trim and Finish – Stitch the return in place for a crisp, integrated look.
   

The result? A gorgeous Roman shade with folds and lift cords neatly hidden when retracted—clean, stylish, and professional.
We’re working on a full step-by-step guide with photos, but for now, this should give you a great head start.

A Clean Finish: Reasons to Add a Concealed Hem Grip to a Roman Shade

When building a Roman shade, sometimes a simple pull at the bottom hem isn’t ideal. Maybe you’ve added a decorative border, maybe there’s trim at the base, or maybe the fabric itself isn’t suited to constant handling. In any of these cases, adding a concealed hem grip can be a smart, elegant solution.

Some fabricators worry that incorporating a hidden grip will be complicated—but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it's surprisingly simple.
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In our May 29 Blog Post, we demonstrated one method using the face fabric itself to form a hem pocket. This approach keeps the shade’s bottom edge clean and uninterrupted—perfect for showcasing trim (above, left).

​If your shade features a border along the face (above, right), that method can be easily adapted. In one example, we used a 6-3/4" final bottom fold, with successive 4" folds building above it as the shade lifts (photo directly above). This kept the decorative border visible, while the hem grip remained hidden behind.  You can see how it looks when finished in the video below.

Here is a close-up of a different shade with a similar concealed hem that could either have a border or trim, and has a 6-3/4" bottom.

Prefer not to fold the face fabric at all? Another easy option is to create a pocket for the weight bar and grip using the lining fabric instead. Just tack or stitch it at the points where your bottom brass rings fall along the cord run.
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No matter which method you choose, the result is the same: a crisp, polished bottom edge—and a discreet, functional way to raise and lower your beautifully finished shade.