Can You Cut Roller Blinds to Size?

If you’ve bought the perfect roller blind in just the right colour and fabric, but it’s just a tad too wide for your window, in many cases, you can achieve that perfect fit you were looking for by cutting roller blinds to size yourself. This guide from Unbeatable Blinds will equip you with the knowledge and steps to tackle cutting your roller blinds to the right size with confidence.

Can you cut roller blinds to size?

In short, yes, many roller blinds can be cut to size. This is especially useful if you have windows that are not a standard size or if you want a precise fit for a more polished look. Although our made to measure roller blinds are designed to fit your window perfectly based on the measurements you provide, some windows are not even in width and may require you to trim to achieve the desired look. Cutting roller blinds to size involves trimming both the fabric and the roller tube to ensure the blind fits perfectly within your window frame.

Can all roller blinds be cut to size?

Many roller blinds can be cut to size, but it’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications before attempting to cut them as some materials or styles may not be suitable.

You need to consider the material of the blind; most standard fabric roller blinds can be trimmed, but blinds made from special materials like blackout fabric or thermal fabric might require special handling or may not be suitable for cutting at all.

Remember, blinds that are designed to be cut to size will often come with instructions and guidelines for trimming. But our custom blinds, which are made to fit specific measurements that you provide us, generally should not be altered as it will void the warranty and could compromise their functionality.

What type of roller blinds can be cut to size?

Generally suitable for cutting:

Single-layer fabric roller blinds – These are the most common type and the easiest to cut due to their flexible material.
Basic PVC roller blinds – Thinner PVC roller blinds can often be cut with a sharp utility knife, but caution is advised. These might fray more than fabric blinds.

Types of blinds not ideal for cutting:

Metal roller blinds – These are not recommended for DIY cutting due to the material’s rigidity and potential damage to the blind’s functionality.

Thick/reinforced roller blinds – Very thick blinds with extra lining might be difficult to cut cleanly and could require specialised tools.

Patterned or printed roller blinds – Cutting through intricate patterns can be challenging and might result in an uneven finish.

How to cut roller blinds

Cutting roller blinds to size is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires precision and the right tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a perfect fit:

You will need:

• Roller blinds
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Metal ruler or straight edge
• Sharp scissors or rotary cutter
• Hacksaw or pipe cutter
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Masking tape
• Screwdriver
• Clamps (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Roller Blinds to Size

1. Measure your Window
Measure the width of your window where you want the blinds to fit. It’s important to measure at the top, middle, and bottom of the window to account for any inconsistencies. Use the narrowest measurement as your final width if you want to make sure the blind fits within the frame.

2. Mark the Measurements
Lay the roller blind on a flat surface. Using the measurements from your window, mark the desired width on the fabric with a pencil. Be sure to measure from one end and not the middle to keep the blind correctly aligned. .

3. Secure the Fabric
To prevent the fabric from moving while cutting it, you could secure it with masking tape along the cutting line. This also helps to keep the fabric from fraying during the cutting process.

4. Cut the Fabric
Using a metal ruler or straight edge as a guide, carefully cut the fabric with sharp scissors or a rotary cutter. Make sure the cut is straight and clean to avoid any uneven edges.

5. Trim the Roller Tube
Measure and mark the same width on the roller tube, then using a hacksaw or pipe cutter, carefully cut the tube to match the width of the fabric. If using a hacksaw, a fine-toothed blade will give a cleaner cut. You can smooth any rough edges with fine-grit sandpaper.

6. Reassemble the Blind
Once the fabric and roller tube are cut to size, reassemble the blind. Attach the end caps and mounting brackets as per the manufacturer’s instructions, or use our blind installation guide.

Can you cut roller blinds without fraying?

If you’re going to go ahead and cut your roller blind, you may be concerned about fraying the fabric and leaving an imperfect finish. We’ve got a few tips you could try to prevent the fabric from fraying as much as possible:

Use sharp tools – Using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter will ensure a clean cut, reducing the chances of fraying. Dull tools can create jagged edges that are more prone to fraying.

Apply masking tape – As mentioned earlier, applying masking tape along the cutting line can help keep the fabric fibres in place, resulting in a cleaner cut.

Seal the edges – After cutting, you can seal the edges of the fabric with a fray-prevention liquid or fabric glue. These products are available at most craft stores and can be applied with a small brush along the cut edge.

If you feel confident to do so yourself, cutting roller blinds to size is a practical solution for achieving a perfect fit for your windows, but be sure to follow the proper steps and use the right tools to effectively resize your roller blinds without causing damage or fraying, and remember your warranty will be void if you tamper with the blind in any way.

At Unbeatable Blinds, we offer a wide range of roller blinds that are made-to-measure to meet your needs. Our expert team is here to assist you with any questions or concerns, ensuring that you get the perfect fit and finish for your windows. Contact us today if you wish to speak to one of our team.

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