30 Minutes with Workroom Tech: Episode 114 - Roman Shade Ribs
- Susan Woodcock
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
On this episode of the podcast, Ceil DiGuglielmo and Susan Woodcock talk about a skinny little product with a big impact - roman shade ribs.
You can listen here:
When, why and where ribs are used in Roman shades?
Ribs (also known as rods) add structure to fabric shades. This helps to keeps folds even and prevents sagging when the shade is operated. Adding ribs also allows for greater spacing between lift cords (horizontally) = time savings with fewer lift cords and cost savings with less rings, cord shoud, orbs, etc.
Ribs can be placed at the tack points (the lift point) or placed to the front of the folds (between tack points).
Roman Shade Rib Types: Pro's and Con's
Roman shade ribs are available in different materials. There are pro's and con's of each.
Fiberglass ribs are very sturdy and rigid with a small diameter. Smaller ribs are not as obvious when light shines through the material. Common sizes are 1/8” diameter, 1/4” diameter and 5/16” x 1/16” flat. You must be very careful cutting and handling because of the fiberglass fibers (splinters). To join fiberglass ribs together, an metal outer collar style splice is used.
Plastic ribs available in 3/16”diameter or 1/4” diameter. PVC Slats from döfix No Sew, Inc. look like two ribs connected with a flat area in the middle are 3/8 inches wide and are very rigid. Plastic ribs are easy to cut an are joined with a metal wire splice or a plastic dowel inserted into the two ends.
Clear acrylic rods or ribs, 1/4” diameter can be used for sheer shades. Metal connectors are visible so using a clear tape is a better choice.
Metal ribs are 1/8” diameter and can be cut with wire cutters. You will use the same splice as with the fiberglass ribs. Metal ribs can get bent easily.
Methods for Adding Ribs to Shades
Glue to the lining or interlining (and with flat ribs you can also use an adhesive tape)
Drop in on top of tack points and secure with stitches at the sides
Pockets sewn in the shade to the back, to the front, or both to the back and front and the ribs are inserted into the pockets
A roman shade with rib pockets sewn to the back of the shade on the worktable at Workroom Tech Pockets sewn to the lining before the lining is added to the shade (English method). Ribs are inserted into the pockets.
Stitch rib pockets into the interlining before it is added to the shade (as shown in te book Singer(R) Sewing Custom Curtains, Shades and Top Treatments by Susan Woodcock). The ribs are inserted into the pockets before the outer lining is added.
Iron-on rib tape to the back of the lining on the inside or applied on the back of the lining on the outside
Fabric sleeves with ribs inserted into the sleeves are sewn to the back of the face fabric (with or without interlining) before the lining is added. Another version of this is to sew a pocket or sleeve at the top of buckram for a buckram fold shade with ribs. (Susan’s methods)
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