Operating the Top-Down Cords
Closed2.jpg (100821 bytes)Down Fully2.jpg (69229 bytes)The shade is "closed" (fully covers the window and is fully extended) when the shade is pulled all the way up to the top of the headrail. (It can only be pulled up to the bottom of the hardware, we will discuss that later.) The Top-Down Cord is at it's longest when the shade is in it's closed position. It is cleated-off, or engaged in a cord lock, which holds the shade up. Releasing the cord lowers the shade. It drops in folds because it is guided by the Bottom-Up Cords. A knot in the Top-Down cord stops the shade at the lowest position you want it to drop.
Operating the Bottom-Up Cords
Closed2.jpg (100821 bytes)Up2.jpg (70385 bytes)We start again with the shade "closed" (fully covers the window and is fully extended) with the shade pulled all the way up to the top of the headrail. The Bottom-Up Cord is at it's shortest when the shade is in the "closed" position. The cord pull hangs freely with a knot just below the last pulley, or without a knot from the cord lock. When you pull on the Bottom-Up Cord, the bottom of the shade raises up in accordion fashion.
The emphasis of your planning is different with a Top-Down/Bottom-Up shade. You MUST start with the hardware (lifting operation) in order to make your shade "system" (the fabric shade and the valance) the correct size.
There are two sets of pulleys (or screw eyes).
You MUST use a 1x2 mounting board in the projected installation so that the two sets of cords (top-down and bottom-up) don't interfere with each other. This means that the board projects from the wall or inside of the window at least 1.75".
The shade can be pulled up only to the BOTTOM of the lifting hardware. If you are using cord locks, this means that it can only be pulled up to about 2.25" from the top of the headrail.
You make a small valance to cover the lifting hardware. This valance is part of your overall design.
Continue the Learning Process with "Part 2: Make a Top-Down/Bottom-Up Shade"
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A Comment on Copyright
These directions are meant for you to print out and make your own shades. My intention in posting them here for anyone to see and use is two-fold:
I no longer have to answer the same questions over and over again.
I am hoping that when you make your shades, you will order some or all of the hardware and supplies from me.
There is, of course, no way that I can guarantee that you purchase anything from me. However, there is one thing you should NOT do. That is, modify and claim these directions as your own.
Contact Information:
Terrell Designs, owned by Terrell Sundermann
5325 Sanford Cir. E. Englewood, Colorado 80113
Phone: (303) 639-9876 Email: terrell@terrelldesigns.com