Finishing and Attaching Shade
Lay the shade on a flat surface with the lining side up. Measure and mark ring positions on the dowel casings in the following manner: Position a ring 4 inches in from each side edge of the shade on each dowel casing. Then, evenly space rings along each dowel casing approximately 10–12 inches apart. It is critical to position the rings in perfect vertical columns to ensure the shade draws up evenly. Sew rings to the middle of the dowel casings.

To make the batten, cut 2×1 board as long as the width of the finished shade. Position the top of the shade on the 2-inch surface of the batten with the lining facing the wood and the edges aligned; staple to secure. Turn the batten over so the fabric-covered surface is down. Attach screw eyes into the underside of the batten in line with the rows of rings sewn onto the dowel casings. Determine which side of the shade the strings will draw. Attach another screw eye 1 inch in from the edge of the batten on this side.

Tie one end of one cord length to a ring on the bottom dowel casing. Thread it vertically up the shade through the corresponding rings and through the corresponding screw eye on the batten. Continue threading the cord through adjacent screw eyes across the batten to the draw side of the shade. Repeat for the remaining cord lengths and the remaining vertical columns of rings (see illustration, below).

Pull the cords simultaneously taut to raise the shade, making sure the folds are even and straight. Release the shade, holding the cords together firmly. Attach the cord pull to the cords about 20 inches down; trim the excess cord.

Mount the batten with L brackets. Attach the awning cleat to the wall or the window frame on the side of the cord pull. When the shade is pulled up, secure the cords to the cleat to hold the shade in place.

Previous: Preparing Dowel Casing and Pockets

Here are additional window treatment ideas:
Box-Pleat Valance
Easy Window Panels
Roll-Up Shade