Can Coolaroo Shades Be Cut To Size? (Find Out Now!)

Heather Robbins
by Heather Robbins
Cooloaroo shades are an excellent way to filter light, but only when they are a perfect fit. Luckily, it is possible to cut Coolaroo shades so that they fit well if they aren’t the right size. Whether it be technique or avoiding frays, let’s take a look at how you can cut your Coolaroo shades to fit your windows.

The sun is shining bright, and the days are becoming longer. That can only mean that summer is close upon us. Summer is filled with outdoor barbeques and parties by the pool. Maybe you have a little sitting area outside, like on a deck or a gazebo, that you prefer to sit and read quietly. However, when that sun is shining so bright that you cannot enjoy the summer months, you may want to invest in some shades.

Coolaroo shades have become popular recently due to the way they filter light. However, not all of them are necessarily sized correctly. If your shades aren’t the right size, you can cut them to fit the size of your window. However, you will need a few materials and some sewing knowledge to be able to do this.

There are many things to consider when purchasing your outdoor shades. These include where they will go and the amount of shade they will provide, and the aesthetic appeal you would want them to maintain. More importantly, the size they need to be to cover the area you want shaded. One brand that has the best ratings and provides all of these options and more is Coolaroo Shades.

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What Exactly Are Coolaroo Shades?

Coolaroo manufactures a shade using a fabric that is uniquely knitted. By using knitted fabric, the shade filters the light appropriately, allowing the sun’s glare to be reduced without darkening the area too much.

The shade has a classic design and will add a unique but stylish aesthetic to any area. They are raised and lowered by a crank that essentially rolls the shade up and down. When the crank is not in use, it is best to store it away from the elements.

Can Coolaroo Shades Be Cut To Size?

Coolaroo shades are made with a material that will last for years and cool your house. They are made with a fabric that will not crack or discolor. Also, it is a material that can easily be cut to customizable sizes.

A few things you want to keep in mind is to keep an extra eight inches in the length when cutting. To help with this process, there is a shade cloth cutting tool, which can be found at the local hardware store, that will aid in cutting the cloth appropriately.

Will The Coolaroo Shade Fabric Fray When Cut?

No. The fabric will not fray or have any unraveling during the cutting process. However, if you like to have a finished edge, you can fold the edge under and sew it to create a hem.

How To Make A Coolaroo Exterior Window Shade

Coolaroo shades are made with a standard six-foot width, so before you begin, you will want to cut the shade cloth to fit. Remember to allow an extra eight inches. The instructions that are listed are based on a six-by-six square blind.

Materials You Will Need

  •  Two Pulleys
  • One Horn Cleat
  • 1” by 6’ long Beading
  • 1” by 6’ long Dowel Rod
  • Approximately 40’ of Venetian Blind Cord
  • 4 Metal Self Tapping Screws

Steps To Make An Exterior Coolaroo Shade

Here are steps you will need to follow after cutting your Coolaroo shade to size.

Step 1: Sew A Hem

Sew a hem on both sides of the Coolaroo shade cloth. You can use a sewing machine or do this by hand; ensure you have the proper needle for the material. This hem should be approximately 1 to 5/8 of an inch in width.

Step 2: Place The Beading

Using the 1” beading, place it inside the one end of the Coolaroo shade cloth. This will form the headrail. On the opposite end, place the 1” dowel rod through the bottom end, which will form the base rail. To secure the dowel rod, staple or tack the shade on the ends of the base rail.

Step 3: Attach Pulleys

Next, you will fix the pulleys to the headrail on both ends of the cloth. You will do this with the self-tapping screws and affix them approximately 2-1/3” from the edge. After this step is completed, you will want to lay the cloth on the ground for the next steps.

Step 4: Attach The Cord

Next, you will use your Venetian blind cord and tie it off at the pulley on the right. You will want to run this cord down the back of the cloth, go under the base rail and meet back up at the pulley. With the cord at the right pulley, thread it through, then take it across the headrail to the opposite pulley.

Then, you will make a decent size loop and thread it through the left pulley. Repeating the step on the left side, run the cord under the base rail and meet back up at the pulley, where you will tie it off.

Step 5: Install The Shade

Finally, you are ready to affix the blind to the area that you need to have shade. You will want to drill two small holes on both sides of the headrail. You will use these to secure your shade to the window frame or wherever you need it to be.

Step 6: Position The Horn Cleat

Lastly, you will want to place the horn cleat about halfway down the window. This is where you will tie off your cord when you roll up your Coolaroo blind. Find out if solar shades are better than roller shades.

Where Are Coolaroo Shades Manufactured?

The GALE Pacific Ltd. makes Coolaroo shades, and their main headquarters is located in Melbourne, Australia. The company does have global sales and a marketing division, which are distributed in Australia, the Middle East, New Zealand, throughout Europe, and the United States. Their manufacturing warehouses provide operations in most of the same countries.

Types Of Coolaroo Shades

There are many types of Coolaroo shades to provide the proper color and appropriate shade for whatever you need shade for. The main goal of their shades is to provide UV protection. The following are the types of shades provided:

  • Garden Cover: Protects your garden from not getting sunburnt
  • People Cover: Provides UV protection for people and pets but allows cool breezes through
  • Shade Cover: Has four levels of UV protection and attachment accessories for outdoor areas
  • Privacy Screens: Provides privacy and UV protection but allows cool breezes to come through

Cleaning Coolaroo Shades

To clean your Coolaroo shade, apply a mild detergent with a soft-bristled brush, or you can use a mop. Then rinse the area with fresh water.

For best cleaning methods, use a hose to provide a strong flow of water. NEVER put your Coolaroo shade in the washing machine or the dryer. Furthermore, do NOT use any scouring pads or stiff brushes and avoid any chemically abrasive cleaners.

Are Coolaroo Shades Waterproof?

Coolaroo shades are manufactured with a cloth that takes weather elements, like rain, into consideration. It is mold and mildew resistant, as well as water-resistant.

However, it is not a guarantee the shade is considered waterproof. It provides weatherproof shade, but with the potential for water to pool, the water could come through over time.’


Related Questions

Will Coolaroo shades block the wind?

The fabric used for the shade is light and knitted, so it is breathable and will allow a breeze to flow through. However, there are base straps to secure the shade and keep it from moving in the wind. Overall, Coolaroo shades protect from the rain and wind to keep your space comfortable all the time.


Does it matter which side of the Cularoo is used?

There is a rough side of the cloth, and it is recommended that this side is facing down during installation. Even though both sides are created equally when it comes to being protected from the weather, installing it will help keep the fabric clean.

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Wrapping It Up

There are many different reasons that people love to use Coolaroo shades as opposed to regular shades. However, they don’t always come in the correct size, which means you will need to cut them to size before use. Just make sure you hem them up, so they don’t begin fraying. Unique fabric requires special care.

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Heather Robbins
Heather Robbins

Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.

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