A method for manufacturing a window covering for an architectural opening is disclosed. The covering including a support, at least one vane, and at least one operating element. The method for manufacturing the covering includes extending the vane across the support; extending the operating element along a length of the support, and coupling the covering to a roller for selective rotative movement for extending and retracting the covering during use. The operating element being movable with respect to the support. In use, an upper portion of the vane is fixed with respect to the support while a lower portion of the vane is fixed with respect to the operating element so that the lower portion of the vane is movable relative to the upper portion by moving the at least one operating element.

A base structure and associated method for converting the base structure into an operable vane on a shade for an architectural opening. The base structure includes a back sheet and a front sheet attached together in engagement regions spaced along the length of the back sheet and front sheet. The front sheet is separated into front strip sections having a free end. Operating elements are positioned along the back sheet and situated so as to move relative thereto. The operating elements are attached adjacent to a free end of the front strip. Movement of the operating elements actuates the free end of the front strip to move from a closed position to an open position as desired by the user.

A base structure and associated method for converting the base structure into an operable vane on a shade for an architectural opening. The base structure includes a back sheet and a front sheet attached together in engagement regions spaced along the length of the back sheet and front sheet. The front sheet is separated into front strip sections having a free end. Operating elements are positioned along the back sheet and situated so as to move relative thereto. The operating elements are attached adjacent to a free end of the front strip. Movement of the operating elements actuates the free end of the front strip to move from a closed position to an open position as desired by the user.

A base structure and associated method for converting the base structure into an operable vane on a shade for an architectural opening. The base structure includes a back sheet and a front sheet attached together in engagement regions spaced along the length of the back sheet and front sheet. The front sheet is separated into front strip sections having a free end. Operating elements are positioned along the back sheet and situated so as to move relative thereto. The operating elements are attached adjacent to a free end of the front strip. Movement of the operating elements actuates the free end of the front strip to move from a closed position to an open position as desired by the user.

A method for manufacturing a window covering for an architectural opening. The method includes operatively coupling a support material and at least one operating element to a roller for selective rotative movement during use. The at least one operating element extending along at least a part of the length of the support material. The method also includes extending a plurality of vanes relative to the support material. Each vane including an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the upper edge of each of the vanes is fixed against movement relative to the support material, the lower edge of each of the vanes is fixed against movement relative to the at least one operating element, and the lower edge of each of the vanes moves relative to the upper edge of each of the vanes by moving the at least one operating element.

A weft of each rung of a ladder cord is formed of two weft threads, an intersecting portion is formed in the weft threads, a slat is inserted between the intersecting portion and one of warp threads of the ladder cord, and a lifting and lowering cord is inserted between the weft threads at a location between the intersecting portion and another of the warp threads.

An apparatus and associated method for manufacturing a window covering for an architectural opening. The apparatus includes a support structure handling assembly, an operating element handling assembly, and a vane handling assembly. The handling assemblies process the respective materials to an assembly station to attach one portion of a vane to the operating elements, and another portion of the vane to the support structure, allowing movement of one portion of the vane relative to other portion of the vane.

A base structure and associated method for converting the base structure into an operable vane on a shade for an architectural opening. The base structure includes a back sheet and a front sheet attached together in engagement regions spaced along the length of the back sheet and front sheet. The front sheet is separated into front strip sections having a free end. Operating elements are positioned along the back sheet and situated so as to move relative thereto. The operating elements are attached adjacent to a free end of the front strip. Movement of the operating elements actuates the free end of the front strip to move from a closed position to an open position as desired by the user.

A method and machine for cutting woven wood blinds is disclosed. The disclosed machine can include a cutting mechanism, a support surface adjacent at least one opening in the cutting mechanism housing, a spring loaded clamp which engages the woven wood blind to hold the blind securely for cutting without damaging the blind. The clamp is preferably operated by a hand screw. An indicator such as a collar attached to the hand screw is provided to tell the user when the clamp is positioned to provide the desired pressure. The disclosed method can include positioning a window covering into a cutting machine, positioning a first cutting support member on the window covering, moving a clamp to engage the first cutting support member and cutting the window covering.