How to Fix Tangled or Snapped Roman Blind Strings

Roman blind strings cause more frustration than almost any other window covering fault.

They tangle when cords get crossed during operation, and they snap from age, UV damage, or being yanked too hard.

Both problems are fixable at home with basic tools and a bit of patience.

What You’ll Need

Tools

• Scissors or a craft knife
• A blunt needle, bodkin, or bent paperclip (for threading)
• A small flathead screwdriver (to open the cord lock if needed)
• A tape measure

Materials / Replacement Parts

• Replacement blind cord (1.4mm–1.8mm braided polyester, matching your existing cord diameter)
• Spare cord rings (if any have broken or come loose from the fabric)
• A cord weight or tassel (optional, but helps prevent re-tangling)
• Lighter or nail varnish to seal the cord end after cutting

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How to Fix It: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Take the Blind Down and Lay It Flat

Before you try to fix anything while it’s still hanging, take the blind off the headrail. Trying to re-thread cord mid-air is a fast way to make the problem worse.

1. Unclip or unhook the blind from its mounting brackets
2. Lay it face-down on a flat surface, a bed or large table works well
3. Look at how the cord runs: it should thread up through each plastic ring sewn to the back of the blind, then over a pulley at the top and down through the cord lock
4. Take a photo of the cord routing before you touch anything. You’ll thank yourself later.

Step 2: Sort the Tangle or Remove the Snapped Cord

For a tangle, work backwards from the knot. Don’t pull, that tightens it.

1. Feed slack cord back up through the rings one at a time to release tension on the tangle
2. Use a blunt needle or bent paperclip to tease open any tight loops
3. Once clear, check the cord lock isn’t jammed: press the release button (usually on the side of the headrail housing) and confirm the cord moves freely
4. For a snapped cord, cut away the old string completely. Remove it from every ring, the pulley, and the cord lock so you’re starting clean.

Step 3: Re-thread the New Cord

Cut your replacement cord slightly longer than you think you’ll need. You can always trim it; you can’t stretch it.

1. Tie or tape the new cord to a bodkin or bent wire
2. Starting at the bottom ring, thread upward through each ring sewn to the back panel
3. Pass the cord over the pulley at the top of the headrail
4. Feed it down through the cord lock housing until it exits the side where the pull cord hangs
5. Seal the cut end with a lighter flame or a dab of clear nail varnish to stop it fraying
6. Tie a knot or attach the original cord weight at the bottom pull end

Step 4: Test Before You Rehang

Pull the cord slowly and watch how the blind folds up. Each horizontal pleat should gather evenly.

• If one side rises faster than the other, the cord tension is uneven. Re-check that the cord routes through every ring on that side.
• If the blind won’t lock in position, the cord isn’t seated correctly in the cord lock. Remove and re-feed it through.
• Give it five full raise-and-lower cycles before rehanging. Problems are much easier to fix on a table than on a wall.