Lexi Webster
Austrian blinds are a form of ruched blinds with two or more lines of vertical gathering, creating a dramatic and flamboyant look. They are a simplified version of French and German festoon blinds, which were popular in the 18th century. While they are not practical for shutting out the outside world, they combine the softness and look of a curtain with the functionality and space usage of a blind. To hang an Austrian blind, you will need to attach the top of the blind to a wooden batten or blind track, cut and thread the cords through screw eyes or cord holders, and secure the cords with a cleat or sliding loop.
How to Hang an Austrian Blind
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blind Fabric | Cotton, linen, voile, silk, satin, taffeta, broderie anglaise |
| Blind Style | Soft, textured, ruffled, scalloped hemline, pleated, historical, dramatic, flamboyant |
| Blind Functionality | Not practical for shutting out the outside world, combines functionality and space usage of a blind with the look of a curtain |
| Blind Track or Wooden Batten | Fix to the underside of the window frame for inside the recess, or to the top/above the window frame for outside the recess |
| Blind Tape | Austrian blind tape, heading tape, grip tape |
| Cord | Nylon cord, twice the length of the blind plus one width |
| Cord Fastening | Acorn, cleat |
| Blind Operation | Right-handed or left-handed |
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What You'll Learn
Cutting the fabric to size
First, determine the desired height of your Austrian blinds. This will be the length of your shades. Double the fabric over onto itself, creating a fold at the top. Now, trim the fabric to match the size of your window, ensuring that it will cover the entire window when hung. Cut the fabric to the desired height, keeping in mind that you will need some extra length for the top hem and bottom seam allowances.
Next, cut two pieces of cardboard or similar material to the height of your shades. These will serve as a base for securing the fabric. It is recommended to add an extra 12" (30 cm) on each end of the cardboard to allow for sewing later on. This extra length will be useful when attaching the fabric and creating a neat finish.
At this point, you should have your fabric and cardboard pieces ready. Place the fabric right-side up on a flat surface. Secure each piece of fabric to a piece of cardboard on either side, using the additional length you left earlier. This will provide stability and make it easier to work with the fabric.
Now, it's time to assemble the blinds. Stack your blinds on top of each other, ensuring they are all aligned with the slats facing in. This will create a uniform look when the blinds are hung. Secure the blinds in place by sewing them together. You can use a sewing machine or stitch by hand, whichever you prefer.
Once the blinds are stacked and secured, it's time to add the fabric. Place the cardboard between two chairs or a similar setup to provide stability. Sew the fabric together, sandwiching all the blinds between the two pieces of fabric. Make sure to sew through all the layers for a secure finish.
After sewing, carefully remove each set of blinds from the stack and attach them to your window frame using screws or heavy-duty adhesive tape. Drill through each slat to ensure a firm hold.
By following these steps, you will have successfully cut the fabric to size and assembled your Austrian blinds. Remember to take precise measurements and allow for some extra fabric to create a professional and well-fitted blind.
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Stitching the blind
When it comes to stitching your Austrian blind, there are a few key steps to follow to ensure a professional finish. Firstly, you will need to gather your tools and materials. For this task, you will require a sewing machine, a needle and thread for hand sewing, and your chosen fabric for the blind. It is recommended to use a medium to heavy-weight fabric that is durable and can hold its shape. Before you begin, decide on the finished width of your blind and cut the fabric to size, allowing for a hem and any pattern matching that may be required.
The unique feature of an Austrian blind is the series of cascading folds that are created by stitching. To achieve this, you will sew a series of horizontal rods or battens into the blind. These rods are typically made from lightweight plastic or wood and can be purchased from most homeware or craft stores. Measure and mark the position of each rod on the wrong side of your fabric, following the guidelines provided with your rod kit or using your preferred spacing.
Starting from the bottom of the blind, fold up the fabric to create a pocket for the first rod, and sew along the edge to secure it in place. You can use a sewing machine for a neat and strong finish. Repeat this process for each rod, working your way up the blind, ensuring that your pockets are evenly spaced and straight. Once all the rods are in place, you can finish the blind by hemming the sides and top, and adding any heading tape or fixtures required for hanging.
If you prefer a more handcrafted look or do not have access to a sewing machine, you can hand sew the rods in place using a strong needle and coordinating thread. This method will take longer but can add a unique, artisanal touch to your blind. Ensure you use a secure stitch, such as a backstitch or slip stitch, to prevent the weight of the rods from pulling the thread loose over time.
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Attaching the blind to the window
To attach the blind to the window, first, fix the blind track or wooden batten in the chosen position. If the blind is to hang inside the window recess, fix it to the underside of the window frame. If the blind is to hang outside the window recess, fix it to the top or above the window frame.
Next, attach the top of the blind to the wooden batten. Press the heading tape onto the grip tape. Screw eyes into the underside of the wooden batten, directly above each of the Austrian blind tapes. If using an Austrian blind track, insert curtain hooks into the pockets on the heading tape and hang the blind on the track.
Now, thread all the nylon cords through the cord holders on the track or the screw eyes on the batten, working from left to right. With the bottom of the blind at window sill level, cut all the nylon cords level with the bottom of the window. Thread all the cords through the acorn and knot to secure.
Finally, fix a cleat at the right-hand side, approximately halfway down the window. Pull up the blind and wind the cords around the cleat in a figure of eight to secure.
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Threading the cords
First, lay the blind on a flat surface with the lining side facing up. Cut the required number of nylon cords, ensuring each piece is twice the length of the blind plus one width. This will allow for the desired ruffle effect.
Next, decide whether you want to operate the blind from the left or right side of the window. For a right-handed operation, start by attaching a piece of nylon cord to the bottom loop of the Austrian blind tape on the right-hand side. Thread the cord upwards through all the loops until you reach the top edge. Repeat this process for each cord, working your way from right to left.
Once all the cords are threaded, pull them upwards on the heading tape to fit the blind track or batten. Adjust the gathers evenly for a neat appearance. Secure the ends of the cords with a sliding loop or a rubber band, and wind up any surplus cord, tucking it into a cord tidy bag.
Finally, screw eye screws into the underside of the wooden batten, directly above each of the Austrian blind tapes. Thread the cords through the screw eyes or cord holders on the track, working from left to right. Cut the cords level with the bottom of the window and thread them through an acorn, knotting to secure.
By carefully following these steps, you will successfully thread the cords of your Austrian blind, achieving the desired voluminous and dramatic look.
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Securing the blind
Once you have cut your fabric to the desired height, trimmed it to the size of your window, and cut the cardboard to size, it's time to secure the blind. Place the cardboard between two chair backs and sew the fabric together, attaching one side first. Then, flip it over and sew the other side. This will create a pocket for the blind.
Next, stack your blinds so that they are all lined up, with the slats facing in. Sew your fabric together, sandwiching the blinds between the two pieces of fabric. Make sure to sew through all of them.
Now it's time to attach the blind to the window. You can do this with screws or heavy-duty adhesive tape, but be sure to drill through each slat. If using screws, attach the top of the blind to the wooden batten by pressing the heading tape onto the grip tape. Screw eye screws into the underside of the wooden batten, directly above each of the Austrian blind tapes. If using an Austrian blind track, insert curtain hooks into the pockets on the heading tape and hang the blind on the track.
Thread all the nylon cords through the cord holders on the track or the screw eyes on the batten, working from left to right. Cut the cords level with the bottom of the window when the blind is at window sill level. Thread the cords through an acorn and knot them to secure.
Finally, fix a cleat at the right-hand side, approximately halfway down the window. Pull up the blind and wind the cords around the cleat in a figure-of-eight to secure it in place.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrian blinds are a form of ruched blinds with two or more lines of vertical gathering that create a great waft of fabric that swathes a window. They are mostly flat when down except for a scalloped hemline at the bottom.
Measure from the top of the track or batten to the bottom of the window frame and add 20" (50 cms) so the blind will have some fullness when lowered over the window.
Measure the length of the track or batten and double it, this allows for fullness. Divide this number by the width of the fabric to be used and round up to the next whole number.
You can attach the Austrian blind to the window using screws or heavy-duty adhesive tape.
First, fix the blind track or wooden batten in the chosen position. Then, attach the top of the blind to the wooden batten by pressing the heading tape onto the grip tape.
