A Guide To Making Austrian Blinds At Home

Austrian blinds are a graceful type of window covering that pull up from the bottom using a series of cords to create a scalloped bottom. They are similar to curtains and can be made at home, although the process is time-consuming. This guide will take you through the steps to make Austrian blinds, including how to measure, cut, and stitch the fabric, as well as assemble the blind tape and cords.

Measuring the blind

Measure the Window

Begin by hanging the batten, a thin strip of wood or metal, at the top of your window. Measure from the top of the batten to the bottom of the window. This will determine the length of your blind. To ensure the fabric is scalloped at the bottom even when closed, add about 50 cm (20 inches) to this measurement. This extra fabric will create the distinctive scalloped effect.

Determine the Width

Next, measure the width of the batten. To achieve a full and gathered look for the blinds, double the width measurement. These width measurements will guide the amount of fabric needed for both the blind and its lining.

Calculate the Length for the Frills

The classic Austrian blind design features a single frill or ruffle. To achieve this look, you will need 10-cm (4-inch) wide strips of ruffle fabric that wrap around the sides and bottom of the blind. Calculate the total length required for the ruffle by dividing the width of the shade material by the width of the fabric. This will indicate if you need more than one panel.

Finalising Fabric Requirements

For instance, if you require 1.8 metres (72 inches) and your fabric is 90 cm (36 inches) wide, you will need two widths. Multiply the length measurement by the number of panels and add 10 cm (4 inches) for each length of ruffle. This calculation will give you the total length of fabric required for the blind.

Cutting the Fabric

First, cut the ruffle fabric to size. Then, cut the required amount of fabric and lining material for the blind itself. If you need to join panels to achieve the desired width, stitch them together carefully.

By following these steps, you can accurately measure and prepare the fabric for your Austrian blinds, ensuring a precise fit for your window.

Cutting the fabric

To make Austrian blinds, you will need to cut both the ruffle fabric and the blind fabric.

First, cut the ruffle fabric. To do this, you must first calculate the total length of the ruffle by multiplying the length of the sides and bottom of the blind by the width of the ruffle fabric. Then, divide this length by the width of the fabric to find out how many strips of fabric you will need. Once you have calculated the number of strips, multiply this number by 10 cm (4 inches) to get the total length of the ruffle fabric you will need to cut.

Next, cut the blind fabric. To do this, you must first measure the width of the batten and double this measurement to allow for fullness in the blinds. Then, measure the length from the top of the batten to the bottom of the window, adding 50 cm (20 inches) to ensure that the fabric is scalloped at the bottom even when closed. Use these measurements to cut the fabric to the desired size.

After cutting the fabric, you will need to stitch together any panels you have cut to create the proper width for your blind. You will also need to stitch the heading tape to the top of the shade, as well as stitch the loops for the cords that will be used to pull the blind up.

It is important to note that heavy fabrics are not suitable for Austrian blinds, and you should avoid using them. Additionally, Austrian blinds are known for their graceful scalloped hemline at the bottom, so be sure to allow for this when cutting your fabric.

Stitching the panels

Firstly, determine the number of panels you require by dividing the width of the shade material by the width of your fabric. If, for instance, you require 1.8 metres (72 inches) and your fabric is 0.9 metres (36 inches) wide, you will need two widths. Cut the panels accordingly. It is important to cut the ruffle fabric first and then the blind and lining material to ensure accuracy in your measurements.

Once you have cut your panels, it is time to stitch them together. Stitch the panels side by side to achieve the proper width for your blind. Ensure that the panels are securely attached by using a sturdy thread and a straight stitch.

The next step is to attach the Austrian blind tape. Cut four sections of Austrian blind tape, each one inch longer than the length of the shade. Position the first loop of the tape two inches below the top of the shade and stitch one section on each side edge. Space out the remaining two sections evenly and stitch them in place as well.

After the tape is attached, it is important to stitch the heading tape to the wrong side of the shade at the top. This will provide a neat finish and allow for easy installation of the blind.

Finally, you will need to piece together fabric strips to form the length of the ruffle. This is an important step in achieving the classic Austrian blind design with a single frill. Use 10-cm (4-inch) wide strips of ruffle fabric that are long enough to go all the way around the sides and bottom of the blind.

By carefully following these steps, you will be able to successfully stitch the panels for your Austrian blinds, ensuring a professional and elegant finish.

Attaching the Austrian blind tape

To attach the Austrian blind tape, start by laying the curtain on a flat surface with the lining side facing up. Cut two strips of Austrian blind tape to the length of the curtain. Pin the first strip with its outside edge aligned with the left side ruffle seam, positioning the first loop 2 inches (5 cm) up from the bottom ruffle seam. Ensure there is an extra 13 mm (1/2 inch) at the top and bottom to turn under for a neat finish. Trim away any excess tape, allowing the strip to end 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the top once the 13 mm (1/2 inch) is turned under. Repeat this process for the right side ruffle seam.

Next, measure the inside distance between the left and right Austrian blind tape sections and divide the remaining area into sections that are between 12 inches (30 cm) and 20 inches (50 cm) in size. Pin additional sections of Austrian blind tape, ensuring the loops are lined up correctly. Fold down the top edge of the blind by 1 inch (2.5 cm) and press it. Prepare the heading tape by making knots on the left end and freeing the cords on the right. Align the heading tape with the fold you created on the blind and pin it in place. Turn the raw edges of the blind and heading tape under by 1 inch (2.5 cm) at the side seams, allowing the cords on the right to hang freely.

Stitch the heading tape in place, both at the top and bottom. Adjust the cords on the heading tape to ensure the blind fits the batten securely. Secure the ends with a rubber band. Measure the completed blind, starting from the top and working your way down to the ruffle. Add a couple of inches to properly line up the loops. Cut four sections of Austrian blind tape, each 1 inch longer than the length of the shade. Stitch one section to each side edge of the shade, positioning the first loop 2 inches (5 cm) below the top. Space the remaining two sections evenly and stitch them in place.

Finally, stitch the heading tape to the wrong side of the shade at the top. You may need to join fabric strips to achieve the desired length for the ruffle. It is important to note that heavy fabrics are not suitable for Austrian blinds.

Adjusting the cords

To adjust the cords on Austrian blinds, follow these steps:

First, lay the curtain on a flat surface with the lining side facing up. Measure the desired length of the cords, adding a couple of inches to line up the loops properly. Cut the cords to the appropriate length.

Next, starting from the left side, pin the first strip of cord with the outside edge aligned to the left side ruffle seam. Position the first loop 2 inches (5 cm) up from the bottom ruffle seam. Ensure there is an extra 13 mm (1/2 inch) at the top and bottom of the cord to turn under for a neat finish. Trim any excess cord.

Repeat this process on the right side, ensuring symmetry. Measure the distance between the inside edges of the left and right cords, and divide this area into sections that are no smaller than 12 inches (30 cm) and no larger than 20 inches (50 cm). This ensures even spacing for the cords.

Now, adjust the cords on the heading tape so that the blind fits the batten securely. Knot the left end of the heading tape and free the cords on the other side. Butt the heading tape against the fold at the top of the blind and pin it in place. Turn under the raw edges of the blind and heading tape by 1 inch (2.5 cm) at the side seams, allowing the cords to hang freely on one side.

Finally, stitch the heading tape in place, both at the top and bottom, to secure the cords and ensure smooth operation of the blind.

Frequently asked questions