Ruqayyah Snyder
Austrian drapes, also known as puff drapes or curtains, are a beautiful and decorative style of drapery that suits grand spaces. They are often used in theatres and events. The distinctive look of Austrian drapes is achieved by sewing both horizontal and vertical fullness, creating a series of soft swags. To make Austrian drapes, you will need to cut your fabric to the desired height and double it over. Trim the fabric to size and secure it to cardboard before sewing. You can find detailed instructions online. Typical fabric choices for Austrian drapes include thin satin, charmeuse, chiffon, and Encore Velour.
Characteristics and Values of Austrian Drapes
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Encore Velour, Iridescent Silky Charmeuse, thin satin, charmeuse, chiffon |
| Style | Curtain, drape, blinds, valance, puff drape, festoon curtains |
| Use | Theatre, events, venues, windows |
| Process | Sewing both horizontal and vertical fullness, creating soft swags |
| Lifting | Equal lift on each drawline, raised at the same speed/height |
| Lining | Nylon lines distributed evenly across the length of the fabric |
| Making | Cut and sew fabric, trim to size, attach to window with screws or adhesive tape |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the fabric
When choosing the fabric for Austrian drapes, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the fabric should be something that can be gathered and bunched up to create the distinctive "puff" effect that Austrian drapes are known for. This usually means choosing a thinner, more lightweight fabric such as satin, charmeuse, or chiffon. These fabrics will create soft, elegant folds when gathered and will drape well.
It is important to consider the weight of the fabric, as Austrian drapes can become quite heavy, especially when gathered and lifted. A heavier fabric will not only be more difficult to work with but will also require a stronger mechanical winch to raise and lower the drapes. This could impact the installation process and the overall cost of the project.
The amount of fabric required for Austrian drapes is also a factor to consider. Due to the gathering and pleating, Austrian drapes typically require more fabric than traditional drapes. It is important to calculate the required fabric based on the desired height and width of the finished drapes, taking into account the additional fabric needed for the pleats and swags.
Additionally, the colour and pattern of the fabric should be chosen to complement the overall décor of the room. Austrian drapes are often used to create a grand and elegant statement, so choosing a fabric with a luxurious look and feel can enhance the overall aesthetic. Fabrics such as Encore Velour and Iridescent Silky Charmeuse are popular choices for Austrian drapes, offering a rich and opulent appearance.
Finally, it is important to consider the functionality of the drapes. Austrian drapes are typically raised and lowered using a mechanical winch system. This means that the fabric should be durable enough to withstand the stress of repeated lifting and lowering without stretching or tearing. A fabric with some elasticity and strength is ideal to ensure the long-term functionality and appearance of the drapes.
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Cutting the fabric
To make Austrian drapes, you'll first need to cut your fabric to the desired height of your shades and then double it over onto itself. Be sure to allow for some extra fabric on each side for sewing later.
The exact dimensions will depend on the size of your window. You'll want to trim the fabric so that it fits your window perfectly, taking into account the desired overlap and any hardware you'll be using to hang the drapes.
For a classic Austrian drape look, consider using a thin satin, charmeuse, or chiffon material that bunches up well. You can also get creative and experiment with other fabrics, just keep in mind that the fabric should be something that can be gathered and sewn to create a series of soft swags.
Once you've cut your fabric to size, you'll need to cut two pieces of cardboard (or similar material) to the height of your shades. These will be used to help with the sewing process, so be sure they are sturdy enough to support the fabric. Place each piece of fabric onto a piece of cardboard, securing it in place, and leaving about 12" on each end for sewing.
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Sewing the fabric
To sew the fabric for Austrian drapes, start by cutting your fabric to the desired height of your shades and then doubling it over onto itself. Trim the fabric to the size of your window and cut two pieces of cardboard or a similar material to the height of your shades. Secure each piece of fabric to a piece of cardboard on either side, leaving an extra 12" on each end for sewing later.
Place the cardboard between two chair backs and sew together, attaching one side first. Then, flip it over and sew the other side on top of the 12" flap you left earlier. Stack your blinds on top of each other so that they are all lined up, with the slats facing in. Sew your fabric together, sandwiching all of the blinds between the two pieces of fabric so that you sew right through all of them.
Take out each set of blinds individually and attach them to your window with screws or heavy-duty adhesive tape. Be sure to drill through each slat. To achieve the decorative quality of an Austrian curtain, sew both horizontal and vertical fullness. This process of gathering material on the vertical seams produces a series of soft swags. The fabric is typically a thin satin, charmeuse, or chiffon material that bunches up well.
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Attaching the blinds
Drill through each slat to attach the blinds to the window using screws. Alternatively, you can use heavy-duty adhesive tape. Make sure that the blinds are lined up with each other and that the slats are facing in.
If you are using screws, be sure to drill pilot holes first to avoid splitting the slats. You can also use a screw-tip attachment on your power drill to make the process faster and easier.
If you are using adhesive tape, be sure to use a heavy-duty type that is designed for attaching items to walls or windows. Clean and dry the surface of the window before applying the tape to ensure a strong bond.
Once all the blinds are attached, you can step back and admire your handiwork! Your Austrian blinds will not only provide privacy and light control but also add a touch of elegance to your window.
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Raising the curtain
To make your own Austrian drapes, you'll first want to cut your chosen fabric to the desired height of your shades, doubling it over onto itself. Trim the fabric to the size of your window, and cut two pieces of cardboard or a similar material to the height of your shades. Secure each piece of fabric to the cardboard, leaving an extra 12" on each end for sewing. Place the cardboard between two chair backs and sew together, first attaching one side, then the other, using that extra 12" flap you left earlier.
Stack your blinds so they line up, with the slats facing in, and sew your fabric together, sandwiching the blinds between the fabric. Finally, attach each blind to your window with screws or heavy-duty adhesive tape.
When raising Austrian drapes, a mechanical winch is necessary, as the curtain is too heavy for one person to lift. The winch turns, raising the curtain, and the fabric is collected in a series of swags. The lift on each drawline must be equal, and the drape must be lifted across all lines at the same speed and height.
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