Lexi Webster
Austrian window shades are a great way to elevate your décor and add volume to your windows. They are made in a way that allows them to remain scalloped at the lower edge and gathered even when lowered. The process involves measuring the width and length of the window, cutting and stitching fabric, and creating a ruffle. You can find instructions in books or online, or you can purchase custom-made Austrian shades from various sellers.
Characteristics and Values of Austrian Window Shades
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fabric panel length | Measure from the top of the installed track to the bottom of the window frame. Add 20 inches |
| Fabric panel width | Measure the width of the blind track. Multiply by two |
| Ruffles | Double the length, add to the width, then double the sum to get the total length of fabric required |
| Lining | Place wrong side up on top of the shade fabric. Sew around three edges about 1/2-inch from the edge |
| Austrian blind tape | Cut four sections 1 inch longer than the length of the shade. Stitch one on each side edge with the first loop 2 inches below the top |
| Ruffle | Join strips together end-to-end. Hem the bottom edge. Stitch two rows of gathering stitches along the top edge |
| Shade fabric | Place right side up on the floor. Pin the ruffle gathered edge to the edge of the fabric about 1 inch from the edge |
| Mounting | Minimum 2.25" at the top of the window to accommodate the headerboard and brackets |
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What You'll Learn
Measure the window
To make Austrian window shades, you'll first need to measure your window to ensure a good fit. This process will differ depending on whether you're making inside or outside mount shades.
Inside Mount Shades
For inside mount shades, accuracy is crucial. Measure the inside of the window frame in three places for width: across the top, middle, and bottom. Not all windows are built perfectly, so take the narrowest of these three measurements. For height, measure the left, middle, and right sides, and note the longest length. Also, measure the depth of the window so you know how deep the blinds can be.
Outside Mount Shades
Outside mount shades are usually extended past the window for maximum light control. Measure the overall area to be covered, taking into account the width and height of the window. Consider adding an extra 3 inches to the width and height for better light control and privacy. You can also make the window appear larger by extending the blinds outside.
General Tips
- Most hardware packages come with everything needed for installation in wood or drywall. For metal or masonry, ensure you have the right drill bits and screws.
- Use a metal tape measure or a laser measurer to measure accurately to the nearest 1/8-inch.
- Always measure all your windows, even if they appear to be the same size.
- If you're ordering custom blinds, provide the exact measurements, and the retailer will make the necessary calculations.
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Calculate fabric length
To calculate the fabric length for Austrian window shades, follow these steps:
First, measure the height of the window from the top of the installed track to the bottom of the window frame. Add 20 inches to this measurement to get the fabric panel length. This extra fabric is needed to create the distinctive scalloped effect of Austrian shades, allowing them to remain gathered even when lowered.
Next, measure the width of the blind track. To calculate the width of the fabric panel, multiply this measurement by two. You may need to piece together multiple fabric strips to achieve this width.
Now, calculate the fabric needed for the ruffle at the bottom of the shade. Take the length of the fabric panel and double it. Add this number to the width of the fabric panel. Finally, double this sum to get the total length of fabric required for the ruffle.
To create the Austrian blind tape sections, cut four pieces that are one inch longer than the length of the shade. Stitch one piece to each side edge, positioning the first loop two inches below the top. Evenly space and stitch the remaining two pieces.
Remember, heavy fabrics are not suitable for Austrian shades as they may not gather or drape as effectively. Lighter fabrics will ensure the signature fullness and softness of Austrian shades.
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Cut and pin lining
To cut and pin the lining for Austrian window shades, start by placing the lining wrong side up on top of the shade fabric. Ensure that the raw edges of the lining fabric match the bottom and side edges of the shade. Secure the lining and shade fabric by pinning and sewing around the three edges, maintaining a distance of about 1/2 inch from the edge. Turn and press the fabric.
Next, cut four Austrian blind tape sections, each one inch longer than the length of the shade. Stitch one tape section to each side edge of the shade, positioning the first loop 2 inches below the top. Evenly space the remaining two tape sections and stitch them in place. To complete the lining process, stitch the heading tape to the wrong side of the shade at the top.
It is important to note that you may need to piece together fabric strips to achieve the desired length for the ruffle. Heavy fabrics are generally not suitable for Austrian shades, as they can be challenging to work with and may not produce the desired gathered effect.
Before cutting and pinning the lining, it is crucial to accurately measure the window and determine the required fabric panel length and width. Measure from the top of the installed track to the bottom of the window frame and add 20 inches to determine the fabric panel length. For the fabric panel width, measure the width of the blind track and multiply it by two. This will ensure that the fabric panel is wide enough to cover the window adequately.
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Stitch blind tape
To stitch the Austrian blind tape, cut four sections of the tape, each one inch longer than the length of the shade. Place the lining wrong side up on top of the shade fabric. Pin and sew around three edges, leaving about a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Turn and press.
Stitch one piece of Austrian blind tape to each side edge of the shade, positioning the first loop 2 inches below the top. Evenly space the remaining two pieces and stitch them in place. Stitch the heading tape to the wrong side of the shade at the top. You may need to piece together fabric strips to achieve the desired length for the ruffle.
When stitching the Austrian blind tape and heading tape, always stitch both sides in the same direction to prevent puckering. Sew additional rings between each ring if necessary. You can also purchase no-sew tape with rods and tape systems if you don't like hand sewing.
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Make the ruffle
Making the ruffle for an Austrian window shade involves several steps. First, you need to calculate the amount of fabric required for the ruffle, which goes at the bottom of the shade. This is done by taking the length of the fabric panel and doubling it, then adding this number to the width of the fabric panel. Finally, this sum is doubled to give you the total length of fabric needed for the ruffle.
Once you have the required amount of fabric, you can start constructing the ruffle. Start by joining the strips of fabric together end-to-end. Once all the pieces are joined, hem the bottom edge of the strip. Next, stitch two rows of gathering stitches (about a size 4 stitch) along the top edge. Pull the threads together until you've achieved the desired fabric panel width.
Place the shade fabric right side up on a flat surface and pin the ruffle's gathered edge to the edge of the fabric, about 1 inch from the edge. Make sure the right sides are touching and the hemmed edge of the ruffle is pointing toward the inside of the panel. Continue pinning the ruffle in place around the three edges, excluding the top. Adjust the gathers as needed to distribute them evenly. Stitch between the rows of thread, about half an inch from the raw edge, and then remove the gathering stitches.
Lay the shade right side up, with the ruffles facing toward the center, and your Austrian window shade is now ready!
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Frequently asked questions
Austrian window shades are a type of window covering that adds volume to a window. They are made to remain scalloped at the lower edge and gathered even when in the lowered position. They look like curtains but are called shades because they can be raised and lowered.
First, measure the width of the blind track and multiply it by two to get the width of the fabric panel. Next, measure from the top of the installed track to the bottom of the window frame and add 20 inches to get the fabric panel length.
The amount of fabric required for an Austrian window shade is greater than for a straight shade. You will need to calculate the fabric needed for the ruffle at the bottom of the shade by taking the length, doubling it, adding this number to the width, and then doubling the sum.
The book "Make It with Style: Window Shades" by Donna Lang, Judy Petersen, and Dennis Krukowski is a good resource for making Austrian window shades, as well as Roman and balloon shades. It offers easy-to-follow directions and includes patterns, illustrations, and tips for mounting and installing treatments.
The process for making Austrian window shades involves cutting and stitching fabric, as well as creating a ruffle. First, cut four Austrian blind tape sections one inch longer than the length of the shade and stitch them to the sides of the shade. Then, make the ruffle by joining strips of fabric together, hemming the bottom edge, and stitching gathering stitches along the top edge. Pin the ruffle to the shade fabric, adjust the gathers, and stitch it in place. Finally, lay the shade right side up with the ruffles facing toward the center.
