Easy Window Treatment: Austrian Blind Tape Installation Guide

Austrian blinds are a type of decorative window treatment with a scalloped lower edge. When the blind is drawn up, it maintains the scalloped edge, creating folds of ruched fabric. They are often made from lightweight fabrics such as voile or sheer cotton, but can also be made from heavier fabrics such as velvet or suede. Austrian blinds are operated using a cord or chain, which is attached to the shade at the top. To attach the fabric of the blind to the frame, Austrian blind tape is used. The tape is attached to the top of the frame, and the fabric is then wrapped around the frame and glued or stitched in place.

How to attach the fabric to the frame

To attach the fabric to the frame of an Austrian blind, follow these steps:

First, cut out the fabric and lining material necessary to make the blind. Next, stitch together any panels you've cut to create the proper width for your blind. Press open the seam.

Then, lay the main fabric on a flat surface with the right side up. Pin the ruffle onto the blind with the right sides facing and raw edges together. The ruffle will be on the inside of the fabric. Adjust the ruffle for evenness as you pin, using the gathering stitches.

Once the ruffle is completely pinned, sew all the way around between the gather stitch rows. Remove the gathering stitch when you're finished stitching.

After this, return the material to the table and lay it right side up. Leave the ruffles toward the inside of the material with the wrong side up. Lay the lining on top of it with the right side of the lining facing the ruffle and the wrong side of the lining material showing.

Finally, pin the raw edges of the lining, blind fabric, and ruffles together. Stitch around the sides and bottom. Turn right side out and press lightly to remove any wrinkles.

How to create the scalloped edge

To create the scalloped edge of an Austrian blind, you will need to use Austrian blind tape. This tape is used to attach the fabric of the blind to the frame. The tape is attached to the top of the frame, and the fabric is then wrapped around the frame and glued or stitched in place.

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Fabric

Before you can begin creating the scalloped edge, you will need to measure and cut your fabric to the correct size. The amount of fabric you will need will depend on the size of your window and the desired fullness of your blinds. As a general rule, you will want to double the width of your window measurement to allow for fullness.

Step 2: Prepare the Fabric

Once you have your fabric cut to size, you will need to create a scalloped edge. To do this, use a curved ruler to mark the corners of the fabric, then divide the remaining space into thirds and mark with your ruler. You will then need to baste a scant 1/4-inch inside the drawn lines, allowing for some space as you quilt, so the binding will not cover up any of the quilting design.

Step 3: Trim the Edges

Once you have quilted your fabric, you will need to trim the edges smoothly so that the binding will also look smooth. Use long strokes with sharp shears and consider stitching a squiggly line of basting to manage the edges.

Step 4: Make the Bias Binding

The binding for your Austrian blind should be cut from your fabric at a 45-degree angle. This is because a bias binding can stretch to suit scallops and curved edges. It is recommended to use 2-inch strips and sew them to the quilt with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. If you use wider strips, you may have trouble with the edges buckling and not lying smooth. Join the bias strips with a diagonal seam, trim, and press the seams open to reduce bulk.

Step 5: Apply the Binding

When applying the binding, leave about an 8-inch tail and align the raw edges of the binding with the raw edges of the quilt. Begin near a corner so you have about 8 inches of space to make the final seam. Sew slowly and carefully, easing the binding under the needle at each stitch for a little extra "give" around any outside curves. You may find it helpful to use a stiletto, large pin, or the point of a seam ripper to guide the fabric. Remember to keep the raw edges aligned and keep the needle in the down position when you stop to adjust.

Step 6: Clip and Pivot

At each inner point, clip to, but not through, the basting line of stitches. This step is vital! Then, add a long pin at the same angle of the cut so you know where to stop sewing and adjust the quilt. Stitch to the pin, then remove the pin and take one more stitch. With the needle still down, raise the presser foot and fold to pivot the quilt, straightening out your stitching path. This trick works because the inner seam was clipped, and it will create a natural inner miter.

Step 7: Final Spliced Seam

To finish the binding, you will need to sew the ends together. Overlap the binding tail end over the beginning tail and open up the binding scrap you trimmed off. Slip this between the tails, centered between the beginning and ending stitches. Make a 1/8-inch clip through all four layers of binding on the left side of the scrap, then trim off the ending tail at this point. Next, make another clip on the right side of the scrap and trim off the beginning tail. This step adds the width of the binding to the beginning tail so that you have enough fabric to overlap and sew a diagonal seam.

Now, unfold the ending tail and lay it flat with the right side of the fabric facing up. The quilt should be in front of you, with the binding pulled toward you so that the corner points at your belly button. Open up the beginning tail with the wrong side facing up and fold it up, matching the point to the clip, pressing a crease to create your stitching line. Pinch and clip the quilt so the binding ends can overlap outside of the quilt, then position the left binding tail perpendicular to the right tail with right sides together, and pin in place. Stitch the seam, then clip your threads and check that you have not twisted your binding. Trim the seam, press it open, and re-fold the binding in half. Stitch the binding to the quilt, overlapping the beginning and ending stitches.

Step 8: Finish the Blind

Finally, finger-press and fold the binding to the back of the quilt, making sure it covers the stitches on the other side. Hand-stitch the binding to the quilt using thread that matches, or, if you prefer, machine-stitch-in-the-ditch.

How to measure and cut the fabric

Measuring and cutting fabric for blinds is a straightforward process, but it requires precision and accuracy to ensure a perfect fit. Here's a detailed guide on how to measure and cut the fabric for your blinds:

Measuring the Window:

• Choose your window covering: Decide if you want an inside mount or an outside mount. The inside mount gives a neat and streamlined look, while the outside mount provides better light control and privacy.
• Use the right tools: For accurate measurements, use a steel or metal tape measure.
• Measure width and height: Always measure width (left to right) first and then height (top to bottom). Record all measurements to the nearest 1/8 inch.
• Measure at multiple points: Windows may not be perfectly rectangular, so measure at the top, middle, and bottom for width, and left, middle, and right for height. Use the smallest width measurement and the largest height measurement.
• Consider the depth: For inside mounts, ensure your window has enough depth to accommodate the blinds. Measure the depth within the frame where you'll install the brackets.

Cutting the Fabric:

• Mark the measurements: Lay the fabric on a flat surface and use a pencil to mark the desired width and length on the fabric. Measure from one end, not the middle, to keep the alignment correct.
• Secure the fabric: Use masking tape along the cutting line to prevent the fabric from moving and to minimise fraying during cutting.
• Cut the fabric: Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter and a metal ruler or straight edge as a guide. Cut the fabric straight and clean to avoid uneven edges.
• Trim the roller tube: If applicable, measure and mark the same width on the roller tube. Use a hacksaw or pipe cutter to cut the tube to match the fabric width. A fine-toothed blade will give a cleaner cut.
• Reassemble the blind: Once the fabric and roller tube are cut, reassemble the blind by attaching the end caps and mounting brackets according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Remember to always double-check your measurements before cutting, and consider the specific instructions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

How to use the tape to adjust the light levels

Austrian blinds are a great way to control light levels in a room while still allowing natural light to enter. When closed, they provide privacy and block out sunlight, and when opened, they allow maximum light in.

Austrian blind tape is used to attach the fabric of the blind to the frame. The tape is attached to the top of the frame, and the fabric is then wrapped around the frame and glued or stitched in place. The tape comes in different widths, with 1" and 2" varieties being commonly available. It is also available in different colours, with white and translucent being popular options.

To adjust the light levels, you can raise or lower the blind using the cord or chain attached to the shade. When the blind is drawn up, it maintains a scalloped edge, creating folds of ruched fabric. This feature is what gives Austrian blinds their distinctive look.

When choosing Austrian blind tape, consider the weight of the fabric you will be using. Some tapes are not suitable for heavy shades, so check the product specifications before purchasing. You should also consider the spacing of the rings on the tape. For Austrian blinds, the ring placement does not need to be even as there are no folds in the fabric.

Overall, Austrian blind tape is a great option for creating stylish and functional window treatments that allow you to control the light levels in your space.

How to hang the blind

To hang an Austrian blind, first decide on which side of the window you want to operate the blind from. These instructions are for a right-handed operation; just reverse the instructions for a left-handed operation.

Lay the blind, lining side up, onto a flat surface. Cut pieces of nylon cord for each length of Austrian blind tape. Cut each piece twice the length of the blind, plus one width.

Starting at the right-hand side, attach a piece of nylon cord to the bottom loop of the Austrian blind tape and thread it up through all the loops to the top edge. Repeat for the other blind tapes.

Pull up the cords on the heading tape to fit the blind track or batten and adjust the gathers evenly. Secure the ends of the cords with a sliding loop. Wind up the surplus cord and tuck it into the cord tidy bag.

Attach the top of the blind to the wooden batten by pressing 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.

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.

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.

Frequently asked questions