The Ultimate Guide To Using Austrian Shade Tape

Austrian shade tape is a type of tape used for creating Austrian shades, a type of window treatment that adds volume and can be raised and lowered like a curtain. The tape is typically made from polyester and features two drawstrings and 5/8 rings attached at 10 intervals for gathering options. To use Austrian shade tape, it is sewn vertically to the back of a curtain panel, and then the drawstrings are pulled to create gathers. Another cord can then be run through the attached rings to allow the shade to be raised and lowered. This tape is a useful tool for anyone looking to create their own Austrian shades, adding a professional finish to their window treatments.

How to attach Austrian shade tape to fabric

Austrian shade tape is used to create Austrian shades, which are window treatments that add volume to a window. They are made in a way that allows them to remain scalloped at the lower edge and gathered even when in the lowered position. The fabric required for an Austrian shade is greater than for a straight shade.

To attach Austrian shade tape to fabric, follow these steps:

• Measure the length of the fabric panel by measuring from the top of the installed track to the bottom of the window frame, then add 20 inches.
• Measure the width of the fabric panel by measuring the width of the blind track and multiplying it by two.
• Calculate the amount of fabric needed for the ruffle at the bottom of the shade. Double the length of the shade, add this number to the width, then double the sum. The width of the ruffle should be 3 inches.
• Cut one piece of fabric and one piece of lining fabric according to the measurements. Join the fabric pieces, matching any prints, and press the seams open.
• Create the ruffle by joining strips of fabric together end-to-end. Hem the bottom edge of the strip once all pieces are joined.
• Stitch two rows of gathering stitches (about a size 4 stitch) along the top edge of the ruffle. Pull the threads together until you achieve the fabric panel width measurement.
• Place the shade fabric right side up and pin the gathered edge of the ruffle to the edge of the fabric about 1 inch from the edge. The right sides of the fabric and ruffle should be touching, and the hemmed edge of the ruffle should be pointing toward the inside of the panel.
• Continue pinning the ruffle in place around the three edges that are not 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. Remove the gathering stitches.
• Lay the shade right side up, with the ruffles facing toward the center. Place the lining wrong side up on top of the shade fabric, ensuring that the raw edges of the lining fabric match the bottom and side edges of the shade.
• Cut four sections of Austrian blind tape, each one inch longer than the length of the shade.
• Stitch one tape on each side edge of the shade, positioning the first loop 2 inches below the top. Evenly space the remaining two loops and stitch them in place.
• Stitch heading tape to the wrong side of the shade at the top.

Note: Heavy fabrics are not suitable for Austrian shades.

How to space the rings on Austrian shade tape

To space the rings on Austrian shade tape, it is recommended that you leave a gap of 10 inches between each ring. This spacing allows for the tape to be used for Austrian shades and valences, as well as flat Roman, London, balloon, fantail, and hobbled shades. The tape is sewn vertically to the back of the curtain panel, and the drawstrings are then pulled to create gathers. The rings are typically 5/8-inch in size.

Austrian shade tape is available in different colours, including white, natural, and transparent, and is made from 100% polyester material. It is typically sold by the yard or by the roll (72-yard roll).

How to use Austrian shade tape to create gathers

Austrian shade tape is a great way to add volume to your windows and create elegant gathers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Austrian shade tape to achieve the desired look:

Step 1: Measure and Cut Fabric

First, you need to measure the length and width of your window frame and blind track. For the length, measure from the top of the installed track to the bottom of the window frame, then add 20 inches. This will be the fabric panel length. For the width, simply multiply the width of your blind track by two. You may need to piece together fabric to achieve this width.

Step 2: Create the Ruffle

Calculate the amount of 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, then double the sum for the total length of the ruffle. The width of the ruffle is typically 3 inches. Cut your fabric and lining fabric to these measurements. Join the fabric pieces, matching any prints, and press the seams open.

Step 3: Attach the Ruffle

Create the ruffle by joining the strips of fabric together end-to-end. Hem the bottom edge of the strip once all pieces are joined. Stitch two rows of gathering stitches along the top edge, then pull the threads to gather the fabric until you've achieved the desired width for your fabric panel.

Place your shade fabric right-side up and pin the gathered edge of the ruffle to the edge of the fabric, about 1 inch in from the edge. Ensure the right sides are touching and the hemmed edge of the ruffle is pointing towards the inside of the panel. Continue pinning the ruffle in place around the three edges, excluding the top. Adjust the gathers as needed for even distribution.

Step 4: Sew the Layers

Stitch between the rows of thread, about half an inch from the raw edge, then remove the gathering stitches. Lay the shade right-side up, with the ruffles facing towards the centre. Place the lining wrong-side up on top of the shade fabric, ensuring the raw edges of the lining match the bottom and side edges of the shade. Pin and sew around the three edges, maintaining a distance of about 1/2 inch from the edge.

Step 5: Apply Austrian Shade Tape

Cut four sections of Austrian blind tape, each one inch longer than the length of the shade. Stitch one tape on each side edge of the shade, positioning the first loop 2 inches below the top. Evenly space the remaining two loops and stitch them in place. The Austrian shade tape has two drawstrings and rings attached at 10-inch intervals, which will be used for gathering and raising/lowering the shade.

Step 6: Create the Gathers and Raise/Lower Mechanism

Sew the Austrian shade tape vertically to the back of the curtain panel. Pull the drawstrings to create the desired gathers. You can then run another cord through the attached rings to create a mechanism to raise and lower your Austrian shade.

And there you have it! You've successfully used Austrian shade tape to create elegant gathers for your window treatment.

How to measure fabric for Austrian shades

To measure fabric for Austrian shades, start by measuring the window's width from the inside of the frame. Then, measure the vertical distance of the window, starting from the top of the frame to the base. Be sure to measure in several places to ensure accuracy.

The amount of fabric required for an Austrian shade is greater than that needed for a straight shade. This is because the fabric cascades in a sequence of festoons or loops, creating a dramatic and elegant look. To calculate the fabric panel length, measure from the top of the installed track to the bottom of the window frame and add 20 inches. For the width of the fabric panel, measure the width of the blind track and multiply by two. You may need to piece fabric together to achieve this width.

To create 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. Then, double this sum. This will give you the total length of fabric required for the ruffle. The width of the ruffle is typically around 3 inches.

When choosing fabric for Austrian shades, consider the weight and texture of the material. Heavy fabrics like silk or velvet will create a formal look, while lighter fabrics such as cotton or linen will give a more casual, relaxed vibe. The texture of the fabric will also impact the way the shade hangs and how much light it lets in. Smooth fabrics create a more formal appearance, while textured fabrics add a touch of casual elegance.

How to sew Austrian shade tape

Austrian shades add volume to a window and can be raised and lowered. To sew Austrian shade tape, you will need to first measure the length and width of the blind track and cut the fabric to size. You will then need to make the ruffle by joining strips of fabric together and hemming the bottom edge. Next, stitch two rows of gathering stitches along the top edge of the ruffle and pull the threads together until you have achieved the desired width.

Place the shade fabric right side up and pin the ruffle to the edge, ensuring that the right sides are touching and the hemmed edge is pointing towards the inside of the panel. Continue to pin the ruffle in place around three edges, leaving the top edge without a ruffle. Adjust the gathers as needed to distribute them evenly. Stitch between the rows of thread, approximately half an inch from the raw edge, and remove the gathering stitches.

Lay the shade right side up, with the ruffles facing towards the center. Place the lining wrong side up on top of the shade fabric, ensuring that the raw edges match the bottom and side edges of the shade. Pin and sew around three edges, approximately half an inch from the edge, then turn and press.

Cut four sections of Austrian blind tape, each one inch longer than the length of the shade. Stitch one tape on each side edge of the shade, positioning the first loop two inches below the top. Evenly space the remaining loops and stitch them in place. Finally, stitch heading tape to the wrong side of the shade at the top.

Frequently asked questions