Although you may have heard of them as Austrian blinds, they are actually a set of curtains with twice the fullness of a batten width. If you have ever attempted to make Austrian curtains, you should know the blind is pulled from the bottom to the top.
The mechanisms might be a bit tricky and intimidating to understand. However, with this step-by-step guide on making Austrian curtains, you will find that it is relatively easy to follow. Complete the ruffle and shade with the help of your sewing equipment.
You might need basic skills in sewing, cutting, and measuring. Practicing your accuracy and attention to detail also counts when you try to piece the fabric pieces together. If you are looking for the perfect project to test your skills, then this might be it.
What are Austrian curtains?
The most common example for Austrian blinds is the front curtains in grand theaters. Most of the time, they are rigged and designed to look and function exactly like an Austrian curtain. Most people refer to it as a “Puff Drape” because of its vertical seams and soft swags.
Austrian curtains create a sophisticated effect each time you lift the drapery. All of the swags rise at an equal speed and height, giving it a luxurious and stylish look. Many event venues use these types of drapery to style their backdrops and serve as an elegant touch in their design.
These typically comprise lightweight curtain fabric, a lining material, a blind track, some Austrian blind tape, and a heading tape. Its fantastic design sure knows how to add volume to any window. Here is how you can make them.
Step 1: Measurements
Get your measuring tape ready as we are about to take some measurements. Measure the top of the installed rack running all the way to the bottom of the window frame. From that, add twenty inches and label the value as your fabric panel’s length. Your fabric panel’s width should be double the blind track’s width.
From there, we can calculate the amount of fabric that you will need for the ruffles. Take the length and double its size, adding that value to the width as well. Double its sum to get the total fabric length needed for the ruffles. Each ruffle will be at least 3 inches in width.
Step 2: Prepare the fabric.
Cut your curtain fabric to the measurements needed to form the panel. Do the same for the lining fabric pieces. Join them together and match the prints if necessary. Use an iron to press the seams open.
Step 3: Make the ruffle.
Join two strips of fabric lining together using both ends. Join all the required pieces together and hem the bottom edges of the strip. Make two rows of gathering stitches along its top edge and pull these threads together. You should be able to achieve the fabric width measurement.
Take your shade fabric and lay it right side up on the floor. Use your sewing pin to hold the gathered edges of the material at around an inch from the edge. Ensure that the right sides touch the hemmed edge of the ruffle that is pointing towards the inside of the panel.
Step 4: Stitch them together.
Hand stitch between the thread rows, making sure that it is half an inch from the raw edges. Remove the sewing pins and gathering stitches. Lay your shade patterned side up on the floor. Check if your ruffles face towards the center.
Place your fabric lining with the patterned side down the top of the shade fabric. The lining’s raw edges should match the bottom and side edge of the shade. Pin and sew them together on three edges at around half an inch from the edge. Press them together.
Step 5: Make the loops.
Get your Austrian blind tape and cut them into four sections. Make sure that it is an inch longer than the shade’s length. Position the first and second loop at the sides around two inches below the top of the shade and stitch both of them.
Position the remaining two evenly from the edge and stitch them together. Sew the heading tape on the wrong side of the top of the shade. Make the necessary adjustments, and you have yourself an operating Austrian shade.
Now that you know how to make Austrian curtains don’t be afraid to mix them up using a different pattern or layering them with swags and sheers. Just make sure always to use lightweight fabric when making your own Austrian shade.
Step 6: Hang your curtains
Place the curtains on the baton and hang them on the window. It would be best to hang it inside the window recess. Just try to fix it to the underside of the window frame. Adjust the fabric and ruffles until you are satisfied with its appearance.
Note: This kind of curtain will leave fold lines or wrinkles on the fabric when you lower its position. You can layer it with another curtain so that you won’t have to lift or lower your curtain’s positions from time to time to maintain privacy.
Learning how to make Austrian curtains can be pretty intimidating. They look a bit complicated because of their elegant grandeur. But with enough patience and practice, you can make your own to decorate your home’s plain windows.