Sheer Vertical Blinds
Austrian shades, also known as Austrian blinds, are a variation on the Roman blind, in which the fabric is pulled up in large sections. Even when the blind is not pulled up, there is a scalloped look to the shades. Austrian shades are very ornate and are usually made from sheer materials and have frills. Because they are sheer, it is always a good idea to line the shades. The method for making Austrian shades is fairly straightforward, but it takes a lot of time.
Measuring and Cutting
Mount the Austrian blind track according to how you wish the shades to hang. If the shade will hang inside the windowsill, screw the track to the inside top of the window recess. If the blind will hang outside the windowsill, screw the track into the wall above the window recess.
Measure the flat length of the shade by measuring from the top of the track to the bottom of the window recess. Add 20 inches to this number to cover the top and bottom hems, and also to allow for some fullness. Add extra if your fabric is patterned and you need to match the pattern when sewing the shades. Make a note of this measurement.
Calculate the width of the shade by measuring the width of the track. Double this measurement to allow for fullness. Note this measurement.
Calculate the fabric needed for the frills. Double the measurement in Step 2 and add it to the measurement in Step 3. Double the result. This gives you twice the length of frill fabric compared to the length of the edge frilled. Keep in mind that for a 3-inch wide frill, you will need a 4-inch strip that should be cut from across the fabric's width.
Cut out all the fabric and lining needed according to your measurements.
Sewing
Make the main part of the shade. If it requires more than one width of fabric to cover the window, sew the panels together with a flat seam and press them open. Use a full panel in the middle with equal parts on each side. Be careful to match the pattern.
Repeat this procedure for the lining of the shade.
Sew the frill strips together with a 1/2-inch French seam to make one long strip. Remember to match the pattern. Hem each end and the bottom with a 1/4-inch hem. Sew two rows of gathering stitches along the top, and gather the frill strip evenly so that it measures the width of the blind plus twice the height.
Sew the frill strip to the shade. Start an inch down from the top of the blind on both sides, with the frill lying on the main shade, right sides together. Position the frill strip evenly around the edge of the main blind and pin in place. Stitch in place 1/2-inch from the edge and remove pins and gathering thread.
Add the lining. With the blind lying right side up and the frills folded toward the center, place the lining face down on the blind. Pin and sew 1/2 inch from edges on the bottom and both sides. Remove pins. Turn the shade right side out and press.
Attach the Austrian blind tape. Measure two lengths of the tape a little longer than the shade. Pin the tape lengths on the lining side of the shade vertically next to each frill. Make sure the first loop on each tape is two inches above the frill on the bottom and that the loops of both lengths of tape are lined up with each other. Fold the bottom 1/2-inch of tape under and sew the tape lengths in place, stitching both sides in the same direction so that it does not pucker.
Sew on additional lengths of tape parallel to the first two across the shade. Pin and stitch them 12 to 20 inches apart at equal distances, depending on the width of your shade. Turn the bottom edge under and make sure all the loops line up across the shade as above.
Finish the top edge. Stitch a 1-inch hem across the top edge of the shade. Press. Tie knots in the ends of the pull strings of the heading tape on one end, leaving them free on the other end. Sew on a string tidy bag two inches from that corner of the blind.
Pin the tape to the blind at the top with the top edge even with the top edge of the blind. Sew the heading tape at the top and bottom edges in the same direction to prevent puckering. Turn the ends under 1 inch.
Hanging
Add the nylon cords. Cut a piece of nylon cord for each strip of Austrian shade tape on the shade. Make them twice the length of the shade plus one times the width. Tie one end of a cord to the bottom loop of the right-most length of tape on the back of the shade. Thread it up through all the loops on that tape. Repeat for all the lengths of tape.
Adjust the heading tape. Pull the free ends of the heading tape strings to make the blind fit the width of the blind track. Even out the gathers. Tie the strings together in a sliding loop, wind them up and place them in the tidy bag.
Insert curtain hooks into the heading tape pockets and hang the shade on the blind track.
Pass the nylon cords through the cord holders on the blind track so that they all hang down on one side. When the blind is even with the windowsill, cut the nylon cords level with the bottom of the window. Pass the cords through the acorn and tie them in a knot.
Screw a wall cleat halfway up the side of the window where the nylon cords hang. Use it to wind the cords around when the blind is pulled up.
