How to Make Austrian Shades

Austrian shades are a beautiful and elegant window treatment that can add a touch of luxury to any room. They are relatively easy to make, and you can customize them to fit your specific needs.

Materials

* Fabric (enough to cover your window plus 1/2 inch for hems)

* Lining fabric (optional)

* Header board (1 inch x 2 inch)

* Dowels (1/4 inch diameter)

* Rings (1 inch diameter)

* Cord (1/8 inch diameter)

* Fabric glue

* Sewing machine

* Scissors

* Tape measure

* Level

* Drill

* Saw

Instructions

1. Measure your window.

2. Cut your fabric and lining fabric (if using) to the following dimensions:

* Width: Window width + 2 inches

* Length: Desired shade length + 6 inches

3. Hem the top and bottom edges of your fabric and lining fabric (if using).

4. Fold the top edge of your fabric down 1 inch and press.

5. Fold the top edge of your fabric down again 1 inch and press.

6. Stitch the folded edge in place.

7. Repeat steps 4-6 for the bottom edge of your fabric.

8. (Optional) Stitch the lining fabric to the wrong side of your fabric.

9. Cut your header board to the width of your window.

10. Drill holes in the header board every 6 inches.

11. Cut your dowels to the following lengths:

* (Window width / 6) + 1 inch

12. Insert the dowels into the holes in the header board.

13. Glue the rings to the top of the dowels.

14. Cut your cord to the following length:

* Shade length x 2 + 4 inches

15. Thread the cord through the rings, starting at the top and working your way down.

16.Tie the ends of the cord together in a knot.

17. Attach the header board to the wall above your window using screws.

18. Hang the Austrian shades from the header board by slipping the rings over the screws.

19. Adjust the cords to gather the fabric into fullness.

Tips

* Use a heavyweight fabric for Austrian shades that will hang well.

* If you do not want to use a lining fabric, you can add blackout fabric to the back of your shades.

* You can customize the look of your Austrian shades by adding trims, bows, or other embellishments.

* Austrian shades are a great way to add privacy and style to your windows. They are also relatively easy to make, so you can save money by making them yourself.