Really looks like the motor is just stalling- not enough torque output to turn the roller.

That's why I never would have chosen a stepper for something like this, that and the complexity of the controller. A inline gear motor would be my first choice. Being DC they could be controlled with either an H bridge or as simple as a center off DPDT switch. Like this type -

 

Oh I believe I have something like that...I believe the one on the right is actually a stepper? I don't remember but I think I pulled it off an old printer or scanner. The one on the left is a 34:1 geared motor.

 

...I believe the one on the right is actually a stepper?

With only two connections it will hardly be a stepper.
Max.

 

The motor on the left is more likely to be suitable as it has a reduction gearbox so it will provide more torque.

Les.

 

Oh duh! Good point max.

OK thanks I'll try the left

 

You will need some sort of further speed reduction with the motor on the left. 176rpm is rather fast for raising a blind.

 

Yeah I was thinking getting it down to 60?

 

Yeah I was thinking getting it down to 60?

60 still seems pretty fast. They are pretty pricey new but Ebay and surplus electronics places have them reasonable.
Look for names like Pittman, Maxon.

 

Ok I had ordered a more powerful stepper for this which I have now received but I recall when the previous one "unrolled" my curtain. So Im thinking my new stepper would also have that issue. Actually I sort of tried it by hooking it up to the curtain and just letting go a little bit and I felt it beginning to unroll so I just took it back off. The specs on it read Holding Torque: 1200 but no units. Im guessing g-cm cause further down the it reads 12 Ncm holding torque. Detent torque 1.6 Ncm

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Bes...185.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.477f4c4dGDSVxP

 

The specs on it read Holding Torque: 1200 but no units.

Usually that is when the motor is powered in a low amperage mode, not when it is really off. Some controllers allow this setting while waiting for the next command to move.

 

Usually that is when the motor is powered in a low amperage mode, not when it is really off. Some controllers allow this setting while waiting for the next command to move.

Exactly!

That’s why in this application, a geared motor is essential. Besides multiplying the torque, the gear friction assists in holding a position.