Curtains are a fantastic way of giving your room a bit of privacy while giving it a chic finish. Today’s decorating hack will teach you how to hem curtains without sewing. Play with their height and make quick and easy adjustments to achieve the ideal curtain length.
Whether you are not confident with your sewing skills or don’t have the luxury of time to run your fabric under a sewing machine, this quick and easy hemming method is perfect for you. All you need is some hem tape. You can get one at any store to piece the fabric together.
Step 1: Determine your curtain finish.
Decide on whether you want longer or shorter curtains. Take the necessary measurements before making drastic changes, such as cutting or buying extra fabric. We will first talk you through shortening the length of your curtains.
Step 2: Cut the fabric
Using your tape measure, determine how much fabric you want to cut off. Make sure you have included extra inches for the new hemming in the measurements. Using your sewing pins, mark the cloth. This will serve as your guide while cutting the fabric. Cut the curtain.
Step 3: Prepare the fabric.
Get your hemming tape. For easier options, try to look for iron-on fabric tape. Fold the fabric over to form your new hem. Mark the fabric using a pencil and run a line along the bottom of the drapery.
Iron the folds of the hem to give it definition. It will also make the next step a lot easier. Flip the drape over with its backside facing you and iron over the bottom edge. Repeat the fold over again and repeat the process.
Step 4: Attach the hem.
Your folds should be able to retain their shape. Now it is time to get your hemming tape. You can use wide hem tapes for 1-inch hems. Slip it between the double-folded hem and iron press over the hem. Make sure you run the heat over the tape to activate the adhesive.
Precaution: Some fabric materials do not do well under too much heat. Make sure to always set the iron to an appropriate setting based on the fabric you are using. Sheer curtains are typically more sensitive to heat and can burn or melt quickly.
Before ironing the fabric with the hem tape, make sure to conceal the tape completely under the folds. Otherwise, it will create a visible sticky residue that may accumulate dirt and dust over time.
Adding length
Sometimes you buy a pair of curtains and realize later on that they are probably an inch too short. To make matters worse, the store might not even offer the right tailoring services to get you the length you need. Don’t worry; we have all been there.
No-sew alternative
With our no-sew alternative, you can quickly learn how to hem curtains without sewing. Save yourself a few extra dollars in the process. It is okay if you don’t have sewing machines or any sewing equipment at home. Get yourself a pack of hemming tape and fabric, and we are ready to start.
Step 1: Prepare the fabric.
Determine how many inches you want to add to your fabric. If it is just an inch or two, maybe you don’t need to add the extra cloth. You can adjust the hemming to extend a few centimeters to perhaps an inch below the original length.
If the curtain fabric itself is not enough to reach your preferred length, you can always get a piece of cloth from your local store. Make sure that it either matches the pattern on your curtain or blends in with the design. After all, you don’t want the fabric to look out of place.
Step 2: Cut the fabric
Use your measuring tape and sewing pins to mark the fabric your desired length. The width should be the same as your curtain. Take your shears and cut off the extra material. Don’t forget to add seam allowances of at least an inch or two, depending on your hem.
Take out your seam ripper (if you don’t have one, some scissors should do). Gently remove the hemming on the bottom of your curtain. Be careful not to make accidental cuts on the fabric, or it might damage the curtain.
Step 3: Piece the curtain
Lay your curtain on a flat surface with the patterned side facing down. Get your fabric and attach the top part to the curtain using some sewing pins. Snip out a hemming tape strip and line it across the curtain where the hemming should be—iron over the fabric.
Conceal the hemming tape completely under the fabric before ironing it. Exposed sections of the hemming tape will melt under the heat and leave a sticky residue that can ruin the curtain by accumulating dust and dirt. They are also challenging to remove.
Step 4: Make the bottom hem.
Fold the fabric over to create the bottom and side hemmings. Use sewing pins to hold it in place. Iron over the cloth, and then slip the hem tape between the folds. Retake your iron and press lightly over the folds. Do the same on all sides.
Finishing Touches
We are nearly done with our newly-hemmed curtains. Remove any pins that you may have left on the fabric. You can rerun the iron over the curtain to straighten out any crease that has formed.
Overall, that is how to hem curtains without sewing. You can add or reduce your curtain’s length and give it a tailored look without fussing over needles and thread. It is much easier, cost-efficient, and saves you a lot of time.