Finding the perfect length is a frustrating venture. You either buy a pair that is an inch too long or too short to your liking. Luckily, we have some neat tricks up our sleeves that will teach you how to lengthen curtains.
In most cases, you can probably return your standard-sized curtain to the store once you realize that the length is not quite as thought it would be. The retailers will give you another curtain length for the same design.
It sounds reasonable enough. However, you only get to choose from lengths standard curtain lengths already available at the store. The chances are, you won’t exactly get that precise length you are looking for.
Luckily, we can help you avoid spending excessive money on tailoring services and troublesome trips to the store. Here is how you can lengthen your curtains in just a snap.
Clip Rings
Curtain clip rings are a fantastic way of adding a few inches to your drapery. You can easily find them in any hardware store. You can use them to hang any curtains ranging from back tab curtains to rod pockets and even regular curtains.
Step 1: Get your materials ready.
Purchase a set of clip rings from your local store. You can spray paint them in gold, silver, bronze, black, or any particular color you desire. Since your curtain rings are visible when you hang the drapery, you want them to blend and appear as another decorative ornament.
Step 2: Attach your clip rings.
If you are using rod pocket curtains, take out your ruler or tape measure and mark each slip’s intervals. This will help you attach the rings at equal lengths throughout the drapery.
Get your clip rings and attach them along the top edge of the curtain. If you are using back tab curtains, you don’t really have to measure and mark the rings’ particular placements. All you have to do is place it in the middle of each tab.
Note: Experiment with ring sizes
Larger rings will give your curtain an added length of at least two inches. But you can adjust the length it adds to your drapery by moving the clip attached to the fabric. Clip it at a lower position if you want to add an inch, and clip at a higher or the top edge if you want to maximize the ring’s full length.
Step 3: Hang your curtains
Once you have all your clips attached, slide the rings onto the rod. Place the rod on the bracket and make as many adjustments as you please. You can make your own pleats by arranging the curtains and using the clips to hold them in place.
DIY Fabric Stitching
The standard curtain height for floor-length drapery is around 84 or 96 inches. If you are lucky enough, it should hang beautifully across your windows. But don’t be too frustrated if it doesn’t. Using a few sewing materials and some basic stitching skills, you can find another way to lengthen curtains.
Step 1: Prepare the fabric.
Measure your window and decide the final height of your curtain. Don’t forget to take note of the fabric’s initial length. Take another fabric that you will use to add length to your curtain. It doesn’t have to be the same as the ones on your curtain panel.
Tip: Match fabrics effortlessly
Try to look for a simple fabric that will blend with your curtain. For instance, if you have a patterned curtain, you can add a solid white fabric that will appear as if it had always been there. Try to visualize the type of output that you want to make.
You can typically add the extra fabric between the curtains or at the bottom part. When selecting the material, make sure that you already know where you are going to place them. For instance, if you want it at the bottom, you can opt for a sheer or lace fabric that will drift lightly across the floor.
Step 2: Sewing
Get your fabric that you should have cut to your preferred length. If you want to add five inches to your curtain, it should be five inches in height and have the same width as your panel. Don’t forget to add a few centimeters for seam allowance.
For this procedure, we will attach it at the bottom of the curtain. Use a seam ripper to remove the bottom hem of your drapery. Make the hems on all sides of the fabric, including the base and excluding the top part. You will attach the fabric onto the curtain panel and sew it in place.
Step 3: Hang your curtains
Take your curtain and slide it onto the rod. Hang the rod onto the bracket. Make as many manual adjustments as you please. You can try to form pleats on your curtains to give them a more tailored look.
Summary
Adding an extra length to your curtain so that it drifts lightly across the floor can be a lot easier than you think. You can opt for the no-sew option using clip rings or try to hone those stitching skills by adding an extra piece of fabric on the curtain itself.
Overall, learning how to lengthen curtains is essential, especially if you love to customize things according to your taste. Sometimes standard sizes aren’t quite as satisfying as stores portray them to be. Luckily, we can make our own minor adjustments in just a few simple steps.