Inside: Learn how to hem curtains, both hemming without sewing and hemming with a sewing machine. Shorten curtains to fit your room like a pro with either method in this tutorial.
I’ve been looking for new living room curtains for a few months, but I don’t like shopping… so when I say looking I mean ordering from Amazon and returning {haha} I finally found ones I really like, but the shortest size was still too long for my one window. I’m going to show you how I was able to easily hem these curtains. How to hem curtains without sewing AND how to hem curtains with a sewing machine.
How to Hem Curtains –
ok! Let’s talk about the important details right away! These new curtains are replacing the ones I sewed when we first moved in 4 years ago. You can read about how to sew curtains with grommets HERE. I didn’t really have to have new curtains, but I wanted a bit of a room refresh and curtains are an inexpensive way to do that.
Now for the curtains I am using now. Here is the Amazon link for my new linen look blackout curtains in navy. I returned two other curtains looking for what I wanted. HERE and HERE are the ones I ordered and returned. I really, really wanted to like the patterned ones, but it was just too busy in our room.
These ended up to be perfect! I like the blackout feature {we don’t have a tv, only a projector, so when watching we darken the room}, and the front navy is a good light color. Let’s gather our supplies and get those curtains shortened and hemmed!
Supplies to shorted curtains:
- Curtains {of your choice} Hopefully you can but curtains close the length you need
- Sewing machine – for the sewing machine hemming method
- Heat n Bond – for the no sew version – Hemming tape for curtains
- Pins {helpful, but optional}
Tips for hemming curtains-
Gather your supplies and decide your hemming method. I tested both methods and they really both looked and worked great. I really don’t think there is any need to actually sew if you aren’t comfortable with it. Th Heat n Bond Ultra Hold is a great replacement if you don’t sew.
If your curtains are floor length I would suggest pinning up while curtains are actually hung. Even a small mistake is pretty obvious when lined up on the floor. Also, not all floors are completely straight/flat so sometimes you will need your curtains to have an slightly angled hem.
If your curtains will stop on the wall you can just measure the length you want and then measure and mark the curtain length without actually hanging them.
Begin by measuring or pinning up curtain bottom, then trim. Add a 1″ seam allowance to the bottom before you cut.
The video included in this post will show you both methods to shorten and hem curtains. If you don’t see the video try a different browser or disable your ad blocker. Let’s try the new sew version first.
How to hem curtains without sewing-
I found this wide UltraHold hemming tape to be the perfect way to add a no sew hem option.
Place the shiny side down on the edge of the curtain and press for just a few seconds to stick one side of the hem tape to the back side of the curtain. Let it cool completely.
Peel off the paper backing. Mine did not come off cleanly in one piece and I had to work at a couple of sections. After the paper is off, fold up the bottom of the fabric up 1″ and them press again. You will need to hold the iron in each spot longer for this step. Use your fingers to press layers together to stick.
The iron on hem seemed stable and secure. It also looks amazing from both sides!
How to hem curtains with a sewing machine-
If you are using a sewing machine to hem your curtains, start by finishing the raw edge with a serger or zig zag stitch. Then press a 1″ hem and iron to hold in place.
Use a sewing machine or coverstitch machine to sew the hem. Use a coordinating thread and you won’t even be able to see it. I used a three stitch coverstitch, but you could also run parallel stitches on your sewing machine.
After you finish, hang and enjoy your new curtains! These are the perfect length for the shorter window in our living room. Hopefully this tutorial will inspire you to use curtains you like, even if they aren’t the right length to start.
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