Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Hem the bottom edge
• Method 2 of 3: Hem the sides
• Method 3 of 3: Hem the curtain lining
• Tips
• Necessities

Curtains come in many different colors and patterns. Unfortunately, the one you like is not always the size you need. While it is almost impossible to lengthen curtains that are too short, it is possible to shorten curtains that are too long. This article will show you how to hem your curtains using a seam tape and a sewing machine.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Hem the bottom edge

1. Make sure you have enough fabric for a double-folded hem. Curtain hems are folded twice at the bottom, so you will need twice as much fabric for the hem. This means that you have to leave your curtains longer than you want them. The longer the curtain is, the wider the seam should be - this will help keep it looking neat.
   • Standard curtains have a seam of 8-10 cm wide. You should cut your curtains 15-20 cm longer than they need to be.
   • Shorter curtains may look better with a 5cm seam. Cut the curtains 10 cm longer than you want them to be.
   • Longer curtains, such as those from the ceiling to the floor, may look better with a 12cm seam. Cut your curtains 25 cm longer than you want them to be.
2. Spread the curtain wrong side up on a flat surface. Their size may make it easier to spread out your curtains on the floor. However, if you have a very large table and a small curtain, you can do this on the table as well.
3. Fold the bottom up and press it flat with an iron. How far you fold the curtain depends on how wide you want the seam to be. For example, if you want a 10 cm hem, fold the bottom up by 10 cm. Use sewing pins to hold the fabric in place while you iron it. Make sure to remove the pins when you are done ironing.
4. Fold your hem back up and press it flat with an iron. Make sure to fold it the same way you did last time. For example, if you have just folded your hem 10 cm, fold it back up the same amount. Pin the hem in place and press it flat with an iron. You just folded your double hem.
5. Keep the lining separate from the hem. The lining is usually hemmed on itself. It is tucked into the side seams, but not the bottom seam. To learn how to hem a curtain lining, see wikiHow.
6. If necessary, use an iron-on hem tape to attach the hem to the curtain. Cut a length of hem tape slightly shorter than the width of your curtain. Slide it in the hem, right between the back of the curtain and the folded hem. Line up the top of the hem tape with the top of the folded hem. Iron the hem on the curtain. Press with the iron for 10 seconds before moving on to the next stretch.
   • Most hem bands require a wool setting. However, different brands require different settings. Consult the packaging of your hem band for the correct setting.
   • To prevent the fabric from burning, consider placing a damp cloth between the iron and the curtain.
   • Some hem bands have glue on one side and a paper backing on the other. You have to iron it twice: first with the paper backing on, and then without the paper.
   • You can also find hem tape under the name: stitch-witchery, iron-on hem tape or fusible fabric tape.
7. If necessary, use a sewing machine to sew the hem. Sew as close to the top of the folded edge as possible. Use a color that matches the color of the curtain as closely as possible.

Method 2 of 3: Hem the sides

1. Make sure you have enough fabric for a double hem. Standard curtain panels have a 4 cm seam on each side. The seam is folded twice, on both sides, so each panel should be 6 inches wider than the curtain should be. This allows you to make a 4cm double seam on each side.
2. Fold each side of the curtain 4 cm. The easiest way to do this would be to mark 4 cm at the top and bottom of your curtain, then fold it. Use sewing pins to hold the hem.
3. Fold the hem inward 2 times 4 cm. Make sure to press down on the hem with an iron every time. If necessary, use sewing pins to hold the hem in place.
4. Tuck the sides of the lining into the seam, if needed. If your curtain has a lining, cut your lining to the width of your curtain and then tuck the raw edges into the seam.
5. Consider iron-on hem tape to secure the hem to the curtain. Cut a length of hem tape slightly shorter than the length of your curtain. Slide in the seam. Align the edge of the hem tape with the edge of the folded hem. Iron the hem.
6. Consider sewing the hem with a sewing machine. Sew as close to the folded edge as possible. Make sure to use a color that matches the color of the curtain as closely as possible.

Method 3 of 3: Hem the curtain lining

1. Make sure you have enough fabric for a double-folded hem. The seam of a curtain lining should be 2-3 cm narrower than the seam on the curtain. For example, if your curtain has a 10cm seam, the lining seam should be 7-8cm wide. You will have to cut your liner 15 longer than you want it to be.
   • Curtain liners are about 2-3 cm shorter than the curtain. Plan it accordingly.
2. Undo part of the side seam, if necessary. Curtain liners are usually tucked into the side seam. If you're hemming a store-bought curtain, this could be a problem depending on how short you cut and hem your curtain. Use a seam ripper to undo the bottom portion of each side seam and cut the lining to the length you need. You will tuck it back into the side seams later.
3. Fold the liner inside the curtain twice and press it flat with an iron. How much you fold it up depends on how wide you want the seam to be. For example: if your hem is 8 cm, fold it 8 cm. If necessary, use sewing pins to hold the hem in place. Make sure to remove the pins when you are done ironing.
   • Make sure you have the seam on the inside of the curtain. You don't want the hem to be visible on the outside.
   • The bottom edge of the liner should rest 2-3 cm above the bottom edge of the curtain when you are done. The bottom edge of the curtain and the lining should not be aligned.
4. Consider iron-on hem tape to secure the hem to the lining. Cut a length of hem tape slightly shorter than the width of the lining. Tuck it in the hem, aligning the top edge with the top of the folded hem. Flatten the hem.
5. Consider a sewing machine for sewing the hem. Try to sew as close to the top folded edge as possible. Use a color that is as close to the color of the lining as possible.
6. Sew on the side hems, if you untied them before. Make sure to tuck the lining into the seam before sewing it closed. It is not a good idea to use hem tape for this, especially if the rest of the side seam is sewn. You can sew it by hand or with a sewing machine. Try to match the original thread color and stitch length as closely as possible.

Tips

• Floor length curtains should hang 2-3 cm above the floor.
• Window sill curtains should hang 1 cm above the windowsill. You can also let your curtains fall 6 inches past the windowsill.
• Curtains are generally 20 cm longer than the window on each side. Keep this in mind.
• The above method of hemming can apply to all types of curtains, including eyelet curtains, rod pocket curtains (roll-pocket curtains) and loop curtains.

Necessities

• Dust
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Iron
• Needle and thread
• Sewing machine or iron-on hem tape