Spiffy Speak

How to Hem Curtains

If you love your current window treatment but it features excess fabric, consider learning how to hem curtains! This is an easy fix that will significantly improve their look. However, if your window treatment is too short or you’re searching for a new design, order custom curtains from Spiffy Spools online in any size. We make it easy to create professionally-hemmed curtains that fit your exact measurements and style!

Benefits of Hemming Your Curtains

There are several benefits to hemming your curtains, including the following:

Perfectly match your window size. Standard curtain sizes don’t work on all windows. Hemming your curtains allows you to create a sleek, tailored look that fits the exact dimensions of your window.
Maintains the integrity of the fabric. Having a crisp hem prevents your curtains from fraying, ensuring that they last for years to come.
Reduce tripping hazards. Unruly curtains that droop haphazardly on the floor present a serious tripping hazard. Hemming your curtains tightens them up and eliminates this issue.

Review Length Options

Before you start hemming, consider how you would like your curtains to hang. There are a few length options for you to choose from:

Café length curtains. Café curtains are half the length of your window. They’re usually hung across the center of the pane.
Curtains to the windowsill. This length of curtain just brushes the top of the windowsill.
Floor-length curtains. Floor-length curtains gently graze the ground.
Puddled curtains. Puddled curtains feature extra fabric that pools on the floor. It’s still beneficial to hem this style of curtain to prevent fraying on the ends.

READ MORE: HOW LONG SHOULD MY CURTAINS BE?

Two DIY Methods for Hemming Curtains

Now that you’ve chosen the proper length for your curtains, it’s time to start hemming! You can hem your curtains using either a sewing method or no-sew method:

Sewing Method

Take the following steps to hem your curtains using a sewing method:

Hang your curtains and adjust them so there are no creases in the fabric. This will reveal how much excess fabric you’re working with.
Pin the excess fabric to the length where you would like your curtains to hang.
Determine hem width. Shorter curtains, such as café length curtains and curtains to the sill, should have a hem that’s approximately two inches in width. Floor-length and puddled curtains should have a hem that’s approximately three to four inches in width.
Create a double-folded hem. Fold the pinned fabric in two, even sections underneath itself. Then, pin to secure it.
Iron the double fold firmly into place.
Fold the fabric at the original pin line to create the hem. Pin into place.
Iron the final hemline to ensure a secure hold.
Remove all pins from the fabric.
Use a sewing machine or sew the hem by hand into the back of the fabric.

No-Sew Method

Take the following steps to hem your curtains using a no-sew method:

Wash your curtains before you begin. This no-sew method requires fusible hemming tape that melts when heated to create a glue-like bond. Any debris on the fabric could prevent the tape from created a strong hold. View our blog, How to Wash Curtains & Drapes, if you need assistance.
Hang your curtains and adjust them so there are no creases in the fabric. This will reveal how much excess fabric you’re working with.
Pin the excess fabric to the length where you would like your curtains to hang.
Determine hem width. Shorter curtains, such as café length curtains and curtains to the sill, should have a hem that’s approximately two inches in width. Floor-length and puddled curtains should have a hem that’s approximately three to four inches in width.
Create a double-folded hem. Fold the pinned fabric in two, even sections underneath itself. Then, pin to secure it.
Iron the double fold firmly into place.
Place a strip of fusible hemming tape just above the original pin line.
Fold the fabric at the original pin line to create the hem. Pin into place on top of the fusible hemming tape.
Iron the final hemline to melt the tape underneath the fabric. This will create a secure hold.
Remove all pins from the fabric.

Which Method Should You Use?

Both methods work wonderfully for hemming, but there are a few factors that can help you determine which you should use:

If you can’t sew, it makes sense to use the no-sew method.
If your curtains are sheer or linen, you need to use the sewing method. This is because the fusible hemming glue will be visible through the fabric when melted.
If you can’t sew and your curtains are sheer or linen, it’s best to get your curtains professionally hemmed rather than trying a DIY method.

Order Custom Curtains from Spiffy Spools

Knowing how to hem curtains is a wonderful skill to have in your back pocket. However, at Spiffy Spools, we make it easy to create custom curtains that fit your exact measurements with no need for DIY hemming. When you order from us, you’ll receive high-quality, professionally-hemmed curtains that you won’t have to alter. Explore our site to find over 1,000 fabrics and patterns that will add plenty of character to your home.

ALSO READ: MASTERING THE ART OF LAYERING: ENHANCING DEPTH AND TEXTURE IN YOUR HOME