Hemming curtains instantly customizes them to the perfect length for your windows. But what if you lack sewing skills or equipment? Don’t despair – with iron-on tape or fabric glue, hemming curtains is possible for even the most sewing- shy DIYer.
These no-sew hemming methods produce crisp, professional-looking results in a fraction of the time. Forget complicated stitching or hiring a professional – all you need is basic measuring tools, sharp scissors and a hot iron or heavy object.
In just a few simple steps, you’ll have flawlessly finished curtains enhancing your windows. Discover the ease of hemming curtains without a needle and thread. These foolproof no-sew techniques open up a world of style options for your space. Say farewell to curtains dragging on the floor or billowing unevenly – perfectly tailored curtains are just an iron-on away!
You need to measure your window and curtains, cut off the excess fabric, fold the bottom edge of the curtain, place iron-on tape or fabric glue in the fold, and iron or press the tape or glue in place. You also need to adjust the length of your curtains if needed.
How to measure your window and curtains?
Before you hem your curtains without sewing, you need to measure your window and curtains to determine how much fabric you need to cut off and how long your curtains should be. Here are some tips to help you measure:
- Measure the height of your window from the top of the window frame to the floor. This will give you the ideal length of your curtains. For example, if your window is 60 inches high, your curtains should be about 60 inches long.
- Measure the length of your curtains from the top edge to the bottom edge. This will give you the actual length of your curtains. For example, if your curtains are 84 inches long, your actual length is 84 inches.
- Subtract the ideal length from the actual length to get the amount of fabric you need to cut off. For example, if your ideal length is 60 inches and your actual length is 84 inches, you need to cut off 24 inches of fabric.
How to cut off the excess fabric?
Cutting off the excess fabric is a simple process that requires some basic tools and care. Here are some steps to follow:
- Lay out your curtain on a large flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles or folds.
- Mark the cutting line on the back side of the curtain using a ruler and a fabric pen or chalk. Make sure the line is straight and parallel to the bottom edge of the curtain.
- Cut along the marked line using sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter and a cutting mat. Be careful not to cut too much or too little fabric.
How to fold the bottom edge of the curtain?
Folding the bottom edge of the curtain is an important step in hemming your curtain without sewing. It creates a neat and clean finish for your curtain and hides any raw edges. Here are some steps to follow:
- Fold the bottom edge of the curtain up by about half an inch and press it with an iron or your fingers. This will create a crease that will help you fold the hem later.
- Fold the bottom edge of the curtain up again by about one or two inches depending on how wide you want your hem to be. Make sure the fold is even and straight along the entire width of the curtain.
- Press the fold with an iron or your fingers to make it crisp and flat.
How to place iron-on tape or fabric glue in the fold?
Placing iron-on tape or fabric glue in the fold is how you secure your hem without sewing. Iron-on tape is a double-sided adhesive tape that bonds fabrics together when heated with an iron. Fabric glue is a liquid adhesive that bonds fabrics together when dried with pressure. Here are some steps to follow:
- If you are using iron-on tape, cut a piece of tape that matches the width of your curtain and place it inside the fold along the bottom edge of the curtain. Make sure there are no gaps or overlaps between the tape and the fabric.
- If you are using fabric glue, apply a thin line of glue inside the fold along the bottom edge of the curtain. Make sure there are no drips or blobs of glue on the fabric.
How to iron or press the tape or glue in place?
Ironing or pressing the tape or glue in place is how you activate and seal your hem without sewing. Ironing applies heat and pressure to melt and bond iron-on tape. Pressing applies pressure and friction to dry and bond fabric glue. Here are some steps to follow:
- If you are using iron-on tape, set your iron to a medium-high setting without steam and preheat it for a few minutes.
- Place a thin cloth or a piece of parchment paper over the folded hem to protect it from the iron.
- Press the iron firmly over the hem and move it slowly along the entire width of the curtain. Hold the iron for a few seconds on each spot to make sure the tape is fully melted and bonded.
- Let the hem cool down completely before moving or hanging your curtain.
- If you are using fabric glue, place a heavy object such as a book or a brick over the folded hem to apply pressure and friction.
- Leave the object on the hem for at least an hour or until the glue is fully dried and bonded.
- Remove the object and check if the hem is secure and smooth.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about hemming curtains without sewing:
Q: How do I choose between iron-on tape and fabric glue?
A: Both iron-on tape and fabric glue are effective ways to hem curtains without sewing, but they have some pros and cons. Iron-on tape is faster and easier to use, but it may not work well on thick or delicate fabrics. Fabric glue is more versatile and durable, but it may take longer to dry and may leave visible marks on some fabrics.
Q: How do I adjust the length of my curtains with iron-on tape or fabric glue?
A: You can adjust the length of your curtains with iron-on tape or fabric glue by folding and ironing or pressing a new hem. You can also use curtain clips or pins to shorten your curtains by folding and clipping or pinning the excess fabric at the back.
Q: How do I clean my curtains with iron-on tape or fabric glue?
A: You can clean your curtains with iron-on tape or fabric glue by following the fabric care instructions on your curtain label. You can also spot clean them with a damp cloth or a mild detergent if they are not too dirty.
Q: How do I remove wrinkles from my curtains with iron-on tape or fabric glue?
A: You can remove wrinkles from your curtains with iron-on tape or fabric glue by ironing them on a low setting or steaming them with a handheld steamer. You can also hang them in a humid bathroom or spray them with water and let them air dry.
Q: How do I store my curtains with iron-on tape or fabric glue?
A: You can store your curtains with iron-on tape or fabric glue by folding them neatly along the pleats or folds, securing them with a ribbon or a clip, and placing them in a plastic bag or a storage box.
