How To Hem Velvet Curtains

• Use a walking foot and a universal needle when sewing velvet fabric. A walking foot is a special attachment for your sewing machine that helps feed the fabric evenly and prevent it from slipping or shifting. A universal needle is a standard needle that can work with most types of fabrics, including velvet.
• Sew slowly and carefully along the edge of the folded hem, removing the pins or clips as you go. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure it. Trim any excess threads when you are done.

Using a sewing machine gives your velvet curtains a fast and professional look. You can create neat and sturdy seams that will hold up well over time. However, you’ll need to use some special techniques and tools to prevent the velvet fabric from slipping, shifting, or crushing.

Use Hand Sewing for a Gentle Method

Another method of hemming velvet curtains is to use hand sewing. Hand sewing can create delicate and invisible seams that will not damage or distort the velvet fabric. However, hand sewing can also be time-consuming and tedious, especially if you have a large or thick piece of velvet fabric.

To hem velvet curtains with hand sewing, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Measure the width and height of your window frame inside or outside the trim, depending on how you want to hang your curtain. Add some extra inches to the width for overlap and to the height for hemming. For example, if your window is 36 inches wide and 48 inches high inside the trim, and you want to use a rod or a pole, you might want to get velvet fabric that is 40 inches wide and 50 inches long.
• Cut your velvet fabric according to your measurements. Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter and a cutting mat to get clean and straight edges. Be careful not to cut through the pile of the fabric, which can create bald spots or fraying. Cut along the back of the fabric instead of the front.
• Overlock the raw edges of your velvet fabric with a serger or a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine. This will prevent the fabric from unraveling and make it easier to fold and sew the hem.
• Fold and press the hem of your velvet fabric with an iron. How much you fold depends on how wide you want your hem to be. For example, if you want a 4 inch (10.16 centimeters) wide hem, fold the bottom edge up by 4 inches (10.16 centimeters). Use sewing pins or clips to hold the fabric in place while you iron it. Be sure to remove the pins or clips when you are done ironing.
• Use a low heat setting and a pressing cloth when ironing velvet fabric. Velvet fabric can be easily damaged by heat and pressure, which can flatten or crush the pile of the fabric. To avoid this, use a low heat setting on your iron and place a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric. A pressing cloth can be any thin and smooth piece of cotton fabric, such as muslin or an old pillowcase.
• Sew the hem of your velvet fabric with a blind hem stitch by hand. A blind hem stitch is an advanced stitch that creates an invisible seam on one side of the fabric and tiny stitches on the other side of the fabric.

• Use a hand sewing needle and a matching thread when sewing velvet fabric. A hand sewing needle is a small and sharp needle that can work with most types of fabrics, including velvet. A matching thread is a thread that has the same or similar color as your velvet fabric.
• Sew slowly and carefully along the edge of the folded hem, removing the pins or clips as you go. Make sure to knot the thread at the beginning and end of the seam to secure it. Trim any excess threads when you are done.

Using hand sewing gives your velvet curtains a gentle and delicate look. You can create invisible and smooth seams that will not damage or distort the velvet fabric. However, hand sewing can also be time-consuming and tedious, especially if you have a large or thick piece of velvet fabric.

FAQs

Q: How do I measure my window and my curtain for velvet curtains?

A: To measure your window and your curtain for velvet curtains, you’ll need to measure the width and height of your window frame inside or outside the trim, depending on how you want to hang your curtain. You’ll also need to add some extra inches to the width for overlap and to the height for hemming. For example, if your window is 36 inches wide and 48 inches high inside the trim, and you want to use a rod or a pole, you might want to get velvet fabric that is 40 inches wide and 50 inches long.

Q: How do I choose the right velvet fabric for my curtains?

A: To choose the right velvet fabric for your curtains, you’ll need to consider the following factors:

• The material: You’ll want to choose velvet fabric that is made from durable and high-quality fibers, such as cotton, silk, or polyester. These fibers can create different textures and effects on the velvet fabric, such as matte, shiny, or crushed. [13]
• The color: You’ll want to choose velvet fabric that matches or complements the color scheme of your space. You can also choose velvet fabric that contrasts with your space for some interest. For example, you can use blue or green velvet curtains for a warm or neutral space, or use red or purple velvet curtains for a cool or bright space.
• The style: You’ll want to choose velvet fabric that suits the style of your space. You can also choose velvet fabric that creates a different mood or atmosphere in your space. For example, you can use plain or solid velvet curtains to make your space feel more elegant and sophisticated, or use patterned or printed velvet curtains to make your space feel more fun and lively.

Final Thoughts

Hemming velvet curtains is a fun and easy way to customize your windows and your space. With a sewing machine or a no-sew method, you can hem your own velvet curtains at home in no time. Just remember to measure your window and your curtain, choose the right velvet fabric for your curtain, cut the excess fabric with a sharp scissors, sew the hem with a sewing machine or iron it with an iron-on hem tape, and hang the curtain on the rod. You can also choose from different colors and textures of velvet fabric, to suit your style and preference. We hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new. Happy hemming!