Updated at: 14-05-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

In addition to its aesthetic qualities, curtains are also utilized for practical purposes. Curtains have the power to completely transform the look and feel of a room! However, it can be difficult to buy curtains of the correct length, as you may well know. Not to worry! Curtains may be shortened without the need for a needle and thread if they are excessively long. To help you shorten curtains without sewing, we’ve done extensive research on the subject.

How To Shorten Curtains Without Sewing

Choosing the Length

Before making any alterations to the curtain’s length, decide on the final length you desire. Window sill curtains, which fall precisely at the sill, provide a short, clean aesthetic that’s perfect for kitchens or rooms with tall windows. The length of apron curtains is typically 4 inches below the window sill. When it comes to casual rooms, such as your dining room or bedroom, or locations where a radiator is situated below the window, these windows are ideal.

Floor-length and puddle-length curtains are examples of more voluminous window treatments. An ideal finish is 1/4 inch above the floor so that it looks more like a traditional installation. Formal settings lend themselves well to its use. It’s common for puddle-length curtains to be at least 108 inches long. Formal settings might benefit from a sense of drama provided by floor-length curtains.

Shorten the Top

To hang a rod pocket curtain, just insert the rod into the pocket at the top of the curtain. Hookless curtains are some of the simplest to put up because they don’t need them. Fold the top of the curtain toward the back of the curtain to shorten it without sewing a hem. Pin the flap down with safety pins to form a new pocket for the rod. In order to hide the pins on the front of the curtain, pin solely into the curtain’s lining.

Shorten the Bottom

In most cases, even if you reduce a curtain by cutting it at the bottom instead of the top, the result will still be attractive. Instead of cutting the bottom of the curtain, simply fold it up and press it with a hot iron to make a clean edge. As you would with the top of a rod pocket curtain, secure the fold in place with safety pins driven through the excess material and into the curtain liner.

Alternative Hemming Methods

A temporary hem can be created by sewing a basting stitch along the folded area of the curtain rather than pinning. Curtains with basted hems look great on both sides. To keep the folded material in place, sew a long running stitch. Remove it by snipping off the knot and removing the thread from the strand.

In addition, self-adhesive hem tapes are available. In order to use these, remove the backing from one side of the tape and adhere it to your curtain. Remove the paper from the front of the hem tape, then attach the curtain in place to hold the fold in place and prevent it from unraveling. After you’ve applied some hem tape, you’ll need to iron it. A hidden section of the fabric should be tested first for any residue that the hem tape may leave behind.

Curtain Rod Placement

The curtain rod can be moved so that it appears that the curtains are shorter and the window is larger at the same time. The curtain rod should be raised by four inches if your drapes are now four inches too long. Drilling new holes for the rod mounting hardware is required here. This is the greatest option for a long-term solution on a window that is too small for ordinary curtains because it doesn’t require patching or repainting the existing hardware holes.

What Is The Right Hem Size?

The normal length of a curtain’s hem is three or four inches.

In terms of length, the hem might be anywhere from two to five inches, depending on the type of curtain.

Always leave enough fabric for the hem when cutting your curtains down.

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How Much Of A Hem Should Be On Curtains?

The curtain’s width determines the length of the hem. A normal length curtain’s hem measures 3 to 4 inches. When it comes to curtains, it’s customary for the hem to be roughly 2 inches wide on shorter ones and 5 inches wide on taller ones.

Make sure you leave extra cloth for the hem when reducing the length of your curtains. To put it another way, for a typical curtain, cut your curtains 6-8 inches longer than you want them to be; for a shorter curtain, cut them 4 inches longer; and for a longer curtain, cut them 10 inches longer.

How Do You Join Two Curtains Without Sewing?

It is feasible to link two curtains together without sewing if length is not a concern but width is. You may need numerous curtain panels to cover a large window, but pulling each one across one at a time might be tedious. For joining many panels together, you can use any of the ways below.

Iron-On Fusible Tape

To apply the fusible tape to the edge of one of the curtain panels, use an ironing board and an iron to follow any instructions on the packaging, once more. Make certain that the rod entrance is unobstructed!

Place the second panel on top of the tape in the previous step. Keep the fabric overlapped evenly all the way down to avoid crooked curtains. An iron should be used in order to seal the seams of the fabric.

Take your time, and don’t rush through the process. You’ll get to the end of the curtain panel eventually. Before hanging your curtains, make sure the seam is firm and properly fused.

Fabric Glue

The panels should be laid out on a flat surface with the sides facing each other. Use fabric chalk to mark the distance from the top to the bottom of one of the panels, about half an inch from the edge. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the glue box. Make sure you connect the other panel a little at a time with fabric glue, which dries quickly. Before hanging your curtains, wait for the glue to dry completely.

How Much Does It Cost To Shorten Drapes?

It’s not that difficult to cut your own curtains or drapes to the desired length. Just get the supplies you need and you’ll be all set. The cost of fabric glue varies greatly depending on the strength and brand. Fusible tape costs between $10 and $15 for heavy-duty rolls and $5 to $8 for lighter-weight rolls. Depending on where you live, how many drapes you need shortened, and whether or not your curtains have a lining, the price for a professional drape-shortening service will vary.

Is It Cheaper To Make Your Own Curtains?

As far as the cost of making your own curtains versus purchasing them from a store, it all depends on what type and design of curtain you choose. In most cases, building your own curtains will cost more than buying them at a store, so if saving money is your primary motivation, going with pre-made curtains is the better choice.

For those who have the knowledge and tools, constructing your own curtains is an excellent way to personalize your space. Decorating with patterns, especially in children’s rooms, can offer a unique flair to your space.

What Is The Right Hem Size?

The normal length of a curtain’s hem is three or four inches.

In terms of length, the hem might be anywhere from two to five inches, depending on the type of curtain.

Always leave enough fabric for the hem when cutting your curtains down.

Have you gained a great deal of knowledge? You may want to continue reading. Click here.

It’s A Wrap!

If you’ve discovered a style you like but they’re too long, trimming them may seem like an intimidating chore, but as we’ve shown, it doesn’t have to be! One of our no-sew ways will allow you to easily shorten your curtains if sewing intimidates or feels like too much work. That way, your curtains will be the perfect length and look just as wonderful as the originals.