There are many different colors and patterns of curtains.Sometimes the one you like isn't the size you need.It is possible to shorten curtains that are too long.The article will show you how to hem your curtains with a sewing machine.
Step 1: Make sure you have enough fabric for the double-folded hem.
You will need more fabric for the hem because it is folded twice at the bottom.You will have to cut your curtains longer than you want them to be.The longer the curtain is, the wider the hem needs to be.Standard curtains have a wide hem.You will need to cut your curtains 6 to 8 inches longer than you want them to be.Shorter curtains might look better with a 2 inch wide hem.You should shorten your curtains by 4 inches (10.16 centimeters).Longer curtains, such as floor to ceiling, might look better with a 5 inch wide hem.Cut curtains 10 inches longer than you want them to be.
Step 2: The curtain should be spread on a flat surface.
It might be easier to spread your curtains on the floor.You can work on the table if you have a large table and a small curtain.
Step 3: You can press your bottom with an iron.
Depending on how wide you want your hem to be, how far you fold it up depends on that.If you want a 4 inch hem, fold the bottom up by 4 inches.You can iron the fabric with sewing pins.When ironing, be sure to remove the pins.
Step 4: Press it flat with an iron when you fold your hem up again.
You should folding it the same amount as last time.If you folded your hem by 4 inch (10.16 centimeters) earlier, you should fold it by the same amount again.Press the hem flat with an iron.You folded your double hem.
Step 5: The lining should be separate from the hem.
The lining is hemmed on its own.It is tucked into the side hems.You can learn how to hem a curtain lining.
Step 6: Use iron-on hem tape to connect the hem to the curtain.
The hem tape should be shorter than the width of the curtain.Right between the back of the curtain and the folded hem is where to put it.The folded hem should be aligned with the top of the hem tape.The hem needs to be iron down.Press down with the iron for 10 seconds at a time.A wool setting is required for most hem tapes.Different brands need different settings.Refer to the packaging from your hem tape.If you want to prevent the fabric from burning, place a damp cloth between the iron and curtain.There is a paper back on some hem tapes.You will need to iron it twice, the first time with the paper backing on.You can find hem tape labeled as iron-on, stitch-witchery, or fusible fabric tape.
Step 7: To sew the hem, consider using a sewing machine.
Try to sew as close to the edge as possible.The curtain color should be matched as closely as possible.
Step 8: You need enough fabric for a double hem.
Standard curtain panels have a wide hem on each side.The hem is folded on both sides, so each panel will need to be 6 inches wider than you want.This will allow you to make a double 112 inch wide hem on each side.
Step 9: The curtain should be folded by 112 inch.
If you mark off 112 inch at the top and bottom of the curtain, you can fold it.To hold the hem down, use sewing pins.
Step 10: The hem should be folded inward by 112 inch.
The hem should be pressed with an iron each time.To hold the hem in place, use sewing pins.
Step 11: If necessary, Tuck the sides of the lining into the hem.
If your curtain has a lining, cut it down to the width of the curtain, then tuck the raw edges into the hem.
Step 12: Use iron-on hem tape to connect the hem to the curtain.
The hem tape should be shorter than the curtain.Put it inside the hem.The folded hem should be aligned with the edge of the hem tape.The hem needs to be iron down.
Step 13: To sew the hem, consider using a sewing machine.
You should sew as close to the folded edge as possible.It is important to use a color that matches the curtain color.
Step 14: Make sure you have enough fabric for the double-folded hem.
The curtain lining should be 1 inch narrower than the curtain hem.If your curtain has a 4 inch wide hem, the lining should be 3 inches wide.You have to cut your lining 6 inches longer than you want it to be.Curtain linings are about 1 inch shorter than the curtain.Plan accordingly.
Step 15: If you have to, remove part of the side hem.
The side hem has curtain linings tucked into it.Depending on how short you are cutting and hemming, this could be a problem.You can trim the lining down to the length you need by using a seam ripper.You will put it back in the side hems.
Step 16: Press the curtain flat with an iron if you fold the lining twice.
It depends on how wide you want the hem to be.If your hem is 3 inches, fold it up by three inches.To hold the hem in place, use sewing pins.Once you are done ironing, be sure to remove the pins.The hem should be folded inside the curtain.The hem should not be visible from the outside.The bottom edge of the lining should be above the curtain when you are done.The bottom edges of the curtain shouldn't be aligned.
Step 17: Use iron-on hem tape to connect the hem to the lining.
Cut a piece of hem tape that is shorter than the width of your lining.Align the top edge with the folded hem by Tucking it inside the hem.The hem needs to be iron down.
Step 18: To sew the hem, consider using a sewing machine.
Try to sew as close to the edge as possible.The lining color should be matched as closely as possible.
Step 19: If you unwound them earlier, sew the side hems down.
Tuck the lining into the hem before sewing it down.If the rest of the side hem is sewn, using hem tape is not a good idea.You can either use a sewing machine or hand it down.If you can, try to match the original thread color and stitch length.