How to hem curtains with your own hands (7 photos)

It is impossible to imagine a cozy apartment or house without curtains on the windows. They bring comfort, save heat, give beauty and a well-groomed appearance to the room, especially if the window structures themselves leave much to be desired. The modern homeowner is not limited in the choice of material for curtains. You can hang natural, combined or artificial material. The easiest option is to buy ready-made curtains in a specialized store. They sell products in standard lengths and widths. If you need one and only curtains for the windows, there is only one option - to select curtain fabric and hem it yourself. It's not as difficult as it sounds. How to hem curtains using tape? You can do this in three different ways.

How to hem curtains at home: without a machine, with tape

Often, housewives are faced with a problem when the purchased curtains do not match the height of the cornice. This happens because ready-made curtains are usually produced with standard parameters. Not everyone knows how to hem them and adjust the length, without a machine or sewing equipment. Don't be upset and take the curtains back to the store. Using a special tape, you can make the required length at home. You can see what curtains hemmed with tape look like from photos and videos in the online catalogue.

What you need to know

How to choose the right curtain width

You don’t have to turn to a designer for help to make the space in your home a little better. Curtain tape fits perfectly into the finished interior, complementing it, transforming it and adding its own minor touches. Although professionals often resort to this accessory in order to correctly place accents in those places where it is necessary.

Even the simplest curtains on curtain tape with regular braid, which is most often made of thick fabric, can transform them. The tape is an excellent solution for those whose curtain rods are not of the required length. In this case, she selects curtains and increases the light transmission through the window.

How to fix awkward curtain lengths

Regardless of the style of the interior, decorating the window opening is considered an important point, since it is the curtains that complete and emphasize the concept of the decor. Incorrectly chosen length and width of curtains can significantly spoil the overall perception of the interior. In addition to the main parameters, the external qualities of window decoration can be affected by:

1. Saturation of drapery;
2. The presence of decorative elements in the form of ribbons, lambrequins, etc.;
3. Drawing style.

Many companies produce curtain fabrics of a certain length with an allowance to allow the height to be adjusted to suit specific operating conditions. In such cases, you cannot do without adjusting the length. One option to solve the problem is to contact a studio. For those who need to adjust the height at home, you can use special tapes, sewing accessories or a machine.

Some subtleties of hemming curtains

There are several ways to shorten the length of curtains:

• Blind stitch stitching. Suitable for experienced craftswomen who know the basics of sewing;
• Machine stitching. A universal method, but requires a sewing machine;
• A special adhesive-based tape – “gossamer”. The simplest option, but not suitable for all fabrics.

After obtaining the desired length, seams may need to be processed. The volume and complexity of the work will depend on the thickness of the fabric and the use of lining. Curtains made of thin material are usually hemmed using the double hem method. Thick curtains are shortened with a single fold to avoid the appearance of rough protruding seams.

Hemming curtains using bias tape or edging is the easiest way to hem curtains if a sewing machine is not available. The tape can be homemade or purchased, with a self-adhesive base. The prepared tape is bent in half on both sides, then the edges of the curtain are secured with an adhesive base. You can also make a homemade ribbon, secure it with pins, and do hand stitching.

Calculation

There are several ways to create bow folds on different curtains (thick, light), and each of them will require a certain amount of fabric:

The ratio is 1 to 2, when the size of the folds and the space between them have the same distance. When using this type, the footage of the material should be 2 times larger relative to the finished canvas.

This is the most economical option, but at the same time, less voluminous. Most suitable for dense and thick fabrics, which themselves already have volume. The proportion scheme is 1 to 2. The ratio is 1 to 2.5, when the distance between the folds is 2 times less than the bows themselves. The calculated footage of the material is 2.5 times the width of the finished curtains.

Such curtains are larger in volume compared to the first option, so you can use both thick and thin fabrics, thereby achieving the desired result. The selection of the number of bows depends on the width of the fabric cut. The proportion scheme is 1 to 2.5 The ratio is 1 to 3, when the edges of the folds touch and there is no gap between them. To sew such curtains, you will need footage 3 times the width of the finished products.

Deep folds look beautiful in curtains made of thin fabric. To sew curtains of this type, you will need two or three cutting lengths: the fabrics are sewn together. In this case, there is one nuance - when forming bows, you need to make sure that the seam is on the wrong side of the curtain and is invisible. The proportion diagram is 1 to 3

One-sided bow elements on curtains or tulle can be calculated as follows:

If the final length is 2 meters, then for:

• 1st option, the width of the fabric will be 4 meters (2x2); 2nd - 5 meters (2x2.5); 3rd - 6 meters (2x3).

Hemming of curtains without hemming

One of the new ways of shortening curtains is worth considering in more detail. Modern housewives rarely have the time and skills to hem curtains using sewing devices. It is very convenient to reduce the length of the curtains by gluing the tape with double-sided adhesive. The web tape is prepared in the following way: the material is carefully tucked to the required distance, the seam is ironed. The curtain fabric is placed between layers of tape and glued using an iron. To ensure everything works out right the first time, you should first try it on a small piece of fabric. Some types of material will additionally require an ironing iron.

Attention! If you need to bend heavy curtain material, it is recommended to use adhesive tape in two rows to ensure its holding power. When using tape to hem the curtain, it is worth keeping in mind that it may begin to peel off during intensive washing. But this drawback can be easily eliminated. You can reuse the tape and your curtains will look like new again!

In addition to tape, specialized clips are used to shorten curtains. They make it easy to model fabric and create waves to lift the material to the desired height. This method will require some skill, since it will not be possible to achieve symmetry right away. Clips are not suitable for hemming heavy and dense fabrics. Hemming curtains using tape is one of the most affordable methods to achieve the required length. First, the length and width of the tape are selected, and excess material is cut off. A double hem will help make the edges neater, but only if the material is unlined. The resulting seam is ironed and sealed.

Without special expenses: a needle in your hand

Not everyone knows how to hem curtains by hand. Although there are specially created instructions for this. It is as follows - shortened like this:

1. you need to prepare the necessary tools in advance: a needle, thread, scissors, a metal or plastic thimble (useful with thick curtains);
2. First, measure the curtains. To do this, take a sewing meter or tape measure, chalk or a piece of white soap to make marks, and begin the procedure. It would be good to lay the curtains on a hard, flat surface, press them down in the corners with something heavy and stretch them, avoiding bends and creases. Excess - cut off;
3. When the marks are made, you need to carefully bend the edge of the curtain. In the case of thick fabric, only one fold is made. On tulle or organza - 2-3, no more, otherwise it will turn out too bulky;
4. the resulting bend is secured with pins or needles so that it does not come apart during the sewing process;
5. for thick synthetics, use thin needles, try not to pierce the product right through, as unattractive holes will form that will remain forever. The same goes for organza;
6. take your time, the main thing is to make the seam as evenly as possible, any twitching of the hand will be too noticeable - this will not add beauty and style to the curtains;
7. at the beginning and end of the line, leave the ends of the threads (at least 2 centimeters each), they are simply tied together, but not pulled together too tightly, otherwise you will get an ugly break. The ends after the knots can be trimmed, they are not necessary.

Hemming curtains by hand can be very beautiful if you are not in a hurry

Video on the topic:

Useful tips for hemming curtains

Regardless of the chosen method of folding the curtains, you first need to let them hang freely for several days. This will help the fabric take its natural shape vertically and horizontally. After completing the work of hemming the curtain, do not immediately cut off the excess material. It’s better not to be lazy and sew on the remaining fabric using a hidden seam. This trick will help you adjust the length of the curtains as accurately as possible after washing, since there is a risk that the material may shrink slightly.

After washing, the curtains will finally take their shape, and the hemmed excess can be safely cut off. Professional seamstresses measure the required height from the cornice, securing the material with a basting stitch or using sewing pins. Next, the curtain is removed and the excess fabric strip is cut off from it. It is recommended to iron the seam area well, and only then proceed to hemming.

Trim the curtains yourself! With adhesive tape from Ikea it's easy!

Good day!

I wanted new curtains for the room, but the ceiling height turned out to be not the standard 2.20 m. Curtains in Ikea are either 2.50 m or 3.00 m.

Shortening in a workshop is expensive and troublesome. Luckily I found out about this tape! And that you can shorten the curtains yourself!

Place of purchase: IKEA.

The principle of operation is simple - the tape is a solid glue that melts under the influence of a hot iron and glues the fabric together.

Instructions:

Shrinkage : I tried to make a gap for shrinkage, but my curtain was still on the floor. I didn’t like it, and it’s not convenient to walk near the window. I decided, at my own peril and risk, to shorten it to length, without taking into account shrinkage.

Velcro curtains, description, fastening features, design options

Velcro - that's what it's officially called - has proven its effectiveness. With its help, you can install curtains without cornices on plastic and wooden windows. They are especially convenient to use in small rooms, where the cornice may look bulky, and a curtain that does not fit closely to the wall makes the room visually even smaller.

Using Velcro for small windows allows you to get rid of bulky curtain rods

What is Velcro

This type of fastening is used quite widely: in the manufacture of garments, shoes, accessories and other goods. It consists of two tape elements: on one there are microhooks, and on the other there are the same small loops. When both tapes touch, the hooks cling to the loops, sticking tightly to each other.

Self-adhesive Velcro tape or Velcro

Product advantages

The convenience of Velcro is that they can be mounted on windows even if there is no cornice, which saves space and money. Other advantages include:

• long service life and preservation of technical characteristics;
• ease of installation and maintenance: they are easy to remove, wash, dry and iron.
• Velcro curtains can be used for any interior and style direction.

Velcro fastening to a plastic window does not violate the integrity of the window

How to install curtains on a window without drilling

Traditionally, to hang a curtain, you first need to install the curtain rod by first drilling holes in the wall. Then install the holders for it and secure them securely.

Fastening individual sheets of Japanese curtains with Velcro

However, many novice home craftsmen are interested in how to attach a curtain to a plastic window, but avoid drilling. This can be done by taking advantage of the Velcro fastening options for curtains. This fastening method can be used when installing:

• Roman blinds, including roller blinds;
• curtains made in the oriental style, in its broadest sense;

Japanese Velcro curtains will look good in a small living room

Curtains with Velcro loops are similar to regular curtains; to remove them, just undo the Velcro

Installing curtains with Velcro yourself

Before you start decorating the curtain with Velcro, you need to decide where to attach it: to a wall, a plastic or wooden window, and then:

cut a strip of fabric from 5 to 12 cm wide, depending on the purpose and density of the curtain;

We take measurements of the window with allowance for Velcro and seams at the top and bottom

We cut out the curtains according to size, fold the sides of the curtain, then the bottom of the curtain using the soft part of the Velcro on the wrong side

For each curtain we sew 4 ties from the same or a different fabric

To the top of the curtain from the front side, pin soft Velcro, measure 7 cm from the edge of the curtain, place one tie under the Velcro from below, stitch

We bend the Velcro to the wrong side and sew it, adding 1 more tie.

We glue the hard part of the Velcro to the wall and fasten our curtain

You can use the ties to lower and raise the curtains

After this, the front side of the fabric is covered with a strip, which also needs to be sewn.

The rigid part of the fastener is attached to the cornice and glued.

To fix the bottom of the curtain, use rigid Velcro along the edges

Attention! If the curtain is light and is intended to be installed on a plastic window, additional use of adhesive will not be required.

How to hang a Roman blind without drilling

The nuances of securing a Roman blind with Velcro

For a long time, one of the most popular types of curtains has been the so-called Roman blinds. Today they are flat sheets of fabric with which you can quickly and beautifully decorate a room. At the same time, another advantage of these products is their style versatility: they fit perfectly into any interior.

On the wrong side of the fabric, using chalk or a piece of dry soap, mark the installation locations of the rings, fold lines and hems

They are usually mounted on cornices; To do this, drill holes into which fasteners are inserted and secured. However, today, in order to hang a curtain of this type, it is not necessary to drill out the wall - you can use Velcro adhesive tape.

We process the side edges and the top cut of the fabric, sew Velcro to the top cut, onto which the curtain will be attached

For this, in addition to the fabric itself, you will need:

• Velcro (soft part);
• strips made of plastic or metal that will imitate a cornice;
• a weight bar, which is strengthened along the bottom of the product;
• an even number of curtain rings.

Installing a wooden beam on the window frame

Using nails or a furniture stapler, attach Velcro to the bottom of the wooden beam

The work is performed as described in the previous section. In addition, original pockets are sewn on the inside, into which a “cornice” is inserted on top, and a weight at the bottom.

We fold the lower part of the curtain to form a place for the weight strip, sew a finishing border along the wrong side of the curtain, insert slats into the resulting “pockets”

A cord is pulled through the rings fixed at the level of the pockets, and the entire structure is attached with the hard side of the Velcro to a plastic or wooden base.

We sew on the rings, use Velcro to secure the curtain to a wooden beam, then thread the cord to the top edge of the curtain through all the rings, secure the cords using ribbons

We remove the ribbons that secured the folds; when the curtain falls, we equalize the tension of all the cords, the installation of the curtain is completed

Additional Information. Weighting the bottom of the product allows you to keep the surface from folds and creases.

How to hang tulle on a window with Velcro

Without complications and the use of drilling tools, you can fasten a light muslin curtain or tulle with Velcro to a plastic or wooden curtain rod using this type of fastening.

The main condition for fastening with Velcro is that the fabric should not be heavy

Finishing the edges of a garment

If you don't know how to use glue web, read this article until the end.
We will reveal all the nuances of working with it. You can hem the bottom of some fabrics using just one iron. You don't need a sewing machine. After all, the edges of the product can be glued. How to do this quickly and correctly? Use glue web. It is selected according to the width of the hem. Then proceed as follows: the tape is placed on the fabric, rolled up and ironed with a moderately heated iron. Gluing occurs instantly, so you need to make sure that there is no displacement or skew. This method is applicable for processing the bottom of skirts, trousers, dresses, sundresses, shorts, and tunics. In some cases, this is the only possible option, since the seam does not always look neat, especially on thin or lace fabrics.

Loggia or balcony: how to attach curtains with Velcro

Today it is customary to use a balcony or loggia as a living space, which often turns into another makeshift room. In addition to other fastening methods, loggia curtains can be installed with Velcro.

Velcro curtains are often used to cover windows on balconies and loggias.

However, their use requires compliance with additional conditions that will ensure the strength and reliability of the curtains.

Do-it-yourself Velcro curtains for the balcony have a certain difficulty in installation, since the windows installed here reach the very top, and they can be strengthened with great difficulty. It is impossible to install a cornice, curtains on nails are not aesthetically pleasing, and the most effective and aesthetic way would be to use Velcro.

An excellent option is to use Roman blinds. They have a number of advantages:

• do not interfere with opening windows;
• do not flutter from gusts of wind;
• do not require significant material costs;
• used in various colors.

Attention! Do not forget that the design features of balconies and loggias require significant air movement, so heavy fabrics are inappropriate here.

The best choice for balcony curtains would be tulle, muslin, organza, silk, cambric, curtain fabric.

The fabric can be attached to a block with Velcro, then installed on the window frame and secured with fasteners.

Adhesive tape is attached to the wooden slats using glue or a stapler, and the slats are attached to the wall with self-tapping screws

Design options for balconies and loggias can be found on websites where color photos are posted.

Side edges

There are several ways to process the sides of curtains:

Regular hem. Only its width will change. For fabric that frays a lot, it is necessary to choose the maximum parameter - from 3 to 5 cm, since a narrower hem will cause curling, which, in turn, will not look aesthetically pleasing. For example, for organza it is recommended to measure at least 4 - 5 cm. Use a zigzag seam. The hem is attached on a sewing machine using the same mode. This method is also appropriate for additionally securing the edges of loose fabric for curtains. Moscow seam. Making it yourself is quite simple. The edge of the fabric is folded once and a seam is made at a distance of 2 mm from the edge of the hem

Next, the free part of the fabric to the left of the seam is carefully cut off, the seam should not be touched. The seam is turned right side down

The second hem is also attached 2 mm from the edge. Beikoy. This is a special decorative tape that is used to frame the edges of clothing and various textile items. The easiest way to sew bias tape with your own hands is to the curtain, since for this you only need to make a straight stitch without turns. Experienced seamstresses attach it to the product with just one seam. You must first fold the ribbon in half and iron it together with the tulle, and then sew it on.

First we process the side edges of the curtain.

1. The edge should be trimmed evenly and smoothed.
2. We place the tulle with the wrong side up, fold the hem 1-2 cm. Smooth it with an iron.
3. Then fold the edge again by 1-2 cm and iron it. This way we get a double hem.
4. To make the material slip less, you can fix it with pins before ironing.
5. We sew the seam on the machine at a distance of approximately 1-2 mm from the edge of the hem.

We process the second side edge of the curtain in the same way.

If we do not adjust the length of ready-made curtains, but sew them from scratch, we first process the sides with a double hem. The procedure is as follows:

1. Before hemming the tulle on the sides, you need to cut it evenly and iron it. If the fabric is cotton, we use the “thread pulling” method. If the synthetic one will have to tinker longer. Measure the length carefully, draw a line along the ruler and cut straight. Place the curtain on a flat surface with the wrong side up, fold it in 1-2 cm and iron it.
2. We fold the ironed edge again by 1-2 cm and iron it again. To make the fabric slip less, we fix it with tailor's pins each time.
3. We machine stitch at a distance of approximately 1-2 mm from the inner edge of the hem.

We repeat the entire procedure for the other side.

Suction cups for curtains, scope of application and installation

Another way to attach curtains is to use suction cups. Most often, they are used to secure curtains in the bathroom, shower, or combined toilet. It has its advantages:

• simplicity;
• cheapness;
• saving time;
• no need to drill into walls.

However, such products are not always pleasing: after a short period of use they lose strength and fall along with the curtains.

When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the integrity and smoothness of the surface of the suction cup. If they are broken, then the period of use will be short.

But even absolutely high-quality products will not adhere tightly if the wall has defects: potholes, cracks, remnants of the previous coating. It will be difficult to strengthen them on the embossed surface of the facing tiles.

To securely fasten them, you must use:

• degreasing agents;
• petroleum jelly and petroleum jelly-based preparations;
• lining made of self-adhesive PVC film;
• silicone sealant.

We have a curtain that needs hemming, and two ways to do it without a sewing machine

The first method is suitable for heavy, opaque material, and today designers, using Velcro, offer not only to decorate attic curtains and gather the bottom of heavy curtains, but also to radically change the height of the curtain.

Many people know that in harsh climates it is good when the curtain is higher than the level of the radiator; this helps save energy and seriously increases the air temperature in the room. And almost everyone knows that when it’s hot and sunny, a thick curtain helps keep the room cool.

It is Velcro that helps adjust the height of the curtain from the floor level to the window sill level, and you shouldn’t think that this is a crazy idea. The Velcro fastener is not visible from the outside, and with the help of this tape you can assemble the curtains into a very beautiful window frame.

However, there are several problems with this tape:

• Self-adhesive bases constantly experience “tension stress”, and after a dozen washes the tape may fail.
• The open part of the belt will quickly become dusty, which will significantly reduce the adhesion properties of the belt.
• Cleaning this fastener is quite a labor-intensive operation.

Solving this problem is quite simple:

• Apply excess tape (it is sold in a roll and always with a reserve) to the free area. When you need it, “re-stick” (excuse the word) the excess onto the vacant section of the tape;
• To clean the dirty part of the tape, use ordinary office tape with a small width. It is enough to glue it, press it lightly with your finger, heat it a little (for example, with a hairdryer) and peel it off. After such an operation, Velcro will work like new;
• For heavy fabrics, a radical solution is needed - stitching. Here you need to understand that the total thickness of the Velcro fastener should be greater than the thickness of the curtain. Otherwise, the adhesive layer simply will not withstand the loads.

In other words, “Velcro” is a great way to decorate a window exactly the way you want, but it is worth considering that such Velcro is designed for a small pull-off force that is accessible to a child. And children are precisely the factor that can ruin any interior. But there is a second method, more labor-intensive, but more reliable.

Web tape, iron, curtain and 5 minutes per linear meter

This is roughly what an advertisement for the second way to shorten a curtain without a sewing machine sounds like using self-adhesive “gossamer” tape.

Let's see how to use the “cobweb” correctly if we don’t want to cut the curtain, brush off the dust from the sewing machine, and in general we have a day off, and only three hours for my husband to finally help decorate the window. So:

• Rule one: in addition to the “cobweb”, curtains, iron and five minutes you will need an assistant, two pins, an ironing board (ideally a thin blanket on a flat board), several sheets of A4 paper, a damp sponge, good lighting and patience;
• Rule two: you need to remember that the iron heats up unevenly across the soleplate, fabric without a basting cannot be laid out evenly, and it is almost impossible to iron a fold evenly on fabric without a pattern.
• Rule three: the folded curtain must hang on the curtain rod for several days to take shape. To smooth it out, straighten it and spray the bottom with clean water. The wet bottom of the curtain will become a “weight”, which will flatten the curtain. As it dries, use regular clothespins to determine the floor level. In two days you will know exactly the length of the curtain you need. All that remains is to prepare everything so that the curtains you found in the store become the curtains of your dreams.

Take a fabric that matches the curtains in density, check at what temperature the “cobweb” will stick. A piece of 20x20 cm is enough, making sure that the “web” is stuck, sharply pull the edges. If at least part comes off, use two layers of “cobweb”.

Prepare a dry towel, sheets of paper, a damp cloth and empty the water from the steam iron.

If you have a regular ironing board, put something flat on it (a board), cover it with a blanket and don’t throw away the hooks that are now included in curtain sets.

Now let's shorten our curtain.

Fabric preparation

In the store, the edges of the fabric may be cut or torn. In both cases, snagging or tightening may occur on all sides. It is necessary to first visually inspect where such imperfections exist. They should be cut off if there are very clearly visible areas. But you may not notice the unevenness immediately. Smoothing with an iron will help to accurately mark the border of the fabric. Once the fabric has been ironed, the edges will more clearly show where to cut.

To cut the fabric evenly, you need to pull out one thread with your own hands where an even cut will take place. In place of the thread there will be a transparent, even stripe. By moving along it with scissors, there is no risk of going to the side and ruining the line.