Sometimes it turns out that the curtain or tulle is lower than we would like. Then the question arises of how to lengthen the curtains so as not to spend money on purchasing a new product. This often applies to newly purchased paintings, as well as when replacing windows or replacing its design.
If you decide to hang curtains, but for some reason they turn out to be short, then you can correct the situation by avoiding buying new curtains.
There are ways in which you can build up the canvas so that no one will guess that you have done any manipulation with them.
DIY ways to lengthen curtains
Sometimes you need to move curtains from one room to another, but they don’t quite fit. Or before the purchase there was an error in the calculations, as a result of which the curtains turned out to be short. Don't worry about this wire. This problem is easy to fix. There are many ways to lengthen curtains. We offer a selection of tips for correcting the length of curtains.
Sometimes it turns out that the curtain or tulle is lower than we would like. Then the question arises of how to lengthen the curtains so as not to spend money on purchasing a new product.
How to save curtains?
The housewife won’t have to figure out how to lengthen the curtains, since there are already several ways, both practical and ingenious, that help to “reanimate” treacherous curtains that have become shorter. The missing centimeters can always be found or added. The operation is performed either on the top of the product or on the bottom. Another option is in several places at once.
The method largely depends on the curtain material, texture, and color. A sewing machine will greatly simplify the performance of simple operations that usually do not require the involvement of designers or sewing workshop workers. The range of options for saving your favorite item includes:
If the curtains lack just a little “height”, then the first thought that may come to mind will save you from “fussing” with the material and the sewing machine. This ingenious method is to hang the cornice a couple of centimeters lower.
What to do if the curtain is short
There are plenty of solutions to correct the length of short curtains. You can, of course, find an original way.
The most popular ones that many people use are the following:
These are just some of the ways. Each housewife decides for herself what to choose for a specific solution.
There are ways in which you can build up the canvas so that no one will guess that you have done any manipulation with them.
Note! When the canvas looks somewhat worn, there is no need to fix its length. If the fabric is impeccable, you can safely experiment.
Some turn to specialists in the studio to correct the length of the curtains, but this costs considerable material costs. For this reason, housewives often try to correct the length of the curtain themselves.
The housewife independently decides which processing and extension method to choose, based on her experience, desires and room design.
Pendants
A very beautiful extension of curtains is performed using original pendants, which can be found in specialized stores. Such pendants can be made in the form of tassels made of bright silk threads, Swarovski glass, beads and pearls. Using this method, you can lengthen the curtains if they are short and achieve the length that you need. In addition, beautiful pendants can add special charm and elegance to the interior of your room. You can also make your own pendant that will fit perfectly into the style of your interior. To lengthen curtains made of fabric or tulle, you can find the right solution yourself. All that remains is to attach these products to the bottom edge of the canvas and your curtain will acquire the length you need. This method is not suitable if the curtains are very short. But even in this case, pendants can perfectly decorate a window opening.
How to lengthen curtains with your own hands
At first glance, the question of how to lengthen the curtains may seem impossible to fix on your own: it will turn out sloppy, because the work is complex. However, there are ways in which the curtain can be extended so that no one would guess that it has undergone some changes.
You can make inserts in the middle of the canvas - one or more, both below and along the entire length.
For a better perception, we have selected photos showing how to lengthen curtains from the bottom or top with your own hands.
Fabric strip and eyelets
Eyelets are a great option for saving the situation. It looks good on tulle curtains, which require the insertion of a denser material that is ready to withstand heavy fittings. A combination of fabrics of different textures is a necessity, but it looks impressive. The cornices must have a round cross-section so that grommets can be put on them.
Sew a strip of fabric on top that matches the color and design, and then insert the eyelets.
Attention! The fabric of the sewn strip must contain the shade of the base material.
Inserts
You can insert oblique transverse strips from another fabric into the fabric. But this option is more demanding - the material will have to be cut out very precisely.
Inserts are a way out for housewives who sew well: they know how to cut out and sew on a machine with even, neat stitches.
They combine inserts from different materials in one product.
First you need to decide where exactly to make the inserts. It's better not to do it in the center. You should choose the top or bottom part of the curtain.
Sew on fabric loops
The easiest way is to lengthen the curtains at the top using loops. Even someone who knows nothing about tailoring can do this. The fabric is matched to the tone of the curtain, with a similar texture.
Beautiful loops will not only make the curtain longer, but will also add originality to the product.
Algorithm for making loops.
Add a lambrequin
Lambrequins visually increase the length of the curtain. The main thing is that the cornice is suitable, for example, a profile 2-row or 3-row.
This is also not a rare decision, because many housewives consider it useful to diversify the decor with fresh new clothes.
You can make a lambrequin your own using an algorithm.
Please note: this solution is suitable for craftswomen who know how to sew well.
Rip out the bottom allowance
Ripping seam allowances is the most common and easiest way to increase the length of a curtain. This method is available to anyone and does not require any skills.
To add 4-6 cm to the curtains, just open them from the bottom. This option is suitable when the curtain is just short enough to reach the required length.
If you open the bottom seam and iron it properly, you can achieve the desired length.
Usually the bottom edge is hemmed with a margin. If you carefully rip it apart and then iron it with an iron, the difference will not be noticeable.
Please note: if the bottom edge is fairly worn or faded, this method is not a solution.
We add ruffles
This option is good for a country-style room or a romantic design.
Remember! The fabric for the frills should be in harmony with the material of the curtains. If a contrasting color material is chosen, it should be duplicated in other elements of the curtain.
Adding decor
Using decor is a frequently used option to lengthen a curtain. For this purpose, decorative details, whole or consisting of several small elements (beads, embroidery, etc.), are sewn to the bottom of the canvas. This decor will be good for modern as well as classic interiors.
Frill
Ruffles on curtains look very beautiful, especially on the kitchen window. This method must be approached carefully so as not to disturb the overall appearance of the product. If you have decorated your room in a minimalist style, then you should not lengthen the curtains with flounces and lush ruffles at the bottom. It’s better to create something airy and light:
- It is advisable to select the fabric for frills so that it matches as closely as possible not only in color, but also in texture with the main fabric;
- Ruffles are strips of fabric that can be of different widths;
- In order to lengthen the curtain, we cut straight strips of fabric of the required length, plus for hemming and for stitching with the main fabric. At the same time, the length of the fabric strip should be almost one and a half times longer than the width of the curtain;
- Be aware that for frills made from thin and soft fabric, you need to prepare a longer piece of material than from regular fabric. This is necessary so that the frill can be assembled more tightly to preserve the beautiful appearance of the folds. For a pleated ruffle, you need to cut the length of the fabric three times the length of the stitching section.
Application
There are many other ways to beautifully lengthen short curtains with your own hands: using fabric loops, lambrequins, transverse inserts, etc. You can practice any methods yourself, and your curtains will take on the desired format, and the interior of the room will sparkle in a new way. It is worth noting that if your curtains belong to the category of luxurious and very expensive curtains, you should not try to lengthen them yourself. It is better to give such expensive things to professionals for restoration. You can use any method to lengthen your curtains. The main thing is that you use your imagination and try to do the work carefully. All the methods described above can be used not only in extreme cases when you need to lengthen the curtains. They are also suitable for cases when you just want to change the design of curtains that you already have your eye on. Moreover, a do-it-yourself elongated curtain will always look more elegant and prettier.
What to do if the curtain has a pattern
Let's figure out how to add curtains in length if the curtain has a pattern.
It is not at all easy to solve such a problem due to the originality of the print: good taste and design skills are required.
Experimentation is encouraged in modern designs. Go for it!
This requires design skills that take into account all the nuances.
Increasing length by unpicking
The easiest and most common way to lengthen curtains from the bottom with your own hands. This method does not require serious sewing training and is easily accessible to everyone.
In order to add 5-6 centimeters to the curtains, you just need to open them from the bottom. Suitable if the desired length is a few centimeters short.
As a rule, at the bottom of the curtains, several centimeters are folded into the hem. If you open the bottom seam and carefully finish the edge, and then carefully press the folds, the difference will not be noticeable.
How to make a curtain wide
The filling of curtains is calculated as follows: you need to go to the window and see how much space they will take up on the walls. Constantly curtaining the window will make it difficult to perceive; over time, the curtain will still move onto the wall opening.
Such solutions can add additional zest to the room.
Let's assume the width desired for decoration is 0.5 meters. The optimal filling ratio is 1:3. It comes out to 1.5 meters. This is the required width of the canvas. More is possible, but it’s not worth it: the fabric forms too many gathers when the window is open.
If the curtains are closed only at night, you can fill the curtains with a minimum width. It will be equal to the width of the cornice, plus 20-30 cm.
It is necessary to have an idea of what options for solving the problem already exist, and what nuances must be taken into account during the work process.
What to do when a smaller error is made in calculating the width. There will be ways out.
Important! Be careful when calculating the width of the curtains so that you don’t have to look for options to correct the mistake.
What does curtain tape look like?
Curtain tape is a transparent or white tape of various widths. It is attached to the wrong side of the top of the curtain. In the center the braid has a seal in which ready-made loops are made for hanging the product on hooks. Several cords run parallel to each other along the entire length of the tape.
Interesting materials:
What is frame time? What is higher priority real time or high? What is prohibited during fasting? What does temporary registration at the place of stay mean? What does temporary registration at the place of residence mean? What does the time 09 09 on the clock mean? What does downtime mean? Maternity leave from when? Why do you need summarized working time tracking? Until when to file a tax deduction?
How to increase the width of a curtain
There are so many situations that make it necessary to lengthen the curtains! The good news is that today there are many solutions to this problem. Our specialists will advise you and help you choose the best option that will allow you to increase the length (width) or height of curtains, curtains, drapes, etc.
Here are some of them:
Our specialists work with products made from any materials. You can get advice by phone, on the website or in the studio. In addition, you can use the service of calling a technician to your home.
Materials
8,000 materials from the best factories in the world are on sale. Textile. Leather. Suede leather. Fur.
Designer help
Help from a talented designer in choosing material and style.
Visit of a specialist to your home
A technician will visit your home for free!
Luxury clothing repair
Luxury treatment!
Exclusive tailoring
Sewing exclusive fashionable clothes in the salon or at home!
The width of the curtains is determined at the initial stage of designing the curtains. How to correctly calculate the width of curtains yourself? What are the standards and requirements? Some tips.
Anyone purchasing new curtains is interested in knowing how much fabric is needed for curtains, how it will look with different fillings, and how much fabric for curtains ultimately needs to be purchased. In this article we’ll talk a little about the fabric for your curtain width.
To determine the width for your curtains, it’s a good idea to get an idea of the filling of the fabric in a visual sense and see how it looks on the window, this is the filling.
Methods
Today, many people have the opportunity to turn to professionals for help. To correct your curtains, a specialist will come to your home and discuss the style and color of the product with you, as well as take all measurements. However, not everyone has the opportunity to call a designer to their home or wants to create a masterpiece to decorate a window with their own hands. In this case, this article will help you do your own lengthening of curtains.
It's another matter if the curtains are very short. In this case, you will need to find a way to lengthen the curtains so that they look original and beautiful. The main thing is that the new curtains bring complete harmony to the overall interior design. There are several methods you can use to solve this DIY problem.
Filling the width of curtains
In the photo you can see various filling options. The first filling is curtains with a ratio of 1:1.5, that is, for example, with a curtain rod width of 3 meters, 4.5 meters of fabric will be needed. In the photo you can see that the filling is minimal, the fabric looks very modest. This width of curtains will not allow our eyes to wander.
The middle photo is the width of the curtains with a ratio of 1:2, that is, with the same width of the cornice, 6 meters of fabric will be required, the most optimal and popular filling in curtains.
The last, rightmost content is shown at a ratio of 1:2.5. The richest and most beautiful filling for your curtain width. Without a doubt, one of the best options when choosing to decorate curtains.
In my practice, I very often encountered such moments when, after the minimum filling was chosen, I had to come up with something with the curtains, after the so-called “run-in” in the interior, complement two curtains with a third, add combined curtains, etc.
Therefore, choose in advance, looking at the photo, the curtain filling you need, calculate the size of the curtain rod and the width of the curtains accordingly. Your formula is the width of the cornice multiplied by the selected filling factor.
If you don’t have a curtain rod yet and don’t know what size curtain rod to buy, read the article “measuring curtains” , which will help you do it correctly.
And yet there are exceptions. In what cases is it advisable to have a minimum width of curtains?
In the event that you do not need to curtain curtains, and they will only serve a decorative function and please the eyes of others, you need to calculate the width of the curtains differently.
You can read about what types of decorative curtains there are here.
Width of decorative curtains
In order to calculate the filling of decorative curtains, go to the window and see how much space on the wall your decorative curtains will occupy. Why on the wall, you ask?
What length is considered correct?
Before you start cutting new curtains, decide what effect you want to get from them. For window decoration, it is customary to use the following options:
- Curtains that don't quite reach the floor. The distance between the curtains and the floor covering is 5–6 cm. This option is used most often since the products are not exposed to contamination. It should be borne in mind that they are not suitable for rooms with low ceilings, as they visually make the room lower. These curtains are the most difficult to sew. It is very easy to make mistakes in calculations.
- Curtains to the floor. They visually lengthen the room and make it more solemn. They do not always turn out to be ideal in size due to uneven floors in the room. If the curtains are slouchy, then this oversight will be invisible.
- Curtains reaching to the windowsill. They are usually hung in the kitchen or dining rooms. Errors at the stage of measuring the window length lead to incorrect calculations.
Measure your curtains, they may just seem short to you. If they do not fit the described options, then you can safely take up threads and scissors.
How to solve the problem of short curtains: ways to lengthen them to the required size/height
There are many ways to lengthen, and limiting yourself to a couple of pieces here will not work. You can always find an original version that has not yet been described on the Internet. However, if such a problem exists, then this is generally done.
Beautiful loops will not only make the curtain longer, but will also add originality to the product.
Even a person who has nothing to do with sewing can cope with such work.
The housewife independently decides which processing and extension method to choose, based on her experience, desires and room design.
Please note: if the original canvas has at least a slightly worn, tired look, then it is not advisable to correct its length. And if the fabric looks perfect, you can experiment.
Horizontal inserts
A beautiful and stylish way to make short curtains longer. This method requires accuracy and thorough execution. The best look is provided by horizontal inserts that are not located directly in the middle of the product, but slightly higher or lower. The options also look beautiful when the insert is at the very top or at the very bottom of the curtains or tulle.
You should be very careful when choosing the fabric for the insert. It should have a similar texture or color to the main product or actively resonate with the interior. The cut piece of the horizontal insert should be carefully sewn to the main product and carefully ironed.
From the right choice of insert fabric, the appearance of the curtains and the entire interior can vary greatly, creating lightness and elegance or adding bright accents.
Adding a second piece of canvas
This is one of the simplest methods because it is simply attached from below. To do this, you need to make the correct calculations and process the slices. To do this, it is not at all necessary to look for the same material of the same color, these nuances matter, but you can combine different colors and textures.
The main thing is that it looks harmonious as a whole and in the context of the interior of the room.
The fabric may be identical to the color of the curtains, but inserts made from a different fabric will look much more interesting.
Important! If the curtains consist of two parts, you need to take care of symmetry - make the same measurements and indentations.
Sewing additional fabric
This method is not simple, it is elementary, because a piece of fabric is sewn to the bottom of the curtains. However, in this case, accurate calculations and careful processing of sections are important. The method will appeal to those housewives who do not have the same fabric left, since in this case combinations of different colors and textures are acceptable, but harmony is important.
- Measure the width of the “shrunken” canvas, then the size of the piece that is needed. Add 3 cm to the first value on each side of the new part. Add 3-4 cm to the height - for the seam at the top and for the hem at the bottom.
- The sides and bottom are hemmed, the top edge is sewn by hand or on a machine with a zigzag.
- Both parts are swept away and tried on the cornice. If everything is perfect, they sew it on a machine.
They act in a similar way if you select an insert in the curtains in the middle or closer to the edges. The method with additional fabrics has an advantage, since it allows you to achieve a transformation of even boring curtains with the help of fabrics of other colors. The same texture of the material will help create the impression of integrity of the product.
If you need to lengthen the curtains a couple of centimeters
If you open the bottom seam and iron it properly, you can achieve the desired length, the same can be done if the question arises of how to increase the width of curtains for the living room, for example. In this case, you cannot leave the sections as is. They must be processed, and the ribbon will help with this.
Choose a fabric that matches the color and texture of the curtains.
To do this, you need to attach it to the canvas and align the seams and stitch. After this, fold it over and make a front securing stitch. This element is usually matched to the tone of the main fabric or in contrast (then the loops or insert for the eyelets on top can be made in the same color). You can also make it yourself or purchase it in the sewing department of the store.
Curtains lengthened in this way look very stylish.
How to make ruffles
Ruffles look romantic and light, so they will suit many types of interior, especially the Provence style. To do this, you need to find out the width of the curtain and multiply it by two, and add 10 cm to the height. Then, after processing the edges of the piece, you need to perform the following steps.
You can increase the length of the curtains at the bottom using beautiful ruffles.
- Make a baste with one thread 2 cm from the edge and gather the fabric into a gather of the desired length.
- Attach and baste the ruffles to the bottom of the curtain, departing 4 cm from the cut.
- Sew two parts on a machine, and the seam on the front part can be decorated with lace ribbons if desired.
This option is suitable if you want to fit old curtains into the new romantic interior of the living room or bedroom.
The result is a ruffle, the waves of which are voluminous and stylish.
How to lengthen the tulle from below with your own hands, options, instructions.
Tulle is usually an elegant thin fabric (organza, chiffon, muslin), so it is difficult to lengthen it like curtains. However, skilled craftswomen came up with a solution to this problem. In such cases, it is common to buy long lace of the required size plus four centimeters for processing. It must be basted to the edge of the tulle and then carefully stitched, you will get a designer product worthy of a good interior.
One effective way is to sew lace to the bottom of the tulle.
At the same time, it is important that the lace has something in common, a connecting link with the main thin fabric. Only then will a harmonious and beautiful work emerge.
What can be made from old tulle?
What can be made from old tulle
- Lampshade for a lamp An excellent idea, to implement it you need to take the material, cut a piece of fabric the size of the lampshade, and attach it to the backing with glue, hiding the edges inside. ...
- Mosquito net …
- Pompoms...
- Table napkins
Interesting materials:
Who checks product certificates? Who conducts the occupational safety knowledge test? Who conducts knowledge testing of labor protection requirements? Is it possible to take photographs of inspection materials? Is it possible to disable certificate checking? Is it possible to familiarize myself with the materials of the pre-investigation audit? Is it possible to check the parcel by cash on delivery? Is it possible to check the actual mileage of a car? Which website can I use to check the authenticity of my diploma? Why does the promotion take so long to be reviewed?
Using decorative elements
This is also not a rare decision, because many housewives consider it useful to diversify the decor with fresh new clothes. To do this, various decorative details are sewn onto the lower edge of the tulle; it can be a solid structure or many small ones. Lovers of embroidery and making crafts from beads understand how well they can complement the appearance of a product with white beads and transparent fishing line; this will give it elegance and shine.
This decor is suitable for classic and modern romantic interiors.
The use of decorative tassels is also popular; they are usually attached with one continuous strip along the sides and bottom of the curtain.
Here you can play with colors, match wallpaper or furniture, and also think about their size.
But you shouldn’t rush to try to complement the length with inserts; it looks organic only in some individual situations. After all, the material for tulle is intended to be an independent canvas and self-sufficient. Well, it’s difficult to choose a matching fabric, because this is a special technique of weaving fibers with density and dullness, etc.
Only light, airy fabrics are suitable for decorating tulle.
Eyelets, lambrequin to help
Saving the situation with eyelets is a slightly different option with sewing on an additional strip of fabric, but it is completely justified. This solution looks more natural on tulle curtains, because they require inserts made of denser materials that can withstand the presence of fittings. The combination of various textures in this case is not only necessary, it also looks very impressive. However, the cornices for the grommets must have a circular cross-section. The fabric of the strip must be in harmony with the material of the curtains. The best option is to repeat one of the shades of the main material on the added strip.
Lambrequin camouflage. This option is often recommended when the curtains have shrunk by only a few centimeters, since drapery allows you to visually increase their length. However, it can be a salvation if there is no suitable fabric for stripes, and you don’t have the strength to part with the curtains. In this case, it is possible to sew the missing part of any color to the top of the curtains, because it will be securely hidden behind the lambrequin. But this product requires a special cornice.
- They buy 2 pieces of fabric at once, thick is needed for the product itself, thin - for its lining. Measure the dimensions of the window.
- They choose a model, make a life-size blank - from glued sheets of paper, newspapers, wallpaper, tracing paper.
- The blank is tried on the window, simultaneously marking the center of the future product. Cut out 2 parts - for thick and lining fabric, do not forget to leave allowances (2 cm).
- Sweep the blanks from the inside out, leaving one side free, and check on the window. Then they are sewn on a machine.
There is a way to solve the conundrum of short curtains without resorting to sewing strips. If you hang the curtain rod lower, and slightly raise the one intended for the lambrequin, then the goal will be achieved with little cost.
There are other answers to the question of how to lengthen curtains. For example, by sewing oblique strips of another fabric into the main fabric. However, this option is more demanding, since the material will have to be cut with almost surgical precision.
You can get some useful ideas by watching this video:
Video loading...
How to extend a curtain in length if the curtain has a pattern
Adding a curtain if there is a pattern is often not so easy due to the original nature of the print. This requires design skills that take into account all the nuances.
With the help of simple manipulations you can increase its size in an original way.
Very often, correctly altered curtains look much better than the original.
And it is important to maintain a uniform style, even if the rules described above or one of them are omitted. After all, in modern times experiments and new solutions are welcomed, which cannot be achieved if you follow a familiar path with minimal risk.
Examples of beautiful lengthening of curtains from below, real photos.
One of the successful options is loops made of fabric, preferably the same as the main fabric. Then one gets the feeling that this was how it was originally intended - natural, noble and elegant.
You need to make one pattern and duplicate it on several loops, then stitch them beautifully.
Lambrequins are a non-moving decorative part of curtains, so length-correcting loops can be hidden under them. They can be made from twine, if there are eyelets there initially, or from threads or any other material, the main thing is that they are measured to the correct length and evenly create waves, distance from the floor.
This method looks especially beautiful on curtains made of noble fabrics.
The eyelets themselves often help out owners if they need to correct something in the original plan for sewing or hanging curtains. You can sew a strip with eyelets to the top of the curtain and string it onto a pipe, only before doing this you can choose the right color for beauty. If the colors are not in keeping with the theme, the whole image will turn out unfinished or will even leave the impression of bad taste.
The combination of two such textures looks very impressive - it is a contrast in itself.
Using a lambrequin
If you need to add more than 10 centimeters to the curtains, you can use lambrequin decoration. This method can lengthen curtains by 30–40 centimeters. To do this, you will need a fabric that is harmoniously combined with the main fabric of the curtains. Don’t also forget about the lining, which is required for sewing a lambrequin.
The cut front part of the lambrequin must be combined with the lining part, cut according to the same pattern. Having connected them together , you need to stitch the lambrequin from the wrong side, then turn it inside out and iron it thoroughly. Fold the top edge inside and stitch. Add hooks. It is important to remember that a special cornice is required to attach lambrequins.
Sewing a lambrequin is not the easiest thing, and if your sewing skills are not too high, it is better to contact a special studio.
Conclusion
Housewives often wonder what to do if the curtains are short: the tulle has shrunk after washing or the yardage of fabric purchased at a sewing store has been calculated incorrectly. Therefore, it is necessary to have an idea of what options for solving the problem already exist, and what nuances must be taken into account during the work process in order to clearly adapt the alteration to a specific situation.
The missing centimeters can be added both from below and from above.
Various ruffles, eyelets and lace can help very well - refresh the interior and give it atmosphere and sensuality, and also, with the right approach, reflect the inner world of the owners.
Such attributes can add additional zest to the room.
Looking for a few centimeters
Often, after washing, the minimum distance from the floor is not calculated, although there are more “severe” cases when a rather large piece of fabric disappears into nowhere (somewhere). If housewives are faced with the first problem, then more often complex manipulations are not needed. But this method is not suitable for transparent materials.
This simple method has a “contraindication”: if the curtains have already faded and the difference has become noticeable, then it is better to abandon it. Fabric of different shades, with sharp borders, will not look very nice.
