Curtains Too Long? Don't Panic. How to Hem Them (Even If You Can't Sew)
You did it. You found the perfect curtains. The color is right, the fabric is dreamy... but when you hang them up, they're pooling on the floor like a sad puddle.
Don't pack them up for a return just yet. Hemming curtains sounds like a big, scary project, but it's surprisingly easy. And no, you don't need a sewing machine or the skills of a master tailor. I'm going to show you how to get that perfect, floor-kissing length with a super simple, no-sew trick.
Hold On! Do This First.
Before you do any cutting or ironing, hang the curtains up and leave them for a day. I know, you want to fix it now. But fabrics can stretch and settle once they're hanging. Letting them chill for 24 hours ensures you get the actual final length right.
Step 1: Pin It to Win It
With your curtains hanging, grab a handful of straight pins.
Fold the bottom of the curtain up to where you want it to end. That perfect "kiss" the floor length is usually the goal.
Use the pins to hold the fold in place. Don't be shy with the pins—use one every few inches to get a straight line.
Step back. Look at it from across the room. Is it straight? Is it perfect? Adjust until you're happy.
Now you can take the curtains down.
Step 2: The Easiest Way to Hem (No Sewing Required)
We're going to use something called fusible bonding tape. It's basically iron-on glue for fabric, and it's magic. You can find it at any craft store or online (look for "Stitch Witchery" or "fusible hem tape").
Prep the Fold: Lay your pinned curtain on the floor. Unpin it, and fold the bottom edge up by about 1 inch and press it flat with a hot iron. Then, fold it up again to your desired hem line (usually another 3 inches) and press that flat, too. This double fold is what makes it look professional.
Cut Your Tape: Cut a strip of the fusible tape the same width as your curtain panel.
Tuck and Iron: Tuck the tape strip inside the larger fold you just made.
The Magic Part: Place a damp cloth over the hem area (this prevents scorching). Press your hot iron down firmly for about 15 seconds. Don't slide the iron; just press, lift, and move to the next section. Work your way across the entire hem.
Let it cool down completely, and you're done. You just hemmed your curtains without a single stitch. Hang them back up and pour yourself a drink—you've earned it.
