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How do you professionally hem curtains?

When professionally hemming curtains, it is important to determine the desired length and style of the curtains. Once you have done that, you should measure and mark the fabric accordingly. Before hemming the fabric, make sure to iron it out or use an alternative method to make the fabric easier to work with.

Gently fold over the curtain fabric where you marked the desired length, making sure the fold is approximately 1/4 inch. Attach a pin at the top of the fold as reference; then use a sewing machine, thread, and a length of appropriate ribbons to stitch the hem in place.

To finish the hem, make sure to press the stitched area with an iron, trim the excess thread, and use some hot glue to carefully add the ribbon bottom of the hem. Doing this will create stronger, longer lasting curtains.

How do you shorten curtains that are too long?

If you have curtains that are too long for your space, you can shorten them by either cutting the fabric or hemming the existing fabric. To cut the fabric, first measure how much you would like to shorten the curtains and use a chalk pencil to mark the fabric.

Then use a rotary cutter or fabric scissors to cut the fabric according to your measurements. If you would like to hem the curtains, mark the desired length with a chalk pencil, and pin the fabric at the desired length.

Then use an iron to press up the hem, tucking the extra fabric into the new hem. Finally, use a sewing machine or hand sewing to secure the hem. When possible, it is recommended that you preserve as much of the original hem as possible when hemming.

Can you get curtains shortened?

Yes, you can usually get curtains shortened. This is a relatively straightforward process, though you may need a professional to do it for you. If you’re able to sew and have access to the right materials, you can do it yourself too.

Curtains can be lengthened rather easily since you can just remove the existing hems and extend the fabric. Shortening curtains, however, can be a bit tricky since it involves cutting the fabric rather than just folding, hemming, and stitching.

To shorten curtains yourself, you’ll want to remove the existing hems and fold the fabric over to the desired length. Make sure you measure the material twice to get the exact length you want. Then you’ll hem the material and stitch it up.

If you don’t have a sewing machine, you may be able to have the curtains professionally shortened. This often involves hand stitching, but it may be less time consuming than attempting to do it yourself.

How do you shorten a pair of curtains?

The most common is to simply cut the material and then hem the bottom, making sure to keep the same hem depth throughout. You can also take up just the hems, removing some of the hem length without cutting the fabric.

Additionally, you can cut and reposition the tabs or grommets of the curtains, making sure the tabs are securely fastened in the new holes. And finally, if the curtains have loops or rings to which they are attached, you can remove them and reattach at a higher point on the curtains.

Whichever method you choose, remember to measure and mark carefully so that both curtains match.

What is the hem allowance for curtains?

The hem allowance for curtains is an important consideration when deciding how to create the right window treatments for a room. The hem allowance is the amount of extra fabric that will be used to create the finished length of the curtains.

Typically, the amount of hem allowance is between 1 to 3 inches, although it may need to be adjusted depending on the header type, how much the fabric will be gathered, or the width of the windows. If a person is using ready-made curtains, the hem allowances are usually already set and cannot be adjusted or changed.

However, if curtains are being made from scratch, then the hem allowance should be taken into consideration when cutting out the fabric panels.

Can Ready Made curtains be altered?

Yes, it is possible to alter ready made curtains. Depending on the design and fabric of the curtains, some alterations may be easier to make than others. For instance, if the fabric is relatively thin and lightweight, you may be able to simply use a sewing machine to hem the length and make any other minor adjustments.

However, if the fabric is thicker and heavier, you may need to use a professional seamstress or tailor to make the alterations. Altering ready made curtains can involve more work than just sewing, as you may need to adjust the curtain rods and rings to compensate for any adjustments in length.

It is also important to take into account the curtain fabric: certain fabrics may not be suitable for altering, or may require different techniques. If you are unsure, it is always best to consult with a professional curtain fitter who will be able to advise you.

How can I cut sheer curtains without cutting them?

You can cut sheer curtains without cutting them by gathering more fabric at the top through a process called shirring. The process can be done by either hand-stitching or using a sewing machine to create pleats across the top of the fabric.

First, make a straight line at the desired length of the curtains with a fabric marker or tailor’s chalk. Then, gather the fabric onto a thread by either hand-stitching a running stitch along the top of the fabric or using a sewing machine to make pleats.

Using a strong thread, stitch small pleats into the fabric at even intervals along the length of the marked line. Once you are finished hand-stitching or using a sewing machine to make pleats, you will have created shirred sheer curtains without cutting them!.

Is it OK to put long curtains on short windows?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to put long curtains on short windows. If you want to bring an elegant and stylish look to your space, this is a great way to do it. It can create a dramatic focal point on the wall, while adding height and texture to the room.

It’s important to keep the proportion of the window in mind and choose curtains that are in balance. If you have light curtains on a short window or heavy curtains on a taller window, it can create an imbalance that is not pleasing to the eye.

It may also be necessary to hang the curtains as high as possible to create the illusion of more height or to add a greater sense of grandeur to the space. Additionally, by selecting an appropriate rod length, you can carefully hang the curtains so they pool at the bottom.

This will bring more texture and the illusion of a much larger window.

Should my curtains touch the floor?

The answer to this question depends on your preference and the overall style of your home. In general, it is recommended that curtains should lightly graze the floor, allowing just a few inches of subtle bunching.

This is especially important if you don’t want to cover up the door casing or add visual weight to the room. However, if you are looking to create a dramatic effect in your room, you may want to opt for floor-length curtains that reach all the way to the floor.

This style can make a statement and block maximum light from entering the room. Ultimately, it’s up to you and the look you want to create for your home.

Do tailors hem curtains?

Yes, tailors can hem curtains. Tailoring services often include altering the length of curtains. By requesting a hem, the tailor will measure and cut your curtains to the desired length. They take the extra fabric off the bottom and then sew it up to create a neat, finished edge.

Tailor services usually use an industrial grade sewing machine to sew the hems, which creates a very even and professional-looking finish. Tailored hems can also help enhance the overall look of the curtains, as they provide a more polished and finished appearance.

How long should curtains be from the floor?

It is recommended that curtains hang within 1-2 inches of the floor in order to give off the most appropriate aesthetic. However, the length of curtains for each room may vary slightly depending on the style you want to achieve.

For a modern, clean look, it is recommended that the curtain falls just short of the floor, so that about 1inch of the curtain rod and rings are exposed. This gives a streamlined look and ensures that the look won’t be overly fussy.

In rooms with higher ceilings, it can create a more dramatic and grand look to go floor-length with curtains. To get the proper effect, however, you must get a good fit—the hem should be just skimming the floor, with no excess fabric pooling at the bottom, or the curtains will appear too long and bulky.

For most homes, standard length curtains of 84-96 inches are good fit. If you use a longer length, you can always have them hemmed to the perfect length that you prefer.

How far off floor should curtains be?

The ideal distance of your curtains from the floor largely depends on the specific style of your curtains and the overall look you are trying to achieve. For a contemporary and modern look, the hem of the curtains should just brush the floor, allowing a small gap of 1-2 inches between the floor and the curtain bottom.

If you are going for a more traditional look, with full-length curtains that pool on the floor, the hem of your curtain should be 1–2 inches off the floor. For medium-length curtains that hit just above the windowsill, there should be 3-4 inches between the floor and the bottom of the curtains.

In addition, if you have a radiator in the window, make sure the fabric hangs low enough to keep the fabric from touching the radiator when it’s in use.

How many inches should drapes puddle on the floor?

The ideal length for drapes to puddle on the floor depends on the look you are trying to achieve and the height of your room. Generally, it is recommended that drapes should puddle anywhere from 4-8 inches on the floor for a standard ceiling height of eight feet, but this can vary.

If you want a more dramatic look, you can go for a deeper puddle. It’s not uncommon for drapes to puddle up to 12 inches on the floor for a stronger, more elegant look. However, for rooms with higher than eight-foot ceilings, it’s important to not go too long.

For example, in a ten-foot tall room, the drapes should puddle no more than 6-8 inches on the floor.

Overall, the perfect length for drapes to puddle on the floor overall depends on your preference and the look you are going for. It’s important to not go too long, so it is best to choose a length that isn’t too dramatic or too long but can still add an elegant touch to the room.

How do you make curtains look expensive?

Making curtains look expensive can be done in a few different ways. First, consider using luxurious fabrics like velvet, jacquard, embroidered linen, and silk for your curtains. These materials often look more sophisticated and luxurious.

Additionally, consider adding a lining to your curtains. This will help to add both durability and depth to them, making them look much more expensive. Furthermore, opt for thicker fabrics for your curtains, as this will also give them a more expensive and higher-quality appearance.

In addition, consider adding decorative hardware to your curtains. Finials and tiebacks in unique shapes and materials like brass can instantly upgrade the look of your curtains. Finally, use thick and substantial curtain rods or poles to let the curtains hang even and straight.

Both the style and material you choose can help create the luxe look you’re after.

Should you wash curtains before hemming?

Yes, you should wash curtains before hemming as this will remove any dirt, dust, or odors which may have gathered on them over time. This can affect the fabric’s texture and the hemming process itself, as the fabric may become distorted.

Additionally, laundering curtains will shrink the fabric if necessary, so you can ensure the hem won’t become stretched or sag over time. Washing also allows you to check for any existing damage or wear and tear in the fabric, so you can make any necessary repairs before hemming.

How wide should a drapery hem be?

The ideal width for a drapery hem depends on a few factors. Generally, the hem width should be between 4-6 inches, but this could vary based on the weight of the curtains, the type of fabric, and the look you want to achieve.

Lighter fabrics require a narrower hem width to ensure that the fabric doesn’t droop or pucker, while heavier fabrics can tolerate a wider hem width. This can help create a more tailored look, and makes it easier to work with heavier fabrics.

At the same time, some designers also prefer a very narrow hem, as it can create a crisp, modern look. In this case, hem widths often range between 2-4 inches.

When it comes to determining the right hem width for your drapery, it’s best to consider the fabric weight and the look you’re trying to achieve. You can also talk to a professional drapery installer or designer to help find the right size for your curtains.

How many inches of fabric should you add to the finished length of a curtain to account for the heading and hem?

When creating curtains, it is important to account for the fabric needed to allow proper length for the hems and headings. Generally, you should add a total of 8-10 inches to the finished length of a curtain to account for the heading and hem.

Specifically, the heading should be 2-4 inches and the hems should be 4-6 inches depending on the fabric weight, heading style, and the fullness you desire. For example, if you want to create curtains that are 50 inches in length, you should purchase fabric that is 58-60 inches in length.

This will allow for the hems and headings to be properly accounted for.