Updated at: 24-06-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Fixing drapes that are overly long is an easy task. Hemming is one option, but it’s not the only one.

How many times have you bought a curtain that was too long?

If you don’t know how to shorten it, you’re more likely to just chop it off.

There are a slew of options for adjusting the curtain’s length.

Let’s do the same for your curtain as I did for mine.

My trepidation about hanging lengthy curtains was quickly replaced by excitement after discovering a variety of solutions.

You’d better get ready because I’m going to tell you how to do them.

Ways To Fix Long Curtains

The cost of curtains might be prohibitive, especially if you have them custom made.

Does It Matter if Curtains Are Too Long? (And How to Shorten Them)

But if you have a little sewing experience, it might save you a lot of money.

So, what is the best way to shorten long curtains?

These straightforward methods are sure to wow on all levels.

Method #1. Using Curtain Clips

Curtain clips, which attach to hooks or rings, can be used to shorten your drapes.

The alligator clips on these curtain clips can be long or short, depending on your preference.

The curtains will appear more pleated if you use additional clips.

Even so, you can save money by using nine clips instead of ten.

Method #2. Hem

Hemming a long curtain is another option for repairing it.

For those who don’t know, the folded fabric at the bottom of a curtain is called a hem.

Two methods exist for hemming a curtain.

Sewing and non-sewing methods are included in this:

No-sew hem

Those who don’t know how to sew or don’t have the time can use no-sew hems.

If you have a stick-on iron tape, you’ll be all set.

Purchase one from a department shop near you, or order one online.

Fabrics with high heat resistance will be required for these stick-on solutions.

This procedure doesn’t apply to some materials because they aren’t designed to hold heating components.

There is nothing more to it than figuring out how long you would like the curtain to be. Fold it in half to determine the fabric’s hem.

Attach strips of stick-on tape by folding the excess in half. In other cases, the tape is paper-backed with an adhesive layer.

You’ll adhere the strips to the paper and then peel it off.

To prevent snagging, properly join the folded hem before sewing.

In order to ensure that the tape adheres, carefully iron the folded hems.

Advantages:
  • Utilization is a breeze.
  • Cleanse up your look
  • No need to stitch
Disadvantages:
  • Removing the mess is a pain.
  • Costly
  • Shower curtains should be avoided if possible.

Sewn hem

Sewing the hems on lengthy drapes is another option.

You have the option of stitching it by hand or by machine.

Creative Ways to Shorten Long Curtains | Hunker

To begin, measure the length of the curtain you want to build.

Make two folds in the edges. Pin the fabric into place using safety pins.

In order to avoid damaging the fabric, keep your pins about a half-inch away from the edges of the board.

To make room for future sewing projects.

Sew the hem from end to end if you’re using a sewing machine.

To ensure a clean finish, sew it an eighth of an inch from the fold’s edge.

Sewing by hand is an option if you don’t have access to a sewing machine.

You only need to know the basics of sewing.

Either backstitch or bast are viable options.

Once you’ve learned these basic stitches, you can use them in a variety of projects.

Advantages:
  • As a long-term solution
  • Not easily ripped
  • Durable
Disadvantages:
  • Distinctly less tidy than iron-on tape.
  • Time-consuming

Make a rod pocket

Adding a header or a rod pocket can also help reduce a lengthy curtain.

This will help you slip the rod into place.

Adding a second rod pocket allows you to hang the curtain with a rod in a different way.

Pin the curtain in place using sewing pins after folding it down twice from the top.

You have the option of sewing it by hand, sewing it on with a sewing machine, or using the stick-on iron method previously described.

My Experience

Because I have a small sewing machine at home, I’ve enjoyed making alterations to my curtains.

According to my experience, sewed hems worked best for me because I have a sewing machine, so why not?

I had to trim most of my curtains since they are longer than they should be.

I can now make my curtain hems to my heart’s content.

So, give the suggestions I’ve provided a shot and report back to let me know how it goes.

Creative Ways to Shorten Long Curtains

Depending on the fabric and the amount of excess, long drapes can either pool beautifully on the floor or hang sloppily like a too long pair of slacks. A radiator, headboard, window seat, or counter may limit the length of time your curtains can be hung, depending on their placement. The length of your curtains from the floor can often be changed without having to use the sewing machine.

Tieback and Blouse

Long curtains can benefit from a slight lift provided by the tiebacks’ placement. You may pull up the curtain fabric all around it by mounting one to the wall behind each panel instead of beside them. Blouse it neatly to shorten the length of the curtain and give it an attractive appearance. Using clear monofilament or string, dangling the ends to the desired tieback height, above each fixed panel, is an alternative for fixed panels. To finish the look, tie the string ends together at the proper height and wrap one end around the panel.

A Little Off the Top

Make grommet-hung curtains from tab-top or tie-style curtains to reduce their length by at least a few inches. The knots and/or tabs should be cut off. Iron fusible header or grommet web or tape along the top to stiffen the back header region, or fold and hem them to the desired extent using fusible thread or fabric glue for no-sew ease. Use a needle and thread or a lightweight fusible web product to change delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon before adhering them; consult to the label for advice and instruction if necessary. Grommets not only add a modern touch, but they also eliminate the need for sewing by simply snapping into place around the holes.

Shorten as Pleats or Scarves

Using pleating tape, shorten ring-hung or tab-style curtains by transforming them into pleated drapery. Alternatively, you can use decorative clips or buttons along the header to bring up extra material. Another creative technique to deal with excessive length is to turn long, lightweight window treatments into scarves or drape them over a curtain rod.

Raise the Rod

If you have enough wall space, you can simply raise the curtain rod to make them shorter. In order to maximize natural light and the view, you may want to lengthen the rod width-wise while you’re preparing to complete this task. To raise a window topper, use the rod-raising technique. Even though the hem of the topper is supposed to conceal the upper frame, the window below should still be visible.

Drapes & Curtains | Tab Top Linen Curtain Panel

Tier Up

As long as the cloth is thick enough to hide glue marks or withstand the heat of the iron, fusible tape and an iron or fabric adhesive are useful needle-and-thread alternatives for constructing curtain tiers. Fold the cloth horizontally in tape-width portions every foot or so to raise the fabric a little. Gather and form poufs from the header to the hem to decrease the length and achieve a shabby-chic look. It’s also possible to use ornamental buttons to hold the hem up and create an effect similar to that of a reverse pouf.

Conclusion

You could save money if you know how to mend drapes that are overly long rather than hiring a professional.

You only need a rudimentary understanding of what you need to know.

You’ll not only save money, but you’ll also have a good time.