Yes, you can use hemming tape on lined curtains. Hemming tape is a double-sided, adhesive fabric tape that can be used to secure hems without the use of a needle and thread. It is designed to bond fabric seams, allowing you to add a finished and professional look to your curtains.
To use the tape, simply apply the adhesive side to the back of the fabric, then fold and press the hem. The tape will secure the fabric in place on both sides. It should be noted, however, that hemming tape is not as durable as sewing, so it should be used sparingly on lined curtains.
Can you shorten curtains without sewing?
Yes, you can shorten curtains without sewing. You can use a variety of methods that make it easy to shorten curtains without the need for a needle and thread. One of the easiest ways to shorten curtains is to use a method called ‘hem folding.
‘ To do this, simply place the curtain on a flat surface then fold over the bottom edge so that it meets the desired length. Next, use a piece of thin fabric (often called ‘interfacing’) to affix the hem in place on the back of the curtain, then simply iron it to secure the fabric.
Some people choose to use fabric glue instead of interfacing, but always make sure to double-side the fold for better support and to prevent it from unraveling. If you want to make your curtains look even more professional, you can use an iron-on hem tape to permanently secure the base of the curtains.
Finally, when you’re finished, remember to take the curtains down and hang them back up on the rod. With a little bit of effort, you can easily shorten curtains without needing any sewing.
What’s the way to hem curtains?
Hemming curtains is one of the most common DIY sewing tasks. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a professional look.
Preparing the fabric:
Before starting on the hem, clean, press and iron the pieces you will be working with. Ensure that you have the exact measurements you want and allow for some extra fabric to make the hem.
Creating your hem:
An easy way of hemming curtains is a double-fold hem. This is where the raw edges of your fabric are first folded inwards and then pressed and ironed before folding them again and pressing and ironing once more.
You should repeat this process until you have reached the required width of your hem.
Marking the desired length:
Using a tailors chalk, marker or fabric pen, mark the bottom of your curtain, allowing for the length of the hem and keeping in mind that you will want it to hang an inch or two at floor level.
Sewing the hem:
You can either hand or machine stitch your line, whichever you are more comfortable with, ensuring that you back stitch at the beginning and end of the line. Please note that machine stitching will provide a stronger, more professional finish.
Finishing touches:
Finally, press and iron your hem. If hand stitching, a line of topstitching around the bottom edge looks neat and tidy and also provides a little extra security if you are worried about the hem coming out of the curtains.
Does hem tape work on all fabrics?
No, hem tape does not work on all fabrics. Hem tape is typically made from either a strong adhesive material or an adhesive-backed fabric tape, and while it can work with some fabrics, it is typically not suitable for all fabric types.
Generally, hem tape works best on light to medium weight fabrics, such as cotton and polyester blends. Heavier fabrics, like denim and canvas, can be difficult to adhere to with hem tape. Natural fabrics like silk, wool, and suede are not suitable for hem tape, as the adhesive could damage or discolor them.
In these cases, it’s best to use a needle and thread to secure the hem in place.
Does hemming tape last?
Yes, hemming tape can last quite a long time. It is designed to be durable and long-lasting, and if properly applied it can last for years. The adhesive used in hemming tape is very strong, helping it to adhere to your fabric and stay in place for a prolonged period.
Additionally, hemming tape is typically made from a variety of fabrics that have been treated with chemicals to increase durability and protect against stains and water damage. With proper care and storage, hemming tape can last for a very long time.
What kind of tape works on fabric?
Fabric tape, also known as iron-on hem tape, is an effective and popular choice for attaching fabric. This transparent double-sided adhesive is activated with a hot iron and a cloth barrier, making it easy to adhere the fabric without the risk of scorching or damage.
Iron-on hem tape is available in varying widths and lengths, so it can be used for a wide variety of projects like mending hems, hemming pants, attaching trims, and more. It’s important to note that some fabrics, such as synthetic fabrics, may require special types of fabric tape to ensure a better adhesive bond.
Other types of tape, such as fabric glue, double-sided adhesive craft tape, and temporary hem tape can also be used depending on the project.
Does hemming tape come off in the wash?
Yes, hemming tape can come off in the wash. However, this is usually due to incorrect usage or improper handling of the tape before it gets washed. Hemming tape is applied by ironing it onto fabric, and if the iron is too hot or it is not applied properly, it can come off during the washing process.
Additionally, if the washing instructions on the fabric label indicate to use cold water washes or to hang dry the item, the tape may still come off when washing the garment. To avoid this happening, it is important to be sure to read the washing instructions of the fabric, and to set the ironing temperature correctly when applying the hemming tape.
What tape sticks to polyester?
Tape that is designed to stick to polyester materials must have an adhesive that can adhere to the synthetic material. Generally, double-sided tape and adhesive tape with a PE foam liner are the best options.
Both of these types of tapes come in varying degrees of strength, so you may need to experiment with different options until you find tape that is right for your purpose. Consider using foam DIY craft-tape, industrial foam-based double sided adhesive tapes, or vinyl tape as they all can be used to securely stick to polyester materials.
Test a small area first to make sure that the tapes do not cause discoloration or damage to the polyester fabric. Additionally, when you remove the tape it may leave a sticky residue which should be removed with a dry cloth or with a mixture of soap and water.
How do you shorten store bought curtains?
The best way to shorten store bought curtains is to remove the rods or rings and unfasten the tops of the curtains. Then, place them on a flat surface. Measure up the length you need and make a mark.
Using scissors or a rotary cutter, cut off the excess fabric. If the fabric has a design, be sure to line up the design before cutting. Once you have the desired length, sew the edges of the curtains together using a sewing machine or by hand.
Then, finish by reattaching the rods or rings to the tops of the curtains, and hang them up in their new spot.
How can I make my curtains smaller without hemming?
If you’re looking to make your curtains smaller without hemming, there are several options available. One option is to use clip rings or pinch pleat rings which will help to reduce the overall size of the curtain while still allowing you to hang it in the regular way.
Another option is to use a method called reverse hemming, which involves folding the top of the curtain inward and stitching along the edge to create a smaller curtain. This can be done by hand sewing or with a sewing machine.
Finally, you can use a device called a curtain rod clip which attaches to the wall and allows you to hang the curtain at a lower height, thus reducing its overall size.
What can you do if your curtains are too long?
If your curtains are too long, there are several possible solutions. The first is to hem them to the desired length, although this may require some sewing skills. Alternatively, you can tie the excess fabric up to the curtain rod, which will add a unique look to the window.
Another solution is to use rings or hooks to hang the extra fabric, allowing it to hang to the sides of the window in an elegant drape. If the excess fabric is really long, you can also use drapery pins to “pin” fabric up to the wall or window trim.
Finally, you can always take your curtains to a professional tailor or seamstress to hem them and make them the correct length.
How can I temporarily shorten a shirt?
To temporarily shorten a shirt, you will need to make a few folds or pleats around the bottom hem of the shirt. Begin by turning the shirt inside out and finding the bottom hem. Once you have located the bottom hem, make a fold or pleat of fabric and hold in place with a few pieces of tape.
You can then repeat this step as many times as needed to achieve the desired length. After you have the folded pleats in place, simply turn the shirt back to the right side and press down to hold each pleat in place.
This will give you a temporary, shortened shirt without having to make any permanent changes.
How deep should the hem of a curtain be?
The proper depth of a curtain hem varies depending on a few different factors, such as the style of the curtain panel and fabric choice. Generally, lighter and shorter panels should have shorter hems, while heavier and longer panels should have deeper hems for more structure.
For an appropriate length, a 48” panel should have a hem of 4-6”, while a 84” panel should have a hem of 6-8”. Any hems that are too shallow can cause the fabric to look sloppy, while hems that are too deep can make the fabric seem heavy and block light from entering the room.
A rule of thumb is to remember that the larger the window and the heavier the fabric, the deeper the hem should be. Ultimately, when determining the hem depth, the style of the panel, the size of the window, and the type of fabric should all be taken into account.
Should you wash curtains before hemming?
It is generally recommended to wash curtains before hemming. Washing the curtains beforehand will allow them to shrink and dry to the desired size, eliminating the need for extra hemming. Additionally, it will help to remove any dirt, dust, and/or dirt particles that may have built up over time, which would likely cause problems when hemming the curtains.
Washing the curtains will also help to ensure the fabric is free from any potential staining or wear, thus ensuring the hem looks its best. Finally, pre-washing allows you to work with a clean, fresh fabric, which is the best possible material to work with when hemming curtains.
Do curtains have to touch the floor?
No, there is no hard and fast rule that curtains must touch the floor. In fact, the length of curtains is a personal preference and often depends on the look the homeowner is aiming for. If the curtains are slightly above the floor, it can give the space a lighter, airier feel, which is often desirable in more modern or contemporary designs.
On the other hand, letting curtains puddle on the floor can lend a more formal and elegant look to the space. Ultimately, it is up to the homeowner to decide the length that best suits their home décor and desired look.
Where should curtains fall?
The ideal length of curtains depends on the height of your window, the placement of your furniture, and the type of curtains you are using. If you have a high window, then curtains should typically hit about 12 inches above the sill (about 15 for patio doors).
If you have a lower window, then the curtains should just graze the floor and should not puddle. If you plan to hang curtains higher than the window, consider if your furniture is close to the window and adjust the length of curtain accordingly.
If you are using a light-weight curtain, then there should usually be a more generous length so that it can fall in soft folds. On the other hand, heavier curtains should have less additional length to hold their shape.
Ultimately, you should use your own design preferences and how you want your curtains to look to determine the length of your curtains.
How long should curtains be off the floor?
The optimal amount of length for curtains depends on the height of the ceiling and the size of the window. Generally, curtains should be hung so that they just graze or almost touch the floor. This will give the room a more polished and finished look.
If the window is close to the ceiling, then the curtains can be hung about an inch or two off the floor since it won’t be visible from the ground. If your ceiling height is taller than average, then the curtains could be hung higher off the floor, around four inches to make the room look taller — this is especially effective in a tall living room with 10-foot ceilings.
Regardless of the style and pattern of the fabric, the length of the curtains should be consistent. In other words, make sure to have an even pool of fabric on the floor for a more balanced look.