If you have long curtains that are too long and don’t want to shorten them by cutting them, there are a few options you can explore.
One way to shorten the curtains is to simply fold them. If they are hung on curtains rings, try folding the excess material up and onto the top of the rings. This will provide a “finished” look, but may create a lot of bulk on the top of the curtains.
Another way to shorten long curtains without cutting them is to use a fabric tape or hemming tape. Place the hemming tape between the top of the long curtains and the curtain rod and press the tape firmly in place.
This will hold the excess material above the rod. It’s important to use a fabric tape or hemming tape made for curtains, as other types may damage the fabric.
You can also sew a blind-stitch or a double-folded hem to shorten the curtains. Both of these methods will require some hand-sewing, and will give a professional finish to the curtains.
No matter the method you choose, avoid using pins to hold the excess material in place, as they can damage the fabric and create pinholes.
How do you fix curtains that are too long without sewing?
If you have curtains that are too long, there are a few ways to fix them without having to use a sewing machine.
One way is to use fabric adhesive. Use the adhesive to hem a couple of inches of the curtain to the back side, then cut off the excess fabric. This will give the illusion of the curtain being stitched and hemmed, without the need for a sewing machine.
Another option is to use a fabric-bonding product designed specifically for curtains, such as Heat n’ Bond or Iron-On Hem Tape. These products come with instructions, so all you have to do is follow the instructions and press with an iron, like you would to apply a patch on clothing.
If you don’t have access to a proper adhesive, you can use fusible webbing tape. Measure and cut the excess fabric and then place the tape on to the back side of the extra material. Then, use a hot iron to iron the tape and stick it together.
This will effectively attach the extra fabric to the back of the curtains, allowing you to then trim off the extra fabric to your desired length.
Alternately, you can use a hand-sewing technique to hem the curtains, instead of using a sewing machine. This method is also known as “blind stitching. ” All you need is a needle and a specialized kind of thread (sometimes called Invisible Thread) to create a nearly invisible hem.
This type of stitch creates a less rigid looking finished product than if you used a sewing machine and regular thread.
What is the easiest way to shorten curtains?
The easiest way to shorten curtains is to use fabric scissors to cut them to the desired length. First, measure the drop length of the curtains and the width of the rod they will be hung on. Next, measure from the top of the curtains down to the specified drop length.
Once measured, unfold the curtain and mark with a pencil where the cut should occur. Lastly, with fabric scissors, cut along the line marked by the pencil. This will shorten the curtains to the desired length.
After cutting, hem the edges as needed to give them a clean, finished look.
Is it OK for curtains to be too long?
Yes, it is absolutely okay for curtains to be too long. In fact, this can create a beautiful cascading effect in your room, as long curtains can often look more luxurious than curtains that are too short.
Additionally, if your curtains are too long you can always have them altered to better fit your space. However, before altering them, make sure to measure them properly, as the alteration process can be costly.
Should long curtains touch the floor?
Generally speaking, it is recommended that curtains should touch the floor for the most aesthetically pleasing look. However, depending on your interior design style, there are times when it may not be necessary for the curtains to reach the floor.
For instance, if you have opted for a more contemporary look, having curtains that are slightly shorter than the floor length can provide a modern and stylish look. Similarly, if you have chosen to use a patio door which already has an interesting pattern or decorative feature, you can opt to hang the curtains just below the sill or door trim.
This will prevent the curtains from covering the natural beauty of your patio door and also create a more spacious look.
If you are looking for more of a classic and traditional look, having the curtains touch the floor will help to create a timeless look. It can also make the room appear more spacious and elegant. In this case, it is recommended to choose a heavier fabric for the curtains to ensure that they hang well and remain on the floor.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to have long curtains that touch the floor is entirely up to your personal preference and interior design style.
Are puddled drapes out of style?
Puddled drapes, which are drapes and fabrics with extra fabric that pools at the bottom, had a big moment in home decor as recently as the mid-2000s. Since then, these statement curtains have seen a decline in popularity.
However, it would be an oversimplification to say that puddled drapes are “out of style. ” While more modern and minimalist drapery has become more popular for contemporary homes since the mid-2010s, there is still a place for puddled drapes in home decor.
Puddled drapes can add luxury and texture to a space, giving it a glamorous and dramatic feel. They can be especially perfect for larger windows, where they can make a bold statement and draw attention to the fullness of the window treatment.
Furthermore, they can be great for creating a cozy nook in any room and can add a sense of grandeur to a formal living or dining room.
At the end of the day, it depends on your personal tastes and desired look for your space. If you prefer a more classic and sophisticated look, puddled drapes may be just the perfect option for you.
How much longer should curtains be than window?
Generally, curtains should be several inches longer than the window they are covering. This will allow the curtains to drape nicely along the window and have the desired effect. Different styles of curtains may require different lengths, but the general rule of thumb is to have a curtain that is 6-12 inches longer than the window it is covering.
For example, a curtain intended to drape across a 48-inch window sill should be 54-60 inches long. Additionally, curtains that are too short can give the illusion of a window being smaller than it actually is, so make sure to leave enough length for the desired effect.
Are short or long curtains better?
The type of curtains that are best for a particular space will depend on several factors, such as the size of the windows, the amount of sunlight you want to let in, the style of the room, the desired privacy, and the overall décor of the space.
Short curtains are great for rooms that are small and cozy, as they can help to make the windows look wider and make the space feel larger. Also, they don’t fully block out light and offer barely enough privacy, so they’re ideal for sunrooms and bedrooms.
On the other hand, long curtains are optimal for large windows and living rooms, because they create a strong visual statement, make the window look taller, and offer more privacy. These heavier curtains are able to block out the light more effectively and can be layered with another type of curtain to create multiple levels of privacy.
Finding the right balance between short and long curtains will depend on the overall needs of the particular space. If you’re still unsure, it’s always best to consult a professional interior designer for advice to find the best window treatments for your home.
What is the rule for curtain length?
The length of curtains is typically determined by three factors: the style of the window, the purpose of the curtains, and personal preference.
For windows that are located in the center of the wall, the curtains should generally extend to the windowsill or two inches above it. For windows on the side of the wall, the curtains should generally extend four to six inches above the top of the window frame.
When choosing curtains for purely decorative purposes, the length is largely up to personal preference. In this case, the curtains may extend to the floor, a few inches above the floor, the windowsill, or even shorter.
When choosing curtains for a functional purpose, such as providing privacy or light blocking, it is generally recommended to choose curtains that extend at least three inches below the window sill, so that enough of the window is covered, while still allowing natural light to enter the room.
Where should curtains fall?
Curtains should usually fall a few inches above the window sill or delicate molding. If it is a tall window or the ceiling is high, the curtains should fall at the ceiling line or a few inches above the windows.
If you are using drapes that touch the floor, they should fall approximately 1/2 inch below the sill. It is important to have the proper scale and proportion when hanging curtains. For example, if the room is quite large, the curtains should be hung higher so they look in balance with the room.
Also, ensure the top edge of your curtains aligns with the top of window frames or wide trim, if desired.
What size curtains do I need for a 36 inch window?
For a 36 inch window, the best size curtains to use are a pair of curtains that are at least one and a half times the width of the window. So, the size curtains you will need for this window would be 54 inches wide.
If you want to add a bit of overlap to the curtains, then you could consider curtains that are two times the width of the window or 72 inches wide. Ultimately, the size curtains for a 36 inch window will depend on your personal preference and the overall look that you’re trying to achieve in your space.
Do you need 2 curtain panels per window?
The number of curtain panels you need per window depends on a few factors, such as the size of the window, the type of curtains and fabric you are using, and whether you are using a single curtain rod or a double curtain rod.
Generally, for a single window, you will need two (2) curtain panels, however, if you are using a double curtain rod, you may need more. For example, if you have a large window and would like to use a sheer panel underneath and a thicker, more substantial panel on top, you would need a total of four (4) curtain panels – two (2) for the sheer curtains and two (2) for the heavier curtains.
Alternatively, if you are using a single curtain rod and would like to hang two (2) curtains in the same window, you will need four (4) panels – two (2) for each side.
How high should you hang curtains?
The optimal height at which to hang curtains will depend on the size and purpose of the windows. If they are small windows, they should be hung approximately four inches above the window frame. If the windows are large, they should be hung at least 6 inches above the window frame or higher if desired.
The height of hanging curtains will also depend on the type of drapery rod used. If you are using a tension rod that goes directly above the window frame, the curtains should be hung at roughly the same height.
Also, if the curtains are functioning as a decorative element they may need to be hung higher to make the room look larger or be on display. Ultimately, the correct height for hanging curtains is a matter of personal preference.
How far should a curtain rod extend past window?
The general rule of thumb for curtain rod placement is that the curtain rod should extend at least four to six inches past either side of the window frame. This will ensure that when the curtains are closed, they will fall far enough outside the window frame that they cover the entirety of the window, blocking out any light coming in from outside.
Additionally, having enough of the rod sticking out will add a more visually appealing aesthetic to the whole look.
It is important to note that the rule of four to six inches past either side of the window frame should mainly be taken into consideration when the curtains are meant to block out light from outside.
In other words, in cases where the curtains are simply decorative and not meant to be closed for any type of light blocking purpose, the rules for curtain rods may be more relaxed. The only other factor to consider in those cases would be making sure the rod extends far enough out on either side for a balanced look.
What do I do if my curtains are too long?
If your curtains are too long, there are a few things you can do. The easiest solution is to use a pair of scissors to trim the curtains to the desired length. Make sure to plan the cut before you begin.
You may also want to consider investing in a good pair of fabric shears for this project, as this will provide a cleaner, more professional look to the finished product. If you prefer, you can also use a quick stitch upholstery foot for your sewing machine to hem the curtains.
This will give the curtains a crisp, clean edge. To ensure a good result, you should use the same or a similar color of thread as the curtains. Finally, you can also use a fabric hemming tape, which provides a no-sew option.
Follow the instructions on the package for best result.
How do you shorten store bought curtains?
Shopping for curtains at the store can be a great way to give your space a quick refresh, but there are some considerations to keep in mind, especially when it comes to curtain length. If you have a hard time finding curtains that match your specific window size, there’s an easy way to shorten them even further.
First, measure the length of your window and determine how much shorter the curtains should be. This will depend on the look you want, the proportion of the room, and the size of your window. Once you have determined the desired length, you should take your curtains to a seamstress, who can hem them to the right measurements.
If you don’t have a seamstress available, you can also do this at home.
To shorten store bought curtains, you’ll need a pair of scissors, an iron and ironing board, and some curtain weights. You’ll also need some thread to match the fabric, or a strong neutral fabric you can use for the hem.
Start by turning up the hem and pressing it so that it’s flat. Next, place the curtain weights at the corners of the hem to better hold the shape. At this point, you can use a ruler to measure and mark the hem at the desired length.
Then, cut off the extra fabric and finish the edges. Finally, press the hem one last time and hand-stitch it in place.
Once you’ve finished, your curtains should fit perfectly and look like they were made just for your window. With this quick and easy adjustment, you’ll have a look that’s customized to the proportions of your home.
Does hemming tape work on curtains?
Yes, hemming tape can work on curtains. This kind of adhesive tape can be used to hold the hems in place on the curtains, while providing a neat finish without the need to sew. Using hemming tape is easy, simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Cut a strip of the hemming tape to the desired length and place it along the top of the curtain’s hem.
Step 2: Gently press the hemming tape onto the hem of the curtain.
Step 3: Pull the upper layer of the hemming tape to expose the adhesive side of the tape.
Step 4: Gently press the exposed adhesive part onto the material of the curtain.
Step 5: Allow the hemming tape to dry for an hour before trimming away any excess edges.
The advantage of using hemming tape is that it creates an invisible hold and finish, so the curtains will look neat and stylish. It’s a great option for those who don’t have time to sew, or for small curtains that are too small for a sewing machine.
Is hemming tape any good?
Hemming tape is a very useful and convenient product for doing quick and easy hems. It is easy to use and can hold a hem securely for a long time. Hemming tape is made from special adhesive and fabric and is much stronger than fabric glue.
It typically comes in rolls or precut pieces that are applied to the edges of the fabric for hemming. It can be used on many different fabric types such as silk, wool, cotton, denim, and even delicate fabrics such as chiffon or organza.
It is also an ideal product for a quick alteration because it is fast to apply and it does not leave any messy residue or staining. Hemming tape can help make garments look perfectly tailored and can even help to keep original hemlines in place and keep fabrics from fraying.
Overall, hemming tape can be a great product to use whenever you need to make alteration hems, particularly if you’re looking for a quick, easy and effective way to do it.
Can you use double sided tape on curtains?
Yes, you can use double sided tape on curtains. When using double sided tape, make sure to measure accurately so the curtains hang properly, and to choose a tape that is designed to stick well to the fabric of your curtains.
Additionally, you will want to consider what type of adhesive is best suited for your curtains. Certain adhesives may be too strong for lightweight materials and may cause discoloration or other damage.
Additionally, you may want to keep the tape away from areas of the curtain that will have high friction such as the inner hems. Make sure all parts are clean before applying the tape, so dirt and dust don’t interfere with the adhesive.
Lastly, consider how much weight is on the curtains and what adhesive will be able to bear that weight.
How does fabric fusing tape work?
Fabric fusing tape, or iron-on adhesive, is a type of adhesive that is used to bond two pieces of fabric together without the need for thread or stitching. It has a heat-activated adhesive on one side, with a paper backing on the other side which provides protection and makes the adhesive easier to work with.
To use this tape, you first need to pre-heat your iron to the top temperature setting, or to the temperature indicated on the product packaging. Once the iron is ready, you then need to place the tape, adhesive side down, in between the two pieces of fabric that you wish to bond together.
Next, place a damp cloth over the tape and press the hot iron firmly onto the cloth. The heat will activate the adhesive and bond the two pieces of fabric together. To ensure that the bond is secure, you should press the iron firmly for 10-15 seconds.
Once you are finished, you can then remove the tape and admire your work. Fabric fusing tape is a great alternative to traditional stitching, and is a super simple way of attaching patches or mending a garment.