Hacks For Curtains That Are Too Long:
If your curtains are too long, you can use a few hacks to make them work. First, try folding or pleating the excess fabric at the top of the curtains; this will give the illusion of shorter curtains and can be a quick and easy fix.
Going further, you can hem the curtains to the desired length. However, it could be a bit more time-consuming but will give you a more tailored look.
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8 Simple Hacks For Curtains That Are Too Long
Here are the simple hacks for curtains that are too long:
- Form a valance
- Fold the Hem Inwards
- Tieback and Blouse
- Move the Curtain Rod Higher
- Shrink the Curtains
- Choose the Exact Curtain Length
- Trim the Hem
- Use Curtain Clips
1. Form a valance
Valances are a great way to add a touch of style and sophistication to any room. You can use them to dress up a plain window or to add a bit of color and pattern to a room. Valances are also a great way to add privacy to a room by blocking out sunlight.
There are many different ways to make a valance. You can purchase a ready-made valance from a store or make your valance using fabric and a sewing machine. If you are unfamiliar with sewing, you can also create a valance using no-sew methods.
In essence, a valance is a decorative cloth that covers the top portion of curtains and enhances their appearance. You can make it as complex or as straightforward as you like, and you may make a valance by simply draping extra fabric over the curtain rod after pulling it up.
You can make a valance by collecting the fabric and stitching it into swaying pleats, but it might not withstand vigorous movements.
Alternatively, if you want to lessen the length from above without cutting the fabric, you can have a skilled seamstress make a correct valance and connect it to your curtain. The valance will conceal the folding while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your drapes.
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2. Fold the Hem Inwards
A simple fix can be as easy as folding the hem inside and stitching it together at the top or bottom if you don’t want to shorten your curtain’s length or reposition the curtain pole.
Instead of stitching the folded hems together, you can try using pins to hold the folded seams together, although, over time, this may start to seem a little messy, considering how often curtains are opened and shut.
Folding the hem inwards is a great way to create a finished look on a curtain. It’s also a great way to save time and money by not having to sew a hem. Here are some tips on how to fold the hem inwards on a curtain:
- Start by pressing the curtain, which will make it easier to fold.
- Fold the curtain in half, wrong sides together.
- Fold the curtain again, bringing the bottom edge up to meet the top edge.
- Press the fold.
- Unfold the curtain and fold each side in to meet the center fold.
3. Tieback and Blouse
The placement of the tiebacks can add a little lift to long drapes. You can pull up the curtain fabric all around it by mounting one to the wall behind each panel rather than next to it.
Blouse it neatly to shorten the length of the curtain and give it an exquisite appearance.
For fixed panels, one solution is to hang clear monofilament or twine from the pole just above each panel, dangling the ends to tieback height or higher or lower, as required.
Tie the string ends together to complete the look after wrapping one end over the panel and lifting the fabric to the desired height.
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4. Move the Curtain Rod Higher
Shortening the curtains may be as simple as elevating the rod if there is enough room on the wall. When getting ready to accomplish this, think about extending the rod widthwise so that, if it hasn’t already, the stacked backcloth exposes all of the glass, maximizing natural light and the view.
Lift a window topper using the same technique as for lifting rods. The hem of the topper should cover the top frame, leaving the window below completely visible.
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5. Shrink the Curtains
Most of the time, the fresh cloth is cut and turned into brand-new curtains. New fabric is frequently starched, and the threads are completely stretched out and dried during the yarn manufacturing process.
Try washing your curtains once before deciding that they are excessively lengthy. Your curtains may shrink to fit now that they have been washed for the first time, and all new textiles shrink dramatically.
Curtain producers, particularly those who have worked in the industry for a while, construct curtains long enough to account for this shrinkage. Their dimensions are typically so precise that the curtains suit your home precisely after one wash.
This would imply that they are aware of each type of fabric’s precise lengthwise and widthwise shrinkage. Once your curtains have shrunk during the first wash, you might discover that they only require little or no modifications.
Additionally, specific textiles come with instructions to shrink them even more purposefully. Cotton or a cotton blend is a perfect example because you may further shrink it in your washing machine.
Wash your cotton or cotton mix curtains in your washing machine using the hottest water setting. After washing, dry your curtains on the hottest setting on your dryer.
Repeat the hot water washing and hot air drying steps one more time. Before hanging the cloth from your window, let it cool in the dryer on a low heat setting. It shouldn’t take more than an inch or two to complete this process on your curtains.
6. Choose the Exact Curtain Length
When choosing the perfect curtain length, remember a few things. The first is the overall look you are hoping to achieve.
Shorter curtains are the way to go if you want a sleek and modern look. If you want a more traditional or romantic feel, then longer curtains may be the right choice.
Another thing to consider is the height of your windows. If your windows are on the shorter side, then shorter curtains will help to make them appear taller.
On the other hand, if your windows are taller, then longer curtains will help to bring them down to a more manageable size.
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7. Trim the Hem
Although it might seem apparent, this is important to note because it’s also relatively simple. Measure the length of the cloth that makes up the additional length or the size you desire for your curtains. Attempt to be as accurate as you can.
Take off your curtains, cut or fold the extra length to make a new hem, and then stitch as necessary. For many people, this might be simple, but if you don’t want to take the chance of harming your curtains, take the measurements and the curtains to a sewist who can fix them for you.
Sometimes the curtain’s pattern prevents you from cutting it from the bottom, and trimming it from the top may be the answer. Therefore you must do the same.
8. Use Curtain Clips
You can clip the top of your curtain face and lift the cut portion to the rod. Using the tag gun included with the short tags, secure all the pinches to the top of your curtain, or fasten it with a curtain ring and clip.
For instance, you should incorporate curtain rings with clips.
- Clip your curtain to one of the rings
- Clip a pinch to the next ring
- Repeat the same on top of your curtain
- Fix another pinch, continuing across your curtain.
Hacks on How To Shorten Long Curtains by hand
You will first need to shorten curtains by hand to gather your supplies. You will need a pair of scissors, measuring tape, thread, and a sewing kit. Next, you will need to measure the curtain length you want to shorten.
Once you have your measurement, you’ll need to mark the spot on the curtain where you’ll be cutting. After getting your supplies, follow these steps:
- Measure the length of the curtains from the top of the rod to the hem.
- Cut the fabric at the desired length, leaving a few inches for hemming.
- Fold the fabric under the hemline and sew a straight seam.
- Trim the excess fabric and thread, and your curtains are ready to hang
Shorten Curtains That are Too long Without cutting them
If you have long curtains that are too long for your windows, there are a few ways that you can shorten them without cutting them.
- One way is to fold them up at the bottom, so they are the right length.
- Another option is to tie a knot in the fabric at the desired length. You can also hem the curtains by sewing a new seam at the desired size.
Whatever method you choose, ensure the curtains are even at the bottom before you hang them back up.
How To Shorten Long curtains without a sewing machine
- One popular method is simply folding up the curtain’s bottom hem until it’s the desired length. Then use fabric adhesive or iron-on hem tape to keep the fold in place.
- Another option is to cut the excess fabric off the curtain’s bottom and then use a no-sew hemming method to finish the raw edge.
- You can do this by applying a strip of fusible webbing to the back side of the fabric, then folding and pressing the edge to create a clean finish.
FAQs
How can I fix my curtains that are too long?
To fix curtains that are too long, you can do a few things to correct the problem.
1. Try to hem the curtains yourself. But if you are not confident in your sewing skills, you can take them to a tailor or a dry cleaner.
2. You can buy a new set of curtains that are the correct size. This may be the easiest solution, but it can also be the most expensive.
3. Using a curtain rod higher than your window is another option; this will make the curtains appear shorter and solve the problem without having to make any alterations.
How can I make my Long curtains shorter?
Curtains are necessary for any window treatment, but sometimes they can be too long. If your curtains are too long, you can do a few things to make them shorter.
One option is to fold or bunch the excess fabric at the top of the window, giving the appearance of shorter curtains without actually having to alter the length.
Another option is to hem the curtains, which will require you to cut off the excess fabric and sew a new hem. Be sure to measure carefully before cutting, so you don’t make the curtains too short.