Need to hem curtains without sewing? I figured out how to hem curtains without sewing using fusion web and an iron.
We’ve been working on miss Evie’s room for quite awhile now. But, we’re almost donnneeee.
The other week on Instagram, I shared how we hung the curtain rod for Evie’s room. It’s saved under the highlight “Evie’s Room”.
Next, we hung her curtains from IKEA and they were about 4 inches too long (which I knew was going to happen). I had planned on asking my mom to hem them with her sewing machine.
Here’s the before shot:
But, then I had the idea to try to hem them myself using a no-sew method!
As crafty and creative as I feel like I am, your girl cannot sew!
I had done some research googling how to hem curtains without sewing or using hem tape. They were just curtains from IKEA so if I missed them up we were only down a little money, not like hundreds if they were custom curtains.
It turned out to be way easier than I expected and is totally doable for anyone with an iron and about an hours worth of work!
I also want to talk about curtain length in general.
I often see curtains that are way too short or way too long. There is a scenario where long, puddled curtains is beautiful and that’s when you’re going for that look. Think a French country romantic type space. I don’t feel like there is another scenario in which that is the goal.
Also, people will hang curtain rods to match the length of their curtains. I wouldn’t do that either.
In general, curtains should just barely touch the floor or hover just slightly over the floor.
Most curtains come at standard lengths. I want to challenge you to hang your curtain rod high and wide and then either find curtains that fit that or get bigger ones that you can sew. Doing this simple change will make such a difference in how the room looks.
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Hem Curtains Without Sewing Supplies
Hem Curtains Without Sewing Directions:
Step 1: Determine how much you need to cut off the bottom of the curtains
The curtains were already hung and you could see that they were way too long.
First, I pulled the curtains pretty tightly (but not so tight that I stretched them or pulled the rod). Then, I pushed the curtains flat on the floor and smoothed the excess in front.
I measured the distance from where the curtains reach the floor to the end of the smoothed out section as shown below.
I did this in several sections, just to be sure I was going to cut the right amount off.
Remember, you can always cut more off. You can’t add more on if you cut them too short.
For me, this was 5 inches.
Then, you subtract 2 inches from that number to account for the new seam you’re making with the no sew tape.
This meant I needed to cut 3 inches off the bottom.
Remember to subtract 2 inches (or whatever your no sew tape or fusion web indicates) from the total length that needs cut off of your curtains to account for the seam you’re going to make.
Step 2: Measure 3″ from the bottom of the curtains in several different spots along the curtain panel and mark with a pencil
For this step, I used an ironing board, as you’ll need this for the fusion web or no sew tape. But, any hard, flat surface will work.
Make sure to smooth out the curtains and mark 3″ (or whatever your measurement is) from the bottom of the panel.
I then used a level to connect the different 3″ marking alongs the panel with a straight line.
Step 3: Use scissors to cut a straight line along the pencil line you just drew
Even after cutting off the 3″, you can see the curtains are still roughly 2″ too long. Perfect for the no sew hem!
Step 4: Flip curtains over so the back side is face up on your flat surface
Step 5: Adhere fusion web
Since the fusion web is straight, I used it as a guide to keep the bottom of the curtain straight. Hopefully that makes sense.
As you can see from the above picture, my line wasn’t exactly straight. But, I was able to get a straight hem line because I used the fusion web as a guide. The same would hold true for iron on hem tape.
You’re only able to work in small sections at a time. Basically only as big as your iron is.
I placed the fusion web on, leaving a little space between the bottom of the curtain and the fusion web.
Then, I folded the curtain over the fusion web, creating a straight line.
Last, I held the iron (on *wool* setting) over that area for 10 seconds.
From there, you just continue on with the same method until you are finished with that panel. Cut off the fusion web at the end and you’re done!
A few things to note:
- The size of the hem you make is dependent on the type of hem tape or fusion web you’re using
- You may need to have your iron on a different setting (read your hem tape or fusion web for exact directions)
- My fusion web said to use a cloth in between the iron and the curtain. I did this at first then realized I didn’t need to. But, keep in mind that may be necessary for you, depending on your material
You can see how much of a difference the no sew hem method made!
The curtain on the left is untouched and the curtain on the right has been “sewn” using this method!
The hemmed curtain sits just slightly above the floor. And, honestly since I’m not perfect, some parts are touching the floor a little bit. But, you really don’t see it at all.
I’m thrilled with how they turned out. It took minimal effort and just around an hour to do both curtains.
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