Shortening curtains by cutting the bottom is a straightforward way to make ready-made drapes fit your window perfectly. This method works best on curtains with a clean, unfinished hem or those where you plan to re-hem after cutting. It avoids the bulk of folding and stitching a deep hem, giving a crisp, professional finish. Before you start, measure twice and ensure you have a flat, clean workspace.
What You’ll Need
- Measuring tape
- Fabric scissors or a rotary cutter with a cutting mat
- Straight pins or fabric clips
- Iron and ironing board
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Fabric marker or chalk (optional)
- Ruler or yardstick (optional)
Step-by-Step
- Measure the desired length. Hang your curtain rod in its final position. Measure from the top of the rod (or where the curtain will attach) down to where you want the curtain to end. Write this number down. If you want the curtain to just touch the floor, measure to the floor and subtract about half an inch (or one centimeter) for a small gap.
- Prepare the curtain. Lay the curtain flat on a clean surface. If it has a hem, decide whether you will keep it or remove it. For a clean cut, it’s often easiest to remove the existing hem by carefully unpicking the stitches with a seam ripper. This gives you a fresh edge to work with.
- Mark the cutting line. Measure from the top of the curtain (the finished top edge) down to your desired length. Add the hem allowance. For a simple double-fold hem, add about four inches (ten centimeters) to allow for a two-inch (five-centimeter) fold. Mark this point with a fabric marker or chalk. Repeat at several points across the width of the curtain, then connect the marks with a long ruler or straightedge to create a straight cutting line.
- Cut the fabric. Using sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter, cut along the marked line. If using scissors, cut slowly and steadily. If using a rotary cutter, use a cutting mat underneath to protect your surface. Ensure the fabric is smooth and not bunched up.
- Press the new hem. Fold the raw edge up by about one inch (two and a half centimeters) and press with an iron. Then fold it up again by the same amount, creating a double-fold hem. Press again. This encloses the raw edge and prevents fraying.
- Pin and sew. Pin the folded hem in place. Sew close to the inner folded edge (the one closest to the curtain body) using a straight stitch. If you’re hand-sewing, use a blind hem stitch or a simple slip stitch. Sew across the entire width of the curtain.
- Press the final hem. After sewing, press the hem again to set the stitches and give it a crisp finish. Hang the curtain and check the length. Adjust if necessary.
Common Mistakes
- Measuring from the wrong point. Always measure from the top of the curtain, not from the rod or the floor, because the curtain may have a header or tabs that change the drop.
- Cutting without a hem allowance. If you cut exactly to the desired length, you’ll have no fabric to fold under, and the curtain will be too short. Always add the hem allowance.
- Cutting a crooked line. A wavy cut will make the hem uneven. Use a straightedge and mark clearly before cutting.
- Skipping the iron. Pressing is essential for a professional-looking hem. Skipping this step can lead to puckering and uneven folds.
- Using dull scissors. Dull scissors can pull the fabric and create jagged edges. Use sharp fabric scissors for a clean cut.
Tips
- Wash and dry the curtains before cutting. Fabric can shrink, so it’s best to pre-wash to avoid surprises after you’ve cut.
- Use a chalk line. For long curtains, a chalk line (a string coated with chalk) can help you snap a perfectly straight line across the fabric.
- Cut one panel at a time. If you have two or more panels, cut and hem them individually to avoid shifting and misalignment.
- Consider using hem tape. If you don’t want to sew, fusible hem tape (which bonds with heat) can be used to create a no-sew hem. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Test on a scrap piece. If you’re new to sewing, practice the hem on a scrap of the same fabric to get the tension and stitch length right.
Troubleshooting
- The hem is puckered. This is often caused by too much tension on the sewing machine or pulling the fabric as you sew. Try loosening the tension slightly and let the machine feed the fabric naturally.
- The curtain is now too short. If you cut too much off, you can’t add fabric back. You can try adding a decorative trim or a contrasting fabric band to the bottom, but this changes the look. Alternatively, lower the rod slightly to compensate.
- The cut line is crooked. If you notice the line is off before cutting, you can re-mark and re-cut. If you’ve already cut, you may be able to salvage it by cutting a new line slightly lower, but this will shorten the curtain further.
- The fabric frays at the cut edge. This is normal for many fabrics. The double-fold hem encloses the raw edge, so fraying is not a problem after hemming. If you see excessive fraying before hemming, you can use pinking shears to cut the edge, but the hem will still be needed.
- The hem is visible from the front. If you’re using a contrasting thread or the stitch is too close to the edge, it may show. Use a thread that matches the fabric and stitch close to the inner fold, or use a blind hem stitch for a nearly invisible finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shorten curtains without sewing?
Yes, you can use fusible hem tape or fabric glue to create a no-sew hem. However, these methods may not be as durable as sewing, especially for heavy curtains. Follow the product instructions for best results.
How much hem allowance should I leave?
A double-fold hem of one inch (two and a half centimeters) per fold is standard. That means you need four inches (ten centimeters) of extra fabric for the hem. You can adjust this based on your preference for a deeper or shallower hem.
What if my curtains have a pattern that needs to match at the bottom?
If you have a patterned fabric, you may need to cut at a point where the pattern repeats naturally, or you may need to accept that the pattern will be cut off. Plan the cut so that the new hem falls at a pleasing point in the pattern.
Can I cut curtains that have a lining?
Yes, but you’ll need to cut both the main fabric and the lining. It’s often easier to separate them, cut and hem each one separately, then reattach them. Alternatively, you can treat them as one layer if they are already sewn together, but the hem may be bulkier.
How do I measure for curtains that are already hung?
If the curtains are already hung, you can mark the desired length directly on the fabric with a pin or chalk while they are hanging. Then take them down and lay them flat to cut. This ensures you’re measuring from the actual hanging position.
What is the best stitch for a hem?
A straight stitch is simple and effective for most fabrics. For a more invisible finish, use a blind hem stitch on your sewing machine or a slip stitch by hand. A zigzag stitch can be used on the raw edge to prevent fraying, but it’s not necessary if you use a double-fold hem.