Have your curtains become too long and need shortening? Don’t want to go through the hassle of sewing a new hem? With some simple no-sew methods, you can easily shorten your curtains in no time.
There are several reasons why you may need to shorten your curtains:
- They are too long and puddle unevenly on the floor.
- You want curtain length that hits at windowsill level rather than the floor.
- The current long length throws off proportions and style in the room.
- To update dated long curtains to modern shorter length.
- Child or pet pulled hem and unraveled original length.
Whatever the reason, there are easy ways to customize and shorten curtain length that don’t require any stitching, sewing skills or expensive alteration services. Methods like using hem tape, ribbon, or fray check allow you to create a new bottom hem edge and cut your curtains to the perfect size.
Below are step-by-step instructions for several no-sew curtain shortening techniques.
Things You’ll Need
To shorten curtains without sewing, you’ll need just a few supplies:
- The curtains you want to alter (1-3 panels recommended).
- Curtain rod.
- Sharp fabric scissors – for clean cuts.
- Hem tape and/or ribbon.
- Iron – to press new hem.
- Curtain clips or weights for new bottom hem.
Measure Curtains Current and Desired Length
First, you’ll want to measure your curtains’ current length from top to bottom to see original size. Use a tape measure and write down length.
Then, decide how many inches or feet you want to remove to achieve desired shortened length. Consider the floor, windows, wall height etc when deciding. Once you’ve determined the new length:
- Stand in front of the window and have someone hold curtains in place or clip to rod at desired length.
- Ensure it’s even and level before marking.
Next, make a cut line using:
- Straight pins.
- Clips.
- Tailor’s chalk.
- Fabric marker.
This line will indicate where you’ll cut and create new bottom hem.
Pro Tip: Mark 2-3″ below final length, allowing room to create clean hem.
Detailed Steps: Hem Tape Method
Hem tape offers a crisp, seamless hemmed look and tends to hold up better over time vs ribbon.
What You’ll Need:
- Hem tape in coordinating color.
- Iron.
- Scissors.
- Pins.
Instructions:
- Finish cut curtain edges by lightly fray-checking or sealing raw edges using a candle lighter. This will prevent unraveling once cut.
- On the backside, pin then iron the shortened curtains at your marked cut line to create a straight crease. Use spray starch or light steam setting.
- Cut a length of hem tape equal to the entire width of the curtain panel using sharp scissors.
- Unpin then carefully cut the curtain panel exactly along your marked shorten line.
- On the backside, fold up the cut edge of the fabric, wrong sides together, encasing any fraying ends. Pin the folded section in place.
- Open the hem tape and fuse the adhesive side around the pinned, folded fabric. Use an iron on cotton setting to bond tape to curtain.
- Remove pins and arrange the finished panels on curtain rod.
Optional: For extra hold, you can sew a straight stitch along the inner hem tape edge.
Detailed Steps: Ribbon Hem Method
If you want slightly more flexibility or adjustability in the length, creating a ribbon hem allows for customizable shorten sizes:
What You’ll Need:
- Ribbon.
- Fabric glue, hot glue or hem sealant.
- Scissors.
- Straight pins.
- Iron.
Instructions:
- Finish any raw curtain edges by lightly sealing with hem sealant glue to prevent fraying.
- On the backside, pin then iron curtains at your marked new shorten line to create a straight crease cut line.
- Cut a length of ribbon equal to the entire width of the curtain panel.
- Carefully cut curtain panel at your marked line.
- On the backside, fold under the cut edge to meet your crease line, encapsulating any frayed edges. Pin folded section.
- Apply small dots of fabric glue or hot glue along pinned fold.
- Press ribbon over the glue dots to affix in place along the folded hem, creating a straight and secure finish.
- Remove pins then arrange ribbon hem curtains on rod. Adjust length as needed.
Rehanging Shortened Curtains
With either shortening method, once your hem is securely in place:
- Carefully slide the altered curtains back onto the window curtain rod.
- Arrange panels evenly spaced on rod, ensuring equal lengths.
- Place 3-4 hem weights, pins or clips in new bottom hem to help curtains hang straight.
- Situate lining underneath exterior curtain layer on rod for optimum drape.
And you now have custom shortened curtains!
Pros and Cons of Each Method
Hem Tape
Pros
- Creates a very crisp, clean hemmed look.
- Holds up well over time.
- Straight seamless finish.
Cons
- Less adjustable once fused.
- No curling ribbon tails.
Ribbon
Pros
- Allows more size adjustability.
- Softer draped look.
- Match or complement room decor.
Cons
- Ribbon tails may curl.
- Hem could detach without durable bonding.
Troubleshooting Issues
Hem coming undone? Reinforce with fabric glue inside folded edge.
Uneven length? Adjust hem tape or ribbon placement and reset with an iron.
Too short? Let out original folded hem and iron additional fabric under before resecuring hem tape or ribbon.
Additional No-Sew Hem Options
If tape and ribbon don’t appeal, you can also try these other no-sew methods:
- Liquid seam sealant – Fuse fabric hem allowance together.
- Fray Check – Stop cut edge unraveling.
- Hemming strips – Hide cut edge with decorative trim.
- Blind hem stitches – Invisible by hand sewing stitch.
Shortening Specialty Curtains
The no-sew tape and ribbon methods work well for:
- Blackout curtain panels – use coordinating blackout ribbon.
- Curtain liners – match ribbon color to liner.
- Sheers – use very lightweight hem tape.
- Cafe curtains- fold up valance too.
- Tiered curtains – shorten matching top and bottom tiers.
Curtain Shortening Data and Statistics
- As seen in the above image, mid-length curtains ending around the windowsill are the most popular style representing over 25% of consumer purchases. (Furnishare survey)
- The average window height is 50-60 inches for modern single or double hung windows. Standard curtain heights range between 63 inches for medium length and 84 inches for full length. Determine optimal shortened length based on your window size.
- One 2021 survey showed that due to remote work shifts during COVID quarantines, 83% of respondents updated their window treatments to adjust lighting or privacy levels. (Thumbtack) Shortening curtains is one simple way to make lighting updates.
You may also read the following articles
The Right Way To Choose the Best Curtain For Living Room
How to Hang Curtains on a Bay Window: A Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Question
Can I shorten layered ruffled curtains this way?
Yes, determine amount to trim all layers and tiers evenly, finish edges, then restack and hang using clips.
What if there are built-in metal grommets along the edge?
If possible, cut beneath grommet level, fold up excess to top grommet row then finish edge above.
Can these methods work for outdoor curtains too?
Yes, though use UV resistant ribbon and waterproof fabric glue when hemming outdoor curtains to withstand exposure.
Is hand stitching an option for extra durability?
Absolutely. Hem tape or ribbon provide a folding guideline, while hand stitching adds long term stability if desired.
How do I shorten pleated curtains without losing fullness?
Mark intervals evenly across folded pleats, hem then evenly space and pin pleats to recreate volume after cutting excess length.
