Making your own curtains is a great way to add a touch of style to your home without spending a fortune. But if you don’t have a sewing machine, hemming is often a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, there are a few simple tricks that can help you attain perfect hems without the use of a machine. From hand stitching to using fusible web and clips, anyone can create custom-fitted, professional-looking curtains with nothing more than a little patience and the right supplies.
Tailoring Your Curtains
To begin, you’ll want to measure your windows carefully. Generally, curtains should be 1.5 to 3 times wider than the window itself, depending on how you want them to hang. Once you’ve determined the width, you can mark the length where you want the hemline to fall and cut the excess away. Afterward, you can iron or steam your fabric to ensure the edges are ironed, flat and even so they hang properly after attaching your hem.
Hand Stitching & Slipstitch
One of the simplest ways to create the perfect hem is to hand stitch the edges. This can be done with a needle and thread of your choosing, but you’ll want to choose a thread which matches your fabric so it won’t be visible when the curtains are hung. This is a great way to achieve a custom look, but it does take time and patience. Start by folding the fabric over in a hem, tucking the edges to make them even. Then you’ll use a basic slipstitch to hand sew the hem in place.
Using Fusible Web & Clips
An alternate method is to use fusible web and clips. Fusible web is a heat-activated adhesive which is used to hem fabric. Start by folding the fabric over in a hem, tucking the edges to make them even. Then, with a press cloth on top, use a hot iron to apply the adhesive. The clips hold the fabric in place while the glue sets. It’s important to leave the clips in place until the adhesive has cooled completely as it won’t stay in place if it’s heated again too soon.
Decorative Stitching
For those who are feeling a bit more adventurous, you can use decorative stitching to add some texture and personality to your curtains. With a needle and thread, you can use a blanket or buttonhole stitch to add design elements or simple detail to the top of your curtains. This can create a unique, custom look and make your curtains stand out. You can also use adhesive appliqués or fabric paint to add extra colour or pattern to your curtain hems.
Using a No-Sew Hem Tape
If all else fails, you can also use a no-sew hem tape. This tape is a simple adhesive-backed fabric which can be used to attach hems without the need for stitching. It’s an easy and fast method which can be used to hem curtains of any size or shape. Start by applying the tape directly to the hemline and pressing firmly to adhere it to the fabric. Then simply fold the fabric over and press in place for an instant, no-sew hem.
Iron-On Hem Tape
Another option would be to use an iron-on hem tape. This tape is similar to the no-sew hem tape, but with the added bonus of being activated by heat. Start by pressing the hemline with a hot iron and then peel away the backing to reveal the adhesive. After it’s been applied to the fabric, you can press it firmly with a hot iron to make the tape stick.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a number of simple and quick ways to hem curtains without the use of a sewing machine. From hand stitching to using fusible web and clips, anyone can easily create professional-looking curtains with a little patience and the right supplies. So if you don’t possess a sewing machine, you can still make beautiful curtains for your home and be proud of the results.
