Learn how to hem curtains without sewing using iron-on hemming tape. In our step-by-step guide, we show you how to measure the correct length, prepare the hem and iron on the hemming tape for a neat result.
• Julia Nilstål
Hemming curtains is an easy way to adjust them to the desired length and get the curtains to hang the way you want. Hasta's curtain panels are delivered unhemmed, so you can easily adjust the height of the curtains at home. You don't need to know how to sew to shorten the curtains either. With iron-on hemming tape you can hem curtains without a sewing machine – the tape is ironed onto the fabric and holds the hem in place. The adhesive in the hemming tape is activated by the heat from the iron and fixes the fabric. When the adhesive heats up, the tape becomes transparent and is therefore not visible through the fabric, even on thinner and more sheer curtains.
In this guide, we go through how to hem curtains with iron-on hemming tape and what you need to bear in mind to get the right length and a neat result.
Before you start hemming the curtains
With hemming tape, all you need is an iron to hem the curtain to the desired length. If you want to take up curtain panels in standard sizes, you can hem them straight away without unpicking anything. These curtains are delivered with an overlocked edge at the bottom of the fabric, which means you can fold the fabric up straight away. However, if you are re-hemming curtains that already have a sewn hem, the existing hem needs to be unpicked first.
Start by putting up the curtains with the curtain hanging you intend to use. Ideally, let the curtains hang for a few days before you decide on the final length, as fabric can change slightly when it is allowed to hang freely. Then pin up the hem while the curtain is still hanging. This makes it easier to see how the curtain actually falls in the room and to adjust for any unevenness or slopes in the floor.
Important: Fold the fabric up only once when creating the hem, instead of folding it in several layers. Too much fabric can make it harder for the hemming tape to stick properly.
We recommend that the curtain ends just above the floor so that it can hang freely and have a lovely drape. Read more about how to measure curtains in our measuring guide.
How to hem curtains with iron-on hemming tape – step by step
Lay the curtain flat and cut off excess fabric
Lay the curtain flat with the back facing up. If you have folded up a lot of fabric to get the desired length, cut off the excess fabric before you continue. The hem only needs to be wide enough to cover the iron-on hemming tape.
Prepare the iron
Set the iron to a temperature suited to the curtain fabric and always check the care instructions before you start. Some fabrics require you to use a pressing cloth between the fabric and the iron.
Press the folded hem
Iron along the bottom edge of the curtain to fix the fold that you pinned up earlier. Avoid ironing directly over the pins, as they can leave marks in the fabric.
Remove the pins
Once the fold is fixed in place, remove all the pins.
Position the iron-on hemming tape
Place the iron-on hemming tape inside the folded hem along the bottom edge of the curtain. Make sure that the fabric covers the entire tape so that the iron does not come into direct contact with the iron-on hemming tape.
Iron the hem in place
Iron along the entire bottom edge of the curtain to fix the iron-on hemming tape. Take extra care at the sides so that the tape bonds properly. Once the tape has bonded, the curtain is ready to be hung.
Order made-to-measure curtains with a sewn hem
If you would rather not hem the curtains yourself, you can order made-to-measure curtains with a sewn hem instead. Enter the required height when ordering, and the curtains will be sewn to your measurements and delivered in the length you want. An option for those who want their curtains delivered ready-hemmed at the exact height.
Discover our made-to-measure curtains