Curtains form the frame of any room and significantly contribute to the design of the room. They not only create a cozy atmosphere, but also provide privacy and protection from sunlight. But what to do if the curtains are too long? In this blog post, you will learn how to shorten your curtains yourself by using two simple variants at once and thus create a harmonious ambience in your room again.
Why should you shorten your curtains?
Curtains are an important part of any apartment or house. Unfortunately, once you've bought the curtains you want to match the style, color scheme and budget of the room, there's all too often a small catch: either the windows don't have the standard measurements required or the curtains are simply too long. By shortening the curtains, you can create a cozy atmosphere yourself and at the same time provide more constant air circulation between the walls and curtains.
How can you shorten your curtains?
Shortening curtains is easier than you might think. You don't have to be an experienced sewing expert to master this task. Take a little time and simply follow one of our two 5 point step-by-step tutorials. And with a few tools and materials, you'll have your curtain shortened to the right length in no time.
Variant 1 - Shorten curtains in five steps with some sewing experience
To shorten your curtain, make sure you have all the materials you need on hand. These would be:
- Measuring tape or alternative measuring device
- Tailor's chalk, pencil or pins
- Tailor's shears or scissors with a sharp blade
- sewing machine o sewing thread
Step 1: Hang and measure the curtain
Before you start shortening the curtain, you should first hang and measure it. To do this, determine the desired length of the curtain and mark this spot with tailor's chalk, a pencil or pins. You can view a video tutorial and practical tips on how to properly measure your curtains on our "Measuring Guide" "Measuring Curtains Properly".
Step 2: Remove the curtain and place it on the wall
Next, remove the curtain from the rod and place it on a smooth surface, such as a table or other clean surface. Make sure the curtain is spread out smoothly and has no wrinkles.
Step 3: Shorten the curtain
Now you can cut the curtain along the marked area. It is best to use tailor's scissors or commercial scissors with a very sharp blade for this purpose. Cut carefully and make sure that the cut edge is straight.
Step 4: Sewing the edges
To avoid fraying of the cut edges, they should be sewn afterwards. It is best to use a sewing machine and a suitable sewing thread for this purpose. Sew the edges with a straight stitch and make sure that the seams are neat and even.
Step 5: Hang the curtain again
Finally, hang the curtain back up on the rod. As you do so, adjust the length of the curtain to the marked spot and make sure it hangs smoothly and without wrinkles.
Variant 2 - Shorten curtains in five steps without sewing.
It should be noted in advance that the following instructions are best suited for thin or light fabrics. If you want to shorten thicker or heavier curtains, we recommend using a sewing machine. To perform this variation you will need:
- Measuring tape or alternative measuring device
- Tailor's chalk, pencil or pins
- tailor's scissors or scissors with sharp blade
- an ironing board
- ironing tape in the same color as the curtain
Step 1: Measure and mark the desired length
Similar to the first variation, shortening curtains without sewing should also start with measuring your curtain properly. Measure the desired length of your curtain and mark that spot with a pen or pins.
Step 2: Spread out the curtains on the ironing board.
Place the curtain on the ironing board and smooth it out. Place the iron-on tape in the marked spot so that the sticky side of the tape is facing up.
Step 3: Apply the iron-on tape
Iron the iron-on tape onto the curtain using medium heat to activate its adhesive. Make sure the iron-on tape is firmly attached to the curtain fabric.
Step 4: Take scissors to hand
Take your scissors and cut the curtains right next to the iron-on tape. Be careful not to damage the iron-on tape.
Step 5: Finishing
Remove the ironing tape from your curtain and place it back on the ironing board. Iron the edges of the iron-on tape one last time, this will ensure that it sticks firmly to the curtain fabric. Now hang your newly shortened curtain and enjoy your new room feel!
General tips for shortening curtains
- Always use clean scissors with sharp blades when shortening curtains.
- Always use a sturdy and durable fabric to ensure that the curtains do not fray after shortening.
- If you are unsure if you are shortening the curtains properly, you can cut the curtains a little longer at first and then shorten them further as needed.
- Keep in mind that shortening curtains can also affect their functionality if necessary, for example, if they are shortened too short and thus can no longer be fully drawn.
Conclusion
Shortening curtains is an easy and quick way to freshen up the look of your room. With the above steps and tips, you can easily shorten your curtains yourself and make your living space even cozier and more appealing. However, an important factor when shortening curtains is choosing the right fabric. Some fabrics are better suited for shortening than others. If necessary, shortening curtains made of a very thin fabric can cause them to fray quickly. Therefore, always choose a strong and durable fabric if you want to shorten curtains yourself.
Would you prefer to buy curtains made to measure instead of shortening them yourself?
Feel free to browse through our collections of high-quality, tailored and millimeter-precise custom curtains for your windows.
