How to Hem Curtains (No-Sew + Sewing Options)

A simple, friendly guide to getting that designer look — without the designer price.

Perfectly hemmed curtains are one of those little designer secrets that instantly make a room feel more polished and expensive. Even the most affordable panels can look custom — truly. Ikea curtains are always a great choice, and with a little hemming, they look just as beautiful as many high-end ones.

Before we even get into the “how,” here’s something really important to remember:
It’s always better to start with curtains that are too long rather than too short. You can add an inch or two with curtain rings if you need to, but you can’t fix a curtain that stops a foot above the floor. And whatever you do, don’t hang your rod lower just because the curtains are short. That takes away the lifted, elegant look that properly hung and hemmed curtains create.

If you need help figuring out where to hang the rod (or how to choose affordable curtains that look designer), you can read my full post on How to Make Cheap Curtains Look Custom. But for now, let’s make the length perfect.

Before You Start: Find Your Perfect Length

Before you measure anything, it really helps to wash your curtains first (if the fabric allows it). Many curtains shrink a little after the first wash, and it’s much better for that to happen before you hem them instead of after.

Once they’re washed, give them a good iron or steam. Wrinkles can make curtains look shorter or uneven, so a smooth panel will give you a much more accurate final length.

Now you’re ready to measure.

Your curtains should gently kiss the floor — not float above it, and not puddle unless you intentionally want that soft, dramatic look.

Here’s the easiest way to measure:

Hang your curtain panel on the rod exactly where it will live.
Let it fall naturally.
Mark the spot where it just touches the floor.

You can absolutely use painter’s tape or safety pins, but a little chalk line or a washable fabric pen works great too — especially on thicker fabrics.

This tiny step makes the rest of the hemming process so much easier and more accurate.

Method 1: Hemming with Iron-On Tape (No Sewing Needed)

This method is a surprisingly good way to hem curtains, especially if you use blackout fabrics. When sewn, black thread can sometimes show through, making hems look messy. Tape avoids that entirely.

I used to sew all my hems, but now I prefer tape — no mess, less time, and no need to hunt for the perfect thread color.

Keep in mind: iron-on tape is very hard to undo once it’s melted. Not impossible, but much harder than a stitched hem. If you think you’ll want to adjust the curtains later, sewing might still be better.

What you need:

Iron-on hem tape
Iron with steam function
Scissors
Measuring tape
Pins, pen, or something to mark the length on your curtains

Now, here’s how to do it:

1. Lay the curtain flat (Remember, you already marked the length you need)

Put it face-down on a big, clean surface and smooth it out. This part is strangely satisfying. If needed, iron it again.

2. Fold it to the length you marked

Just fold the bottom up until the curtain hits your perfect length.
Check with your measuring tape so it’s even across.

3. Give the fold a quick press

A light press with the iron helps the fabric remember its new shape.

4. Choose your hem length

Now you can see how much extra fabric is left over.

If you like a smaller hem at the bottom, cut the leftover fabric and leave enough for the tape to hold the fold.
If you prefer a heavier hem, fold the leftover fabric inside — no cutting needed. This creates a more substantial hem, which gives the curtains weight so they drape nicely. In my opinion, curtains look better with a longer hem line.

5. Add the hem tape

Open the fold, place your tape inside along the edge, then fold it back down. This works if you don’t have a lot of leftover fabric.
If your curtain has a lot of leftover fabric, you can create a heavier hem for a more polished look:
1. Fold the extra fabric inside halfway to the total hem length. This creates a small inner crease.
2. Add tape along this inner fold and press with the iron to secure it.
3. Fold the fabric up again to reach the curtain’s final length.
4. Add tape along the top edge of the hem (where you would normally sew).

Now your hem is secured with two layers of tape — one inside the fold and one along the top edge — giving the curtain extra weight and a clean, neat finish. There’s no need to add tape to the bottom edge of the hem; doing so would make the fold bulky.

6. Press to activate the tape

Hold your iron at the highest steam setting on the fold for a few seconds at a time, slowly moving across the width. The tape melts and bonds the fabric together. Check to see if the tape has fully adhered — if any areas are still loose, press again as needed. Make sure the tape is fully covered with fabric so it doesn’t melt onto your iron.

7. Hang and take a look

If the tape loosens after washing (this sometimes happens), just press the hem again with the steaming iron. The adhesive will reactivate and stick right back into place.

Method 2: Curtains with Fabric Glue

If sewing isn’t your thing, fabric glue can be a total lifesaver.

Before you start, here are a few tips to make this method foolproof:

Work in a well-ventilated space and maybe toss on a pair of gloves. Some glues can be a little fussy, and it just keeps things clean.
Protect your table or floor so you don’t end up bonding your curtains to your workspace.
Make sure your curtains are prewashed (no fabric softener!) so the glue sticks properly instead of sitting on top of any leftover finishes.
If you can, test the glue on a little scrap or an unseen corner of the fabric. Some materials absorb differently, and you want to make sure there’s no staining or stiffness.

How to Apply Fabric Glue for a Smooth, Clean Hem

Fold your hem and give it a quick iron so the fabric has a crisp edge.
Apply a thin line of glue inside the fold. Less is more — too much can seep through or make the fabric stiff.
Press the fold down gently and secure it with clips, pins, or even painter’s tape while it sets.
Let it dry for however long your glue recommends. Some set in an hour, some need a day. (Don’t rush it!)
And don’t wash your curtains until the glue is fully cured — usually 24–48 hours.

For wider hems, use a small paintbrush to spread the glue evenly. If you notice excess glue, dab it quickly with a damp cloth before it dries — it’s much easier to fix right away.

This method is simple, forgiving, and honestly great for beginners. Once dry, the hem looks clean and intentional — no sewing machine required.

Method 3: Sewing

If you want a hem that lasts forever and can still be undone later, sewing is your best friend. It’s straightforward, clean, and honestly not as intimidating as it sounds.

Start by folding your curtain to the exact length you want, then give that fold a quick press with your iron so it behaves. After that, tuck the raw edge under about half an inch and press again. This second fold hides all the frayed bits and gives you that crisp, polished look.

Once everything is folded neatly, just pin it in place — nothing fancy, just enough to keep the fabric from shifting. Then run a simple straight stitch across the width of the curtain, either on your sewing machine or by hand if that’s more your style. When you’re done, give the hem one last press so it hangs beautifully and looks intentional.

A sewn hem is the most durable option, especially for curtains that get washed often. And unlike fabric glue or tape, you can always undo it later if you decide to adjust the length or repurpose the fabric.

A sewn hem can look a bit messy when working with heavy fabrics. Here’s how it looks from the outside versus the inside.

Hemming curtains doesn’t have to feel intimidating. I hope you now have everything you need to do a great job with confidence. Go ahead and hem your curtains all over your home. I know I do.