How to Add Length to Premade Curtains

Premade curtains are an easy and affordable way to dress your windows. If you cannot buy premade curtains in a length you need, there is an easy way to add some length to them: Use an accent fabric to create visual interest while customizing your curtains to make them the correct length.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Accent fabric
• Tape measure
• Iron
• Ironing board

1. Lay your accent fabric out on a flat work surface.
2. Cut your accent fabric to the same width as the curtains plus 2 inches.
3. Cut the accent fabric panels out to the height you need to add to your chains plus 2 inches. Make one of these for each curtain panel.
4. Fold the left side over 1 inch and iron it down flat. Repeat on the right side. Fold the bottom edge over 1 inch too and iron down as well.
5. Hem the bottom edge and the left and right sides with your sewing machine. Use thread that matches the fabric.
6. Lay your first curtain panel face down on the table. Spread the fabric out on the table, leaving the bottom edge exposed.
7. Lay your first piece of accent fabric on the bottom of the premade curtain. Overlap the rough edge onto the back of the curtain. This should be about an inch above the original edge of the premade curtain panel.
8. Pin in place. Repeat this on each curtain panel.
9. Sew the two fabrics together using your sewing machine. You want to use a thread that matches the premade curtain panel.
10. Repeat on all the curtain panels. Trim the threads and you are finished. Iron the curtains and hang.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also fold the top edge of the accent fabric over about ½ inch and iron it down. Fold this one forward. When you place this on the panel to sew in place it will give you a nice neat edge from the back. Just make sure you cannot see the folded edge hanging out the front of the curtain.
• Always match the weights of your fabric. For instance, if the premade curtains you are customizing are a heavy velvet, use a heavy fabric as an accent. Do not use thin cotton, as it will not look good.
• Always match the thread to the fabric. This will make it visually disappear and look more professional.

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