How to Hem the Bottom and Top Curtain Panel

There are many advantages to making custom curtain panels. They're less expensive, custom fabricated and sized perfectly to fit the window. The biggest challenge is cutting the appropriate amount of fabric to allow for top, bottom and side hems commonly called the finished cutting length.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Iron
• Ironing board
• pins
• Thread
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Measure from the top of the curtain rod to the desired length. Add 1/2 inch to the thickness of the rod for the top hem and the desired bottom hem length times two for the panels' finished cutting length.

2. Turn both the top and bottom hems in 1/4 inch on the back side of the panels. Press using a steam iron to set the creases. Pin the creases in place.

3. Repeat by turning in the rest of the hem to establish a double hem.

4. Machine stitch close to the edge of each crease. Backstitch the beginning and end of the seam to prevent unraveling.

Tips & Warnings

• When calculating the finished cutting length, allow 5 to 6 inches double hem for sheer fabrics and 1 to 3 inches double hem for shorter (not floor length) panels.

• For patterned materials, measure the distance between repeating patterns and add to the finished cutting length.