How to Hem Drapes

A look at a set of finished drapes.

Making your own drapes is a quick way to make your home more elegant and comfortable. Drapes are used for not only windows, but also doorways and closets. Drapes made at home can make any area more personable and also add class to your space. Hemming your own drapes will give you the satisfaction of completing the drapes yourself at half the cost of store-bought drapery.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Iron
• Ruler/yardstick
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the fabric to reduce shrinkage and fading of the colors on the fabric.

2. Iron the fabric to create a wrinkle-free, seamless working area. Doing so will also make the sewing process simpler to achieve.

3. Fold the bottom of the fabric up 1 inch and iron it flat. Make sure to get the seam as straight as possible to avoid having the drapes appear lopsided. A ruler or yardstick will help with this process.

4. Turn the fabric into itself to create a 1/2-inch seam. Iron flat to insure a straight 1/2-inch hem allowance.

5. Sew a running stitch along the top of the 1/2-inch seam. A running stitch is a simple in-and-out stitch. Be sure to make the stitch secure by overlapping the stitch over itself. Iron the stitch flat.

6. Wash and dry the fabric a second time to loosen the stitch and give the drapes a fresh look.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose heavy dark fabric to block any light in a room.

• Choose light cotton or linen fabric to achieve an airy feel.

• Choose threads in complimentary colors to blend with your fabric.

• Use a sewing machine to speed the sewing process.

• Use drapery rods designed to hold the weight of your fabric.

References

• Perestroika Designs: Hand Stitching