The Easiest Way to Extend Curtains That Are Too Short

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Curtains are a wonderful way to soften a space and to add personal style. For many homeowners, ready-made curtain panels are the most cost-effective way to achieve the look. But curtains that are too short can look sloppy and unfinished. Here's an easy way to extend pre-made curtain panels to fit any window.

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Image Credit: Charlotte Smith

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Things You'll Need

  • 1 set white curtain panels (It’s important to choose curtains that are the same width and similar material to the ones you are trying to lengthen)

  • Fabric scissors

  • Straight pins

  • Iron

  • Sewing machine

  • Iron-on adhesive tape

Step 1: Measure and Cut

Determine how long you need to extend your curtains and add 5 inches to this length for a 3-inch hem as shown; this will be your curtain extension. Measure and cut the appropriate number of curtain extensions from the white curtain panels.

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Image Credit: Charlotte Smith

Tip

Use the bottom edge of the pre-made white curtain panel and save yourself one hem to sew.

Step 2: Iron, Pin and Sew

Fold over a 3-inch hem, iron and pin in place. Sew.

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Image Credit: Charlotte Smith

Step 3: Hem Tape

Follow the directions on your hem tape, and iron the white curtain extension onto the curtain panels. The hem tape used here was placed between the two pieces of fabric and then ironed on medium heat for 3 seconds. (There is no need to remove your curtains from their rod before ironing.)

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Image Credit: Charlotte Smith
Image Credit: Charlotte Smith

Just like that, short and unfinished-looking curtains become perfectly lengthened for any window.

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Image Credit: Charlotte Smith
Image Credit: Charlotte Smith

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