Shortening curtains

[Maggiethecat]

I got some nice ones from John Lewis at a a good price but about 20cm too long.

I don’t own a sewing machine but could consider hand stitching to shorten. The lining material is very thick though (feels like thick plastic) and it might be a challenge.

Any other options?

Ironing tape? if the lining is that thick and plasticky, can you not just cut it straight and leave it without sewing it

Can you put them in somewhere to get them done?

@pompei8309 - will see if that can work with the type of fabric

@Hollythejolly - considering getting some quotes although it might cost more to alter than the cost of the curtains 😱

Definitely get quotes, it may not be as expensive as you think. Plus if you got them at a decent price and they are good quality it will be a good investment for years to come.

What sort of heading do they have? Might be easier to shorten then from the top instead of the hem

Definitely easier to shorten curtains from the top (as long as they are not eyelet curtains.) I’ve just done this myself - I measured the curtains, added about 8cm to the length I needed to compensate for the hem, folded that 8cm over, pinned new header tape to the top, and stitched it on. I do own a sewing machine though, but it was not a big job, took me about an hour to do three 2m wide curtains. I would not try to stitch header tape to curtains by hand - you will be pulling curtains open and closed every day, it needs to be firmly attached on. The problem with trying to re-hem is that professionally made curtains are quite cleverly finished to give a very seamless look to them, and unless you are skilled it’s tricky to get such a smooth look and the lengths correct. If I did not own a sewing machine and had bought curtains I needed shortening, I would look for someone locally to shorten them for me. It really shouldn’t be very expensive as it’s not a difficult or long job.

Got a quote of £75 to shorten.
228cm wide (ie 228cm for each panel of a pair) and 228cm drop - taking about 15cm off. Curtains only cost £160 but I do appreciate people’s time.

I’ve noticed that the heading threads seem a bit loose already (only had them a couple of months causing the curtains to droop a bit in places and wonder if it’s better to get the alteration done by replacing the heading tape?

when I’ve had curtains altered previously they do them from the top.