Standard curtains have a 3 to 4 inch (7. 62 10. 16 centimeters) wide hem. You’ll need to cut your curtains 6 to 8 inches (15. 24 to 20. 32 centimeters) longer than you want them to be. Shorter curtains might look better with a 2 inch (5. 08 centimeter) wide hem. Cut your curtains 4 inches (10. 16 centimeters) longer than you want them to be. Longer curtains, such as floor to ceiling, might look better with a 5 inch (12. 7 centimeter) wide hem. Cut your curtains 10 inches (25. 4 centimeters) longer than you want them to be.
Most hem tapes will require a wool setting. Different brands will require different settings, however. Refer to the packaging from your hem tape for the proper setting. [3] X Research source To prevent the fabric from burning, consider placing a damp cloth between the iron and the curtain. Some hem tapes have adhesive on one side, and a paper back on the other. You will need to iron it twice: first with the paper backing on, and then with the paper backing peeled off. [4] X Research source You may find hem tape also labeled as stitch-witchery, iron-on hem tape, or fusible fabric tape.
Curtain linings are about 1 inch (2. 54 centimeters) shorter than the curtain. Plan accordingly.
Make sure that you are folding the hem inside the curtain. You do not want the hem to be visible from the outside. The bottom edge of the lining should rest 1 inch (2. 54 centimeters) above the bottom edge of the curtain when you are done. The bottom edges of the curtain and the lining should not be aligned.
