I found some basic curtain panels for our master bedroom on sale for an awesome price at Kohl’s not too long ago. Unfortunately, they were a tad too long and looked pretty sloppy. I liked the color and the subtle geometric pattern, (and the price), but I wanted them to just brush against the floor, not pool at the bottom.
As I’ve said many times before, I don’t sew. I needed a solution that didn’t involve a sewing machine and that would be quick and easy. The method I ended up using can really be used for anything you need to hem, I just happened to “hem” my curtains.
Here is a picture of my curtains before. This is straight out of the package, and I hadn’t ironed them yet. Can we say sloppy? I also need to replace a missing finial on the curtain rod, but I’ll get to that eventually.
Fortunately, for the sewing-inept such as myself, they make this nifty little product: hem tape. I used Res-Q Tape. Even if you are sewing machine-savvy, this is a great temporary hem solution.
It basically looks just like double-sided Scotch tape but it is specifically for fabric. It seriously doesn’t get easier than this. I particularly like that this can be temporary in case I ever want to use the curtains in a different room.
All you have to do is just remove the strip of tape later on, and it doesn’t leave a residue (according to the package – I have yet to test this theory).
Luckily, I was able to use the existing hem seam as a guideline and then folded the bottom edge of each curtain panel up to that point, which made them the right length.
Alternately, you can just measure and make markings with a disappearing ink fabric pen and then fold up and iron a crease. Then stick the strip of tape across, peel off the backing, and fold your fabric up creating a hem. That’s all!
And here they are now, looking a little less sloppy:
We plan on re-doing our bedroom this spring (“DIY”-style and “On the Cheap” of course!). We will be painting all of the furniture, and eventually this space in front of the window will be a sitting area.
Our room is divided in half with pillars, and I believe a sitting area is the intended use of this half of the room. Since we can’t come up with a better use for it, that is what it shall be!
Of course, I will be sharing our progress with you as we go along.
On another note, I should probably mention that although we have a definite “frugal decorating” philosophy in this household, it isn’t because we are total cheapskates!
Yes, we live on a budget as many people do. But if you are able to, I recommend investing in good pieces of furniture for things that get a lot of use. We splurged on our family room furniture because we wanted good quality construction, and pieces that would last many years and withstand many beatings from little growing boys hopping from couch to chair pretending to be Superman.
Overall, it was a better investment than having to replace a cheap couch every few years. That said, I believe that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a nice home. Inexpensive doesn’t have to mean “cheap.”
Bottom line: why spend a ton of money decorating your home when you don’t have to? With some time, effort and sometimes hard work (which will be worth it in the long run) you can make your house look like a million bucks without actually having to spend that much.
Besides, it can be fun to bargain shop at places like thrift stores. I love finding an item that someone else has thrown away thinking it is of no worth, then turning it into something of value and giving it a second chance.
Also, be sure to enter my giveaway contest! Win a handmade “Any Season” wreath. Up to 4 entries per person. Click here for details and to enter.
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I bought curtains that are too long. Yes, I know, you’re supposed to measure…anyway, do you still recommend Res-Q? I’m torn between this or stich witchery or hemming. What’s you’re recommendation?
I do recommend it however I’ve had a hard time finding it in stores lately. I’ve since used Stitch Witchery and I like that ok too, you just have to iron it on. If you’re a good seamstress, hemming is best, but I’m not great and I prefer to take the easy way out. 🙂
Can you wash the curtains after hemming them with the Res-Q or Stitch Witchery and the hem not fall apart in the wash?
Hi Kristina! The stitch witchery claims to be machine washable, but I’ve never tried it. I would probably hand wash to be safe.