Make them fit the window
Ready-made curtains rarely fit perfectly. The length is wrong, they're too wide or too narrow, or the lining has seen better days. And if you've moved house with curtains you love, the new windows probably aren't the same size as the old ones.
Curtain alterations are straightforward work for a skilled seamstress. Hems can be shortened or lengthened. Width can be adjusted. Linings can be replaced or added. The result is curtains that hang properly and look like they were made for your windows.
Get a Quote
What we can do
Common curtain alterations:
The details
Hemming curtains involves more than just shortening. A proper curtain hem is typically doubled, folding the fabric twice to encase the raw edge. This adds weight to the bottom and gives a cleaner finish. Standard hems are 3-4 inches for floor-length curtains, narrower for café curtains or shorter styles.
Width adjustments are trickier than length. To make curtains narrower, fabric is removed from the side edges and the heading (the top with hooks or rings) is remade. To make them wider, you're limited to what's available in the existing side hems. If there's not enough, additional fabric panels might need to be added.
Relining breathes new life into curtains with worn or discoloured linings. The old lining is removed and new lining attached. The lining should be slightly shorter than the main fabric (usually about an inch) so it doesn't show at the bottom. The raw edges of the lining are typically tucked into the side hems.
Heading changes can update the look of curtains without replacing them. Pencil pleat can become eyelet, or tab-top can become gathered. This requires removing the old heading and attaching appropriate new tape or rings.
Measuring tip
Always hang curtains at their final position before measuring for alterations. Measure from the top of the curtain pole or track to where you want the hem to fall. The seamstress needs the finished length you want, not the window measurement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should curtains hang?
It depends on the look you want. "Floating" curtains hang just above the floor (about half an inch clearance) for a clean, practical finish. "Kissing" curtains just graze the floor. "Puddling" curtains pool on the floor by several inches for a more dramatic, romantic look. Hang your curtains first, then decide which length works for your room before having them hemmed.
Can curtains be shortened without cutting?
Sometimes. If only a small amount needs removing, the excess can be folded into a deeper hem rather than cut off. This preserves the option of lengthening them later if you move to a room with taller windows. For significant shortening, cutting is usually necessary to avoid a bulky hem.
What are weighted hems?
Weights sewn into the bottom hem help curtains hang properly. They prevent the fabric from billowing, keep the hemline straight, and improve the overall drape. This is especially useful after shortening curtains, as removing fabric from the bottom reduces their natural weight.
Can curtain linings be replaced?
Yes. Old linings can deteriorate, become discoloured, or lose their effectiveness. A seamstress can remove the old lining and attach new material. This is also an opportunity to upgrade to blackout lining or thermal lining if your needs have changed.
Should I wash curtains before alterations?
If they're machine washable and might shrink, yes. Alterations should be done on fabric in its final state. If the curtains will need dry cleaning, that's generally fine before or after alterations. Check the care label and mention any concerns to your seamstress.
Curtains need adjusting?
Tell us what you need. We'll connect you with someone who can help.
Get a Quote