Sewing curtains - where to begin?

Olliebeak

Rikki and hardpressed - I can't believe that I've never even thought of that trick - and the number of pairs of curtains that I've altered for folks over the years .

God forbid I should ever get a brain - I'd be dangerous!!

MrsTinks

As for sewingmachines on the cheap I picked a pretty good one up from Woolies the other week for £49 (says £59 on the box but they had signs saying £49 so that's what I got it for ) alledgedly it used to be £179 (yeah right...) but it's pretty good and does the job if you want to learn how to start doing your own alterations

I have to say is if you are going to take material OFF the curtains make sure you leave enough to lengthen them again should they shrink after being dry cleaned... Mine did and I'm about to start letting them down 1 - 1 1/2 inches

sahararose

Hardup_Hester wrote: »

Or you could do what my mum did once, hung the curtains, turned them up to the correct length, pin & leave, for about 4 years!

My mum NEVER sewed anything - she even turned up hems on trousers and skirts with a stapler !!

moanymoany

Rikki, absolutely the way to alter the length - it results in a better looking curtain although it will mean more sewing.

It is quite possible to do it be hand. As the stitches are not too visible I would use a back stitch. It is the strongest handsewn stitch and will be right for this job.

Make sure the short stitches are on the front.

http://www.hutchal.clara.net/curtains/sewguide.htm

Churchmouse

Olliebeak wrote: »

Rikki and hardpressed - I can't believe that I've never even thought of that trick - and the number of pairs of curtains that I've altered for folks over the years .

God forbid I should ever get a brain - I'd be dangerous!!

That'd be two of us then:rotfl: :rotfl: It's so obvious once someone points it out isn't it?:T

Savvy_sewing

Dont forget that you can usually find books with simple sewing stitches etc at the library,. I wouldnt suggest taking the alterations from the top unless you do have a sewing machine, as the tape has got to take the weight of the curtains, and hand sewing is not as strong as machined. You dont want the tape to tear the curtains after they have been hung for a few days...

Poppy9

How much too long are they? If it's just one hem width and the fabric can take it I wouldn't cut them but just turn the hem up. This will add weight to the bottom of the curtains and may make them hang better.