Watson

I can quilt, but the last time I hemmed curtains it was a disaster.

I need to hem sheers for three windows...What is the best way?

There is a chair rail below the window and they need to stop 2" above the chair rail. I have pulled the curtains out so they hang flat and measured the 2" and I figure I'll turn them at that point and make a hem.

Does this sound like it will work? Or is there a better way?

I'm a little gun-shy after the last time.

Watson

tesspug

Measure the distance on the wall from the top of the railing to where you want the curtains to stop. Pin the hem in one of the curtains and make sure it hangs where you want. It you pull it flat and mark it, it won't hang right because of the stress you created when you pulled it flat. You probably want a 4" hem.

QuiltE

I know what you mean .... working with sheers is not really a fun time.
The last time I fought with them, I swore ... never again!

How with they be hung? By chance, is the top part covered?
Likewise, are they gathered on a rod? Or is the top part finished with pleater tape and hooks?

What I am getting at is ... it may be easier to work with the top part, and not the bottom.
Plus with the gathering on a rod and/or being higher up, any imperfections may be less noticeable than they would be if the shortening is done at the hem.

Just a thought ............

nativetexan

yes, shorten at the top after pinning and hanging to make sure it fits well. have fun, you can do it. there is also a tape out there that is used to strengthen seams. seams great maybe. sort of stretchy on a roll. you might look at that to sew along your seam to help keep it straight.

Tartan

​I might watch some YouTube videos on doing a narrow rolled hem on sheers. I might even try a sample of the lettuce hem so it wouldn't matter if it was perfectly straight.

Rhonda K

What type of fabric are the sheers? Can they be ironed?

I would first sew on a stay tape or a wash away stabilizer tape before cutting the curtains. You can also use an iron-on tape.Then fold and hem at length needed. the tape will help prevent stretching also.

Good luck!

Geri B

If they are gathered on a rod, I would definitely shorten from the top....if pleated or decorative top, check out videos...singer used to have a book on how to hem anything...don't know if still available- library?

quiltingshorttimer

using the same fabric (maybe some of the cut off part) experiment with your presser foot tension and stitch length. I find that on some sheer fabric a bit longer stitch keeps it from pull up so much.

OneBusyGranny

I am a retired seamstress , that for years worked for a drapery shop.The best way to shorten sheers is resew your rod pocket at the top and leave the existing hems along.Measure from the hem to the rod pocket ,paying attention to the existing pocket,mark the depth of the pocket , and proceed from there. It sounds like a lot of work ,but pays off in the long run, you will not have any crooked hems.

Watson

So glad I asked here as I was going to do it the exact opposite way.

Thanks everyone.

Watson