How Much Does it Cost to Hem Curtains?

Last Updated on February 5, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Hemming curtains is an important part of home decor. Properly tailored curtains frame windows beautifully and complete the look of any room. But how much should you expect to pay for curtain hemming?

The cost depends on several factors, including whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. This article will cover everything you need to know about the price to hem curtains, from DIY options to working with a local seamstress. Read on to learn how to estimate your budget for these common alterations.

Highlights

To recap, here are the key points to keep in mind when estimating costs for curtain hems:

• Expect to spend $10 to $50 per window depending on length, fabric, and DIY vs. professional sewing.
• DIY hemming with adhesive tape or hand-sewing starts at around $5 per panel just for materials.
• Hiring a local tailor or seamstress to hem curtains typically runs $20 to $40 per panel.
• More delicate, finicky fabrics like silk will cost more to hem than basic cotton or polyester.
• Precise measurements are crucial for avoiding the costs of redoing botched hems.
• Research reviews and experience when choosing a pro curtain hemmer for quality results.

Take the time to carefully measure your curtains and research options. With some preparation, you can find cost-effective services to get your curtains hemmed to the perfect functional and decorative length.

How Much Does it Cost to Hem Curtains?

The average cost of hemming curtains ranges from $15 to $30 per window panel. Simple DIY hems with iron-on tape or hem tape start around $5 per panel. Hiring a professional tailor or seamstress to perfectly hem your curtains runs $20 to $40 per panel on average.

Costs vary based on your curtain’s length and fabric, the tailor’s rates, and your location. Custom drapery work can run even higher.

Overall, expect to spend $10 to $50 per window to shorten curtains and achieve the perfect floor length. DIY hems tend to cost less than professional tailoring, but take more time and effort. Skill level and fabric types also impact the price range. Read on for more details on calculating your curtain hemming budget.

According to Storables, for example, hemming curtains can cost between $10 to $30 per panel or $3 to $10 per linear foot, depending on factors like fabric type and complexity.

The cost of sewing supplies, such as thread, needles, and pins, can range from $10 to $50, depending on the quality and quantity you choose.

Factors That Influence The Cost of Curtain Hemming

Several key factors determine how much you’ll spend to hem curtains to the ideal length:

Type of Fabric

Delicate fabrics like silk or velvet that require special care will cost more to hem than basic cotton or polyester curtains. Tailors charge more for working with finicky fabrics that need extra steps. Simple hems on medium or lightweight cotton, linen, or polyester curtains typically start around $20 per panel.

Curtain Length

Longer curtains that require removing more length for the hem cost more than minor hems on short panels. Adjusting floor-length curtains often ranges from $25 to $50 per panel depending on the fabric. Minor hems on café curtains may only cost $15 to $20.

DIY vs. Professional Hemming

Doing it yourself with hem tape or an iron-on adhesive strip runs just $5 to $10 per panel for materials. But it takes time, patience, and skill. Hiring a local sewing expert to perfectly hem your curtains costs on average $20 to $40 per panel, but saves you effort.

Accurate Measurements

Precise measurements ensure the curtain hem length is correct. Taking careful measurements yourself or having a pro measure will get the length right the first time. Redoing botched hems because of inaccurate lengths can double costs.

DIY Curtain Hemming

Hemming curtains at home takes some skill, but can save money with the right preparation. Here are some tips:

Gather Supplies – You’ll need sharp scissors, hem tape or iron-on adhesive, a tape measure, pins, an iron, and sewing needles/thread. Purchasing a sewing machine can help for thicker curtains.

Carefully Measure – Measure from the top of the curtain to the floor where you want the hem to break. Mark with pins. Measure each panel individually.

You might also like our articles about the cost of hemming a dress, silk fabric, and draping for a wedding.

Iron Adhesive Tape – For thin fabrics, ironing hem tape to the curtain’s raw edge creates a folded look. Follow package directions closely.

Sew Hems – For thicker fabrics, folding up the fabric and sewing a basic straight or blind hem work best. Watch online tutorials.

Work Slowly – Rushing leads to mistakes. Take your time and don’t pull or stretch the fabric. Let gravity help hem drapery.

DIY hemming takes patience and care for professional-looking results. For complex or expensive drapes, hiring a seasoned pro is often worth the cost.

Choosing a Professional Hemming Service

Searching for “seamstress near me” or “tailor near me” will turn up options for hemming help. What should you look for?

Check Reviews

Choose a tailor or sewing service with consistently positive customer reviews praising their skill and pricing. This filters out less experienced options.

Ask About Experience

Ask how long they’ve hemmed drapes and what types of fabrics they specialize in. Look for at least 3 years of specialty curtain and home decor experience.

Request a Quote

To compare rates, get quotes from 2-3 pros for your project. Ask what’s included to avoid surprise fees. Quotes should be free.

See a Portfolio

Many curtain specialists will have before/after photos or samples showcasing their quality work. Examine these for evenly spaced stitches and crisp corners.

Going with a trusted pro takes the hassle out of hemming and provides beautiful results. Just prepare for added costs compared to DIY.

FAQ: Hemming Curtain Costs

How much does it cost to have curtains shortened?

To have curtains professionally shortened, expect to pay an average of $20 to $40 per curtain panel. The exact cost depends on the Type of curtain, curtain length, fabric type, and your local tailor’s labor rates.

Shortening longer, heavier drapes usually ranges between $30 to $50 per panel. Minor hems on lightweight café curtains are made for as little as $15 to $20 per panel. Get quotes from a few local sewing professionals to compare rates. Providing your own measurements helps estimate the time and price more precisely.

How much should I allow for curtain hem?

When budgeting for a curtain hemming services, allow $15 to $30 per window panel as a safe estimate if hemming the drapes yourself with adhesive hem tape. If hiring a professional seamstress or tailor, allot $25 to $50 per window panel for standard floor-length curtain alterations.

Costs could even run higher for extra long, formal, or delicately fabricated drapes. Measure accurately and request quotes to dial in a more precise curtain hem budget.

Can a tailor hem curtains?

Yes, a local tailor or sewing professional can expertly hem curtains. When searching for “seamstress near me”, look for reviewers praising their curtain and drapery alteration skills specifically.

Ask prospects about their experience hemming various curtain fabrics and lengths. Request to see a portfolio of their work. An experienced drapery and home decor tailor will have the sewing skills necessary to perfectly hem your curtains. Just expect to pay $20 to $50 per panel for custom professional services, on average.