Hey everyone. Today you're going to learn how to make a pair of curtains with clean, no-sew hems, using HeatnBond Soft Stretch Ultra to fuse those hems so they hang soft and stay put.
First, what this product really is
Let's start honest, y'all. This is not fabric, and it is not interfacing.
HeatnBond Soft Stretch Ultra is a NO SEW, lightweight iron-on web adhesive. It is double-sided and permanent, and it was specially designed to move with your stretch fabric while maintaining a strong bond.
This bolt is 17 inches wide by 20 yards long — 43 cm x 18.2 m. One bolt goes a long way for hems.
It is great to use with knits, stretch denim, spandex, and jersey fabrics. It also works with fleece and flannel.
Here's what I use and why. There is no added bulk, and fabric maintains a soft hand after fusing. That soft hand is the whole point for curtains. A stiff hem would stick out. This one moves a little and drapes. No sewing is needed, though you can sew through it if your project requires it — completely up to you. It is proudly made in the USA.
We're not reinventing the wheel here. Let the adhesive do the holding, so you can skip the pinning and the hemming stitches.
The project: a no-sew pair of curtains
We are making two panels, each finished about 42 inches wide by 84 inches long. That is a standard length.
A pair of curtains lives or dies by its hems. If the bottom hem is bulky, it will not hang straight. If the side hems pucker, you will see it every morning.
That is why Soft Stretch Ultra suits this project. You fuse a narrow strip inside the folded hem. The bond is strong, the hem stays flat, and the panel keeps a soft hand, so it falls in nice folds.
Pick a jersey knit for a soft, casual panel, or fleece for a cozier room. Super duper easy for a first home project.
Materials
- Fabric for two panels — about 5 yards total, pre-washed with no fabric softener; cut two pieces 46 inches wide by 90 inches long each, to allow for hems and the rod pocket
- HeatnBond Soft Stretch Ultra Iron-On Adhesive Bolt, 17 in x 20 yds — cut strips about 1 inch wide; about 14 yards of 1-inch strips total for both panels
- Curtain rod, tape measure, and fabric scissors or a rotary cutter
- Iron set to high heat — no steam for the first fuse, then steam for the final bond
Brief steps
Here we go.
One, pre-wash everything without fabric softener, and press first. Pretest on a scrap. I skipped a pretest once — oh my goodness, lesson learned, folks.
Two, lay one panel wrong side up. Fold each long side in 1 inch, press, then fold in 1 inch again for a clean double side hem.
Three, place a 1-inch strip of Soft Stretch Ultra inside that fold, paper liner facing up. Hold the iron on the liner for 5 seconds per section. Repeat until bonded, then let it cool completely.
Four, peel off the liner. Fold the hem back, adhesive side down inside the fold. With steam, press and hold for 20 seconds on each section until bonded. Repeat for the other side.
Five, do the bottom with a deeper fold — up 2 inches, then 2 inches again — and fuse a strip inside. At the top, fold down 1/2 inch, then 3 inches for a rod pocket, fusing only the lower edge so the rod can slide through.
Six, repeat for the second panel and hang them both. Just like that — two curtains, no hemming stitches needed.
Practical tips from my table
Warn you at the moment of risk: never let the iron touch the adhesive directly, and don't iron directly onto your ironing board.
Let each section cool before you peel or move it. A warm bond is a weak bond. Give it a minute — it's not a race.
Avoid repeated or excessive ironing over the fused area later. One good press does the job.
For care, machine wash cold, delicate cycle, and tumble dry low or no heat. Dry cleanable too.
If one panel hangs a quarter inch longer, let it be for a day. You're your own worst critic. Check it in daylight, and take your time. If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Alrighty. Thanks so much for fusing along with me today. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the HeatnBond Soft Stretch Ultra Iron-On Adhesive Bolt, 17 in x 20 yds at Linda's Electric Quilters.
