How to Creatively Add Length to Belt Loop Curtains

Select fabric that complements the curtains -- a formal curtain in silk shantung or velvet blends well with a border of embroidered Chinese brocade. Linen drapes look best with another panel of linen; filmy drapes might be stunning with a length of floaty sari silk.

Hang the curtains on the window, then measure the length from the bottom hem of the curtain to the floor and double it. Add 1 1/4 inches to the measurement. Measure curtain width and add roughly 1 1/2 inches for side seams.

Cut a piece of fabric for each curtain to be extended. Turn fabric right sides together, fold in half and press. Stitch side seams and trim excess fabric to about 3/8 inch.

Fold the raw top edge of the fabric down 5/8 inch so that the wrong sides are together and press. Turn the side-hemmed border fabric right side out and press all seams and the bottom crease flat.

Take down hanging curtains and lay them flat. Fit the open end of the extension fabric over the bottom hem of the curtains so it barely overlaps. The curtains will be enclosed at the bottom by the border "envelopes." Pin the new borders to the bottom edge of the curtains.

Cut a band of decorative trim, 2 inches longer than the curtain is wide, for each curtain. Stitch the ends of the trim to prevent unraveling. Pin the trim over the juncture of curtain hem and new border panels, wrapping it around the edge of the curtains. Stitch in place, catching the trim overlap on the back of the curtains in the stitching.

Press the trim and joined sections of curtain and border flat. Hang the floor-length curtains by slipping the belt loops at the top over the curtain or drapery rods.