MAPIWhy Do Curtains Shrink After Washing?
Both IKEA product pages provide a maximum shrinkage value and model-specific wash instructions. If a curtain is shortened before its initial wash, the later change in length can alter the intended hem position.
Curtain dimensions can change in the wash; IKEA lists a maximum 4% shrinkage for the cited STENFRÖ and MAJGULL models and advises washing before hemming.
Key takeaways
- The cited STENFRÖ and MAJGULL products list maximum 4% shrinkage; the figure must not be generalized to all curtains.
- Hemming a curtain before laundering does not cause shrinkage, but can leave the finished length shorter than intended.
- IKEA advises washing these curtains before cutting or hemming them.
- The two products have different care instructions: check the exact label, including temperature and tumble-drying rules.
What it actually means
Curtain shrinkage is a change in the fabric’s dimensions after laundering.
The main explanation
The cited IKEA curtains have a product-specific maximum shrinkage allowance of 4%. Washing can change their dimensions. Hemming before that first wash does not cause the fabric to shrink; it means the finished length was set before the size change, which is why IKEA recommends washing before cutting or hemming.
Main causes and reasons
1. Fabric shrinkage during laundering
IKEA lists a maximum 4% shrinkage for the specific STENFRÖ and MAJGULL products cited here.
How to recognize it
- The named product label lists a shrinkage allowance
- The curtain measures shorter after laundering than it did beforehand
Why it matters: Those product-specific care specifications explain why the fabric can become shorter after washing; they are not a universal percentage for curtains.
How to identify your situation
The observed length change can fit the documented fabric-care characteristic.
Next: Compare measurements with the exact product's shrinkage allowance and follow its wash label.
The final hem was planned before the fabric's possible size change; the hemming did not itself cause shrinkage.
Next: Measure the washed curtain before planning any further alteration.
What you can do
- Follow the specific curtain’s care label and wash it before cutting or hemming, as IKEA recommends for these models.
- Compare care instructions for the exact model rather than applying a generic temperature.
- Plan the hem only after the pre-hem wash.
Common misconceptions
The cited number belongs to particular IKEA models, not every fabric.
IKEA says to wash the named curtain before cutting or hemming.
When it may be a bigger problem
If the curtain has become shorter than your planned hem and you cannot tell which care instructions apply, check the exact product label and ask the retailer or manufacturer about that fabric before washing or altering it again.
Frequently asked questions
Does IKEA list 4% shrinkage for every curtain?
No. The maximum 4% shown is for the named products in the cited listings.
Should curtains be washed before hemming?
Yes, IKEA recommends this for the cited models because the fabric can shrink.
Can I use the same wash cycle for these two curtains?
Follow each product label; the named models have their own wash-care instructions.
Sources
Written by Mapiance Editorial Team
The Mapiance Editorial Team researches, writes, reviews, and maintains practical guides and explainers for MAPIANCE.
Reviewed by Mapiance Editorial Team
Published Sep 25, 2026 · Updated Sep 29, 2026 · Verified Sep 21, 2026