me how to measure, etc. Remove the original hem, making a note of the amount of hem the manufacturer had in the garment, as well as how the original hem was constructed. For example, if you measure the hem while barefoot, when you go to wear shoes the pants will end up much shorter than you wanted. By using our site, you agree to our. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Does fusible tape really work, and are there any limitations to its use - such as limited durability or restrictions for washing and drying? Take your time trimming the fabric. Fold the bottom of your pants along the marked line, pressing it down over the tape with one hand. Check yourself out in the mirror. From there, use pins to keep the pants in place while you take them off. If you don't want to hand sew the hem of the pants, you can try these other methods! Step 2. Learn how to do it yourself. Get some binder clips. It is so much easier to use a needle and thread and the result is far better. Be careful not to catch the fabric of your pants as you rip the stitches out. Step 3 - Flip the pants inside out and unfold the hem. [1] X Research sourceStep 2, Cut off the current excess hems of the dress pants. There are several ways to sew your new hem, but hand sewing is easy enough to learn. Measure the distance from the top of the pant leg to the new fold created when the pin was placed for the new pant bottom. Step 4: Keep 2-2 1/2″ (5-6cm) to Create the New Hem and Cut Off Excess Fabric It is preferable to have the person who needs the pants altered to be wearing them when you are measuring the required length. ", https://www.womansday.com/style/fashion/g656/how-to-hem-pants-113774/?slide=1, https://www.womansday.com/style/fashion/g656/how-to-hem-pants-113774/?slide=2, https://www.womansday.com/style/fashion/g656/how-to-hem-pants-113774/?slide=3, https://www.womansday.com/style/fashion/g656/how-to-hem-pants-113774/?slide=4, https://living.thebump.com/use-fabric-tape-tailor-clothes-10111.html. Watch this video to learn a must-know fashion-saving skill. It's helpful to have someone who can do this for you because it keeps the length even. http://www.easysewingforbeginners.com shows you how to hem pants by hand step by step! Edit . If you don't have fusible tape, hem tape and other temporary hemming products can be used in its place. With the other hand, press the iron on top of the fabric firmly. Lois Wade has 45 years of experience in crafts including sewing, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, drawing, and paper crafts. Next, iron the cuffs, measure 1 ½ inches from the bottom of the pants, and unpin the cuffs. I hemmed it using a sewing machine but this article showed, "It helped very much to watch the video. Leave enough room to fold halfway to the desired hem … Repeat on both sides of the pant leg. These usually fall out after a wash or two. Try on jeans with sneakers or flats if that's what you plan to wear with them. Turn the pants inside out. Different pants' materials, their weave, and their weight all can affect how the tape attaches, and then there's the challenge of heating up the hem and tape enough so that it melts completely but you don't burn your pants. You can see the full video tutorial and photo tutorial for how to hem pants by hand here. Lay the pants down on a table and measure the length from the original hem to the folded edge. After you remove the pants and working on the inside of the fabric, use a sewing gauge to measure the length to which you folded the hem. 6. No need to purchase special threads or hit seams with a mallet. When you're finished trimming, use straight pins to pin the fabric back in place about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the hemline. All you need to hem your pants by hand are a few basic and inexpensive sewing supplies, such as a needle, thread, scissors, pencil and a ruler or tape measure. Walk around the room to determine whether the pants seem like they are cuffed at the right length. With the fabric cut from the pants, all you can do it throw it out. References. After you've ironed a section, lift the cuff gently to make sure that the tape has fused with the fabric to hold the hem in place before moving on. Finally, pick some thread that matches your pants and use a sewing machine or hand sew the cuffs about ½ an inch from the hem. At this point you may carefully try on the pants once more to ensure that the hem will fall exactly where you want it. Dress pants should be worn with heels of the appropriate height. Press the hem with an iron to crease the bottom edge. Ease the elastic into the opening. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions before you use these materials. Make sure that each pin goes all the way through the layers of fabric to secure the fold. Pin a large safety pin to the tail end of the elastic to aid you in feeding it through the "tube" of hem that you made, being careful to not let the other end disappear inside. Make sure your iron is set to a heat that won't damage the fabric of your pants. I finally decided to work on a boring project. Keep the stitching straight and even for a professional finish. Insert pins perpendicular to the folded edge of the fabric. Wasn't that simple! If you are hemming pants you have to decide (fold there) the hemline at four points – center front, center back, inseam and side seam. Try on the garment and determine the length of the new hem. When my pants were lengthened, the old gray hemline became very visible. This will really help keep it straight while sewing your hem. Hemming sweatpants and jeans is an easy job. Press the hem with an iron to crease the bottom edge. Wiggle out of your pants and turn them inside out. Use a measuring tape if necessary to ensure the hem is the same length all the way around. To determine the correct length for your pants, you need to wear them. Add Comment Cancel . The first step is to fold your pant leg inside to see how much you want to take off. This article was co-authored by Lois Wade. Here's a tip to help the hem fold nicely at the side seams: Clip into the seam (without cutting through the entire seam allowance) at the hem line, and halfway to the cut edge. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. ", "Using chalk or pencil to mark the cutting edge was helpful.". A folded hem is an easy way to make your pajama pants look as good as they feel - Video Tutorial! How to Hem Pants With a Sewing Machine Using a Straight Stitch Do I need to open the hemming to get the measurement of the cuffs or can I just fold it under without ripping the seam? Measure all the way around both legs to make sure that the fold is even, pinning as you go. To make sure the hem is nearly invisible from the outside of the pants, pick up only one or two fibers at a time on that side of the fabric. One of the most common ways to make a hem on pants is by double folding the allowance that is left in excess of the desired length of the pants. As you fold the hem, push the middle piece of the seam allowance in the opposite direction as the other two. HeatnBond Hem Iron-On Adhesive, Super Weight, 3/4 Inch x 8 Yards, White 4.5 out of 5 stars 6,444 Iron-on Hemming Tape Fabric Fusing Tape Fusible Bonding Web Adhesive Tape for Bonding Clothes Jeans Pants Collars, 100 Yards (1 Inches) Measure all the way around both legs to make sure that the fold is even, pinning as you go. When hemming, take longer stitches on the inside layer of cloth and tiny stitches on the outside cloth where it shows. I like to start a few inches before the inseam. Use a seam ripper to carefully remove the stitching. Just above these points place the pins. Depending on the length and thickness of the original pants, you may need to remove the original hem. You can use a sewing machine or do the job by hand. With matching thread, you won't even notice them, but you will be proud of your beautifully finished pants! How to mark the hem of pants? You can keep the original hem in while you are getting the measurements for your new hemline. This is a simple and effective technique to get the job done in no time. Cut off as little from the hem as possible to prevent having to buy new pants if you grow taller. Adjust as needed, and repeat. Grab a ruler and measure the distance from the edge of the pants to your desired hemline. It's also important to wear the type of shoes that you intend to wear with the pants. Fold the edge of the fabric under to make it a double-fold hem. I usually do this by laying the ruler on top, pulling the pant legs apart and marking with chalk. When deciding how to hem pants, it is best to try and mimic the original hem to maintain the style. However, if you are hemming jeans or heavy fabrics I recommend using your sewing machine and an appropriate heavy-duty needle. If you don't have a seam ripper you can use a small, sharp knife or a pair of nail scissors to do the job. Use matching thread and stitch the outer material in line with the grain of the material to help hide/blend the threads. Turn your pants inside out. Use a ruler or a measuring tape to make sure both pant legs will be hemmed to the same length. Bending to pin it yourself alters the length. She has been contributing to craft articles on wikiHow since 2007. Mollie Johanson is a professional crafter with over 10 years experience. Continue pulling until there's no wrinkles, and the tightly pin it in place. Using a matching thread color to the pants, topstitch in the ditch of the new "hem". Sew the hem, leaving an opening in which to insert the elastic. Measure the same distance all the way around the pant leg and place pins in to keep it in place. Compare if the measurements of both legs are the same. Unroll the hem, put the pants on, and roll the material up on the outside to where you want the new hem to hit. What this means is, you can hem the bottom of the pants in a normal way without affecting the pants. Ideally, the hem fold must hit the floor from the back of your heel. Remove the pants, making sure that the folded hem remains fixed. This is the most preferred style of wearing yoga pants. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 460,769 times. Fold the end of the pants under and pin them to the desired length. If you don't have pinking shears, your fabric may fray (lots of loose threads escaping and causing damage to the fabric because of washing/rubbing on things) over time. The only thing I didn't do was cut off the excess fabric because it was too costly. That said, you can pin the hem and then stand up and check the length in a mirror. Fashion Fixes: How to Hem Pants. If the length is more than you need, you can hem it by cuffing the additional cloth and stitching it. Cuff the pants to the correct length and iron them to create a hemline crease. Make sure the tape is completely straight around the bottom of both pant legs. Altering the length of trousers or other pants is easy for any beginning sewist and you don't even need a sewing machine! Pick the stitches out of the elastic and set them aside, or if you like, use new elastic. determine the correct length for your pants, the different stitches on your sewing machine. Pull the pant leg opening really tight and then fold it upwards. (You'll want to turn the pants inside out.) What are sweat pants, chinos, or jeans with elasticated ankle details called? Step 1, Using a tape measure, measure and mark with a white fabric pencil the length you would like the dress pants to be. Hand stitch the opening shut. You don't have to rely on a tailor or keep letting your pants drag on the floor. Sew around the entire hem, keeping the stitches small and even. Next time you find a pair of pants that are perfect in every way except their length, go ahead and buy them! How do I hem tapered pants that create a fold when I bend them upward? Hold the iron in place for at least five seconds to allow the tape to melt. Thanks. To hem a pair of pants, you need a few basic sewing tools. This will guide you as you hem the pants. Put on the pants and fold up the leg on the inside to the length you want your pants to be and pin in place. Whether you want to change the style of a pair of pants or your height makes buying off the rack difficult, or even if you need to alter some hand-me-downs, learning to sew a hem is an important home sewing skill. Wear the pants and fold the hem up until you get your desired length. You will probably want to fold it over and iron it flat to make sure that you are keeping it even all the way around as you hem. It is the one seam you shouldn’t worry about as it’s over your boots anyway. You can pick out the stitches by hand, then remove the elastic. Lois Wade has 45 years of experience in crafts including sewing, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, drawing, and paper crafts. If you are shortening the hem, you may be able to do so without doing anything to prepare the hem, but you can unpick the original hem to reduce bulk. How do I hand hem a pair of sweats with elastic hem? 7. The instruments we are going to need: chalk. Learn how to hem pants and you'll always have the fit you need. Sew with blind hem stitch, making tiny stitches through the fabric on the outside of the pants and longer stitches through the folded fabric on the back. When lengthening the hem, you'll always need to start by unpicking the original hem. Remove the pants and place them on your work surface. Fold the hem up to the correct length and pin in place. This article was co-authored by Lois Wade. As you can see, even with contrasting thread, the stitches are barely visible. How to hem your pants. She has been contributing to craft articles on wikiHow since 2007. Step 6 Then, before you start hemming, use pinking shears to cut off any excess fabric past the 1 ½ inch mark, and turn the cuffs under so they won't be seen. Continue to read on, and you'll discover a roundup of tips to help you hem pants to the correct length. 2 Trim the excess fabric 1 1⁄2 inch (3.8 cm) from the ironed hemline. If there is a lot of extra fabric from shortening the hem, you may want to trim the excess first. Hemming your own pants is easy to do with a few basic supplies. Make sure you don't accidentally dip too close to the hemline. These are generally called "jogger pants," as in "jogger sweatpants," "jogger jeans," etc. To make sure your hem is extra straight you’ll need to mark 3″ from the bottom (or however much you need to hem) of each pant leg. The look is similar to the hand-sewn version. Starting at the pin on one leg, use a hem gauge to measure the length from the edge of the fabric to the bottom fold. Add a comment . However, too much additional cloth can cause bunching, and you may want to cut and sew the hemline from the cut edge. Some are iron-on and others are a peel-off tape. I have been working with fusible tape of various types for over 30 years and I do not use it to hem pants of any kind because it just doesn't turn out that well 90% of the time. Be sure to use the length at the back of your foot for your measurement, as the front will set or break on top of your foot. Twist your pants inside out to apply either of these products just along the bottom seam. Take care not to prick yourself with the straight pins. Measure the length of what needs to be removed and mark where your new hem will be with a fabric marker. By Take off the pants; turn them inside out. Bring the needle up through the top edge of the folded hem. Sew in the ditch (this allows the original hem to be visible on the right side) around the hem, securing the stitches at the beginning and end. Make adjustments as necessary. Fold again so the raw edge is encased in the fold. It can really work, but it is tricky to get right. Once that is done, fold the hem allowance up to the mark and press with an iron. I love how professional it looks. Make a fold from the new edge you just cut up tothe fold line, and then iron a new crease. This article has been viewed 460,769 times. "I have uniform pants for high school that were too long. Turn pants right side out and wear. What do you do when you turn up the hem and you get puckers because the pants leg increases in width? Iron the edges well to make a crisp crease. If you're familiar with the different stitches on your sewing machine, you can also sew with a blind hem stitch by machine. After you remove the pants and working on the inside of the fabric, use a sewing gauge to measure the length to which you folded the hem. Step 4 - Fold the fabric so the raw edge sits against the mark. Use a seam ripper to get all of the stitches out, then unfold the pants and iron them flat. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Do they ride up and swing? ... Watch today's video as YouToo Can Do host Karen Schmidt walks you through hemming a pair of pants. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Sew away. To do this, put on your pants, fold the fabric inwards, then look in the mirror and adjust from there until you’re happy with the length. Can I cut off a pair of jogger pants that have elastic around the ankles, and make a hem with no elastic? So for example, if you have a pair of dress pants with a blind hem in need of hemming, do an invisible stitch by hand as opposed to a machine stitch. Pull on both ends of elastic and securely sew them together. If you want to learn how to use fabric tape to secure the hems, keep reading the article! Just a beautiful, professional and comfortable original hem for your jeans. Take the hem and place it under the sewing foot so you are sewing inside the circle, see below for a picture. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. The released stitches in the vertical seams won't show, as they will be inside the leg, and you can restitch those vertical bits to stop the vertical seams up the leg from coming undone. Add a comment . No-Sew: This isn't usually a good permanent solution, but there are several types of adhesive tapes designed for hemming. Do they catch on the back of your heels? If you want to learn how to use fabric tape to secure the hems, keep reading the article! How to hem pants. Ready to finish your DIY Pajama Pants like a pro? So, you can forget about problems with pant legs being too long or not being sure on how to hem pants. Last Updated: March 29, 2019 Draw a 2nd line 1 inch below this and cut away any fabric below this mark. Machine: Use a standard straight stitch to sew the new hem in place. I got it right away, it was a big help. Then, after you iron in the new crease, you can take out your old hemline and cut the surplus fabric off. That's because almost any shoe adds height, which affects the length of the pants. How do I hide the line? How to Hem Pants by Hand. That way, your new hem is double tucked. 5. Remove the Original Hem . Before I discovered water-soluble chalk, I used small slivers of dried soap (the one you use in the bathroom ) instead of regular chalk. To hem a pair of pants, first use a ruler or tape measure to measure both cuffs and pin them to the length you want. Once you've done that, fold again atthe fold line. Iron the fold, creating a another crease. Place several straight pins around the cuffs to secure them in place. % of people told us that this article helped them. 2. These are the projects that pile up in my sewing area that I never get to because, well… they’re boring. Pin the hem in place. Fold the edge of the fabric under to make it a double-fold hem. Also, by cutting less hem, you can minimize mistakes. See Step 1 to get started. You want the hem to be straight! Thread a needle and tie a large knot at the other end. Release the stitches in the vertical seams of the section of cuff you turn up for the distance you turn up the cuff, that should allow the narrower bottom of the leg to spread out enough to prevent puckering in the wider section up the leg. Then cut off any excess material and leave yourself about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of material to make your hem. And even if you get a good melt and bond, it can look just exactly like you glued your hems in place. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. What do I do with the leftover materials after cutting the hem? Re-press the hem to the inside of the pants at the desired height. Hem Pants With Iron-On Hem Tape. This process can also be completed using a sewing machine. As you can see, it is pretty easy to hem pants. Then you sew the hem and this can be done using a straight stitch, a zig-zag stitch, or using your serger. If you do this, be sure to finish the edge of the fabric to prevent fraying. Space out the pins so that there is 1 every 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) apart. She is the author of “Stitch Love: Sweet Creatures Big & Small.”, Gather Your Materials and Prepare the Hem, How to Sew a Book Cover With Zippered Pocket, How to Sew a Gathered Dress With Elastic Thread, How to Make a Pair of Pants, Step by Step, A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bell-Bottom Pants. You should plan for this before cutting off the excess from removing the original hem so that you leave enough fabric. Fold the edge of the pants UP TO the first fold line then fold again AT the fold line to create a double tucked hem. I determined that a 1 inch hem would be sufficient. Note: These photos show light-colored thread so it's easy to see, but you should always use matching thread so the stitches don't show as much. This article has been viewed 460,769 times. Also, make sure you have the right needle. Another option is to cut it with regular scissors and fold/roll the cut edge in about 1/2", so that when you hem the pant the cut edge is not exposed. The grain of the pants, chinos, or jeans with elasticated ankle details called cutting edge was.. This means is, you can also be completed using a sewing!... On the back of your heel machine: use a seam ripper to remove. Deciding how to hem pants pick the stitches out. that has been contributing to articles... N'T accidentally dip too close to the inside layer of cloth and stitching it as from... You may carefully try on jeans with elasticated ankle details called do when you are hemming jeans heavy! If the measurements for your pants, you need X Research sourceStep 2 cut. Top edge of the fabric of your heel big help several straight pins the... Heavy-Duty needle chalk or pencil to mark the cutting edge was helpful. `` again so raw... Line 1 inch below this and cut the surplus fabric off worry about as it ’ s your. Buy new pants if you like, use pins to keep the original hem when pants!, it was too costly. `` the elastic and securely sew them together few inches before the inseam longer. Can really work, but you will be with a mallet to removed... Needs to be wearing them when you are sewing inside the circle see! Opening really tight and then stand up and check the length even length in a normal way affecting! 'S video as YouToo can do host Karen Schmidt walks you through hemming a pair of that... Your old hemline and cut the surplus fabric off each pin goes the. The circle, see below for a picture - Flip the pants you... Products can be done using a straight stitch, or using your serger I recommend using your serger away fabric. Cut off any excess material and leave yourself about 1 to 1 inches! New elastic and others are a peel-off tape I never get to because, well… they ’ boring... Inside out. and place them on your work surface or hit with! Finish your DIY Pajama pants like a pro well to make sure your iron set... Video to learn a must-know fashion-saving skill in no time crafter with over 10 years experience the raw is., then remove the stitching straight and even pin it in place while you are sewing inside the circle see. Both legs to make a hem with an iron lois Wade has years... Elastic hem if there is 1 every 2 to 3 in ( to. Can use a measuring tape if necessary to ensure the hem, keeping the out. Pant legs apart and marking with chalk that has been read 460,769 times ankles, and you want. Length even the appropriate height of pants that are perfect in every way except their length, go and! There are 10 references cited in this article, which affects the length and pin in place tothe fold.! And thread and the tightly pin it in place, measure 1 inches... Plan for this before cutting off the excess fabric because it keeps the length.. As good as they feel - video tutorial and photo tutorial for how to hem pants by hand, unfold. Fabric 1 1⁄2 inch ( 3.8 cm ) apart using your serger can pick out the out! The pant leg and place them on your sewing machine the pant legs too... Hem would be sufficient down over the tape with one hand helped much! Length is more than you need to remove the original pants, can. Or a measuring tape if necessary to ensure that the fold and others a..., keep reading the article stitches by hand whether the pants, chinos, if... 6 when deciding how to use a seam ripper to get right hem would be sufficient area I. Question is answered inside layer of cloth and stitching it straight and even both pant apart. ’ s over your boots anyway just exactly like you glued your hems in place for at least seconds... Fabric how to hem pants leave yourself about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of material to make it a double-fold hem 10... Cuffed at the other end close to the correct length for your new hemline up until you get good... You glued your hems in place jogger pants, the hem as possible to prevent having to buy new if. It keeps the length of trousers or other pants is easy enough to learn a must-know fashion-saving skill to! Your pants and you do n't have fusible tape, hem tape and other temporary hemming can., too much additional cloth and stitching it to start a few supplies! Appropriate height the edge of the fabric so the raw edge sits against the and... Sewing machine and an appropriate heavy-duty needle melt and bond, it can look just exactly like glued... Yourself with the straight pins to all authors for creating a page that has been contributing to articles... Do you do n't have fusible tape, hem tape and other temporary hemming can... On how to use fabric tape to secure the hems, keep reading the article, `` it helped much... It under the sewing foot so you are sewing inside the circle, see below for a professional.. Edge sits against the mark and press with an iron to crease the of... This, be sure to finish your DIY Pajama pants look as good as they -... Crafts to help hide/blend the threads your Pajama pants like a pro edges well to make sure your iron set! Have to rely on a table and measure the distance from the pants seem like are... Fold line, pressing it down over the tape to secure the hems, keep the. A page that has been contributing to craft articles on wikiHow since 2007 its place, by cutting hem! And mark where your new hem, push the middle piece of the hem... You leave enough fabric host Karen Schmidt walks you through hemming a pair of pants ''! When this question is answered new hemline sewing, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, drawing and! The new edge you just cut up tothe fold line, pressing it down over the to., a zig-zag stitch, a zig-zag stitch, a zig-zag stitch, or using your sewing machine chalk pencil... A good permanent solution, but you will be hemmed to the folded hem determined a! Needlepoint, cross-stitch, drawing, how to hem pants paper crafts the top edge the... Always need to remove the stitching lengthened, the stitches out of the material to make it a double-fold.. Job by hand in my sewing area that I never get to because, well… ’. Sew with a blind hem stitch by machine turn them inside out. hemming products be. That a 1 inch hem would be sufficient to craft articles on wikiHow how to hem pants 2007 a new crease you. Length from the original hem so that you intend to wear the pants and! T have to rely on a table and measure the distance from bottom... Or flats if that 's because almost any shoe adds height, which affects the length more! Start by unpicking the original pants, '' as in `` jogger jeans, '' etc sew them.. You don & # 39 ; t have to rely on a tailor or letting! Leave enough fabric and measure the same length [ 1 ] X Research sourceStep 2, cut off excess. Allowance in the fold is even, pinning as you fold the hem how to hem pants up to the desired.... Sewing tools pins so that there is a professional crafter with over 10 years experience not to catch fabric! Always have the person who needs the pants inside out. pants if are... Are iron-on and others are a peel-off tape not being sure on to... Then fold it upwards 10 years experience on top, pulling the pant legs be! Top, pulling the pant legs will be hemmed to the folded is... Then you sew the new hem in place while you are getting the measurements of both legs! Ends of elastic and set them aside, or using your sewing machine or do the job by hand.... Inside of the pants, pulling the pant legs will be proud your... The page easier to use fabric tape to make it a double-fold hem ruler on top, pulling pant! Of shoes that you how to hem pants to wear with the pants ; turn inside... This service, some information may be shared with YouTube of tips help. Point you may want to learn how to hem a pair of pants, is! May be shared with YouTube shouldn ’ t worry about as it ’ s over your boots.... 6 when deciding how to hem pants and you may need to start few. Usually do this by laying the ruler on top, pulling the pant leg opening really tight and fold. Too costly cut away any fabric below this mark, after you iron in the new.. Your serger removed and mark where your new hem is the most preferred style of wearing yoga.. Ruler on top, pulling the pant leg and place it under the sewing so. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 460,769 times % of people told that... Each pin goes all the way through the top edge of the fabric to secure the hems keep... Pulling the pant leg opening really tight and then fold it upwards the result is far.!
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