How To Hem Pants

To hem pants is not difficult. However, there are a few things to know before you get started.

The type of hem you choose will be determined by the style of pants and the type of fabric your pants are made of.

The best way to get a professional result is to take note of the original hem. Was it one inch wide and straight stitched or zig zag stitched etc.

If you are hemming a pair of twill pants, such as Dockers for instance, then you can use a 1/2 inch to 1-inch hem and use a straight stitch.

Once you have the hang of hemming your own pants you can save money by avoiding having to pay someone else to do this.

Here is an easy way to save your money and hem your own pants.

You will need to hem pants:

A sewing machine
A measuring tape/ruler
Sharp scissors
A washable marking pen or chalk
Pins
Matching thread
Seam Ripper (Oops, I forgot to put one of these in the photo)

First Step:

Determine how long you want your pants to be. If you have a friend handy, have them help you measure the desired length of your pants by rolling up the excess length and pinning.

If you don't have a friend handy, you can do one of two things,

A) Measure an existing pair of pants that are currently hemmed to the length you want. Now you measure from the inside crotch area to the bottom of the hem. For instance if you measure 30" and the pants you want to hem are 33" in length, then you know you will reduce your pants by 3".

I use this method often and it works just fine.

B)You can try on your pants and turn them up to a desired length.In the mirror check to see that your hem is where you would like it. Adjust if needed. Pin when you are happy with the length and go to the next step.style="float:left;"

Second Step

Start by unpicking the original hem with a seam ripper.

Clean up the loose threads and press flat with a steam iron.

Using a sewing chalk marker, or a non permanent marker, and a measuring tool and mark the amount you need to trim off. Then cut with sewing scissors.

Turn up your hem 3/8"/1cm and then turn it again the amount you need your hem to be. In the photo I have turned the hem 3/8" twice.

Set your machine to a wide stitch length. Stitch around both hems and press.

Ta Da! Your hem is done. Not so tough.

Leave hem pants page and check out sewing pants.com.