Pants Too Long? This Easy Hand-Sewing Trick Works. #fashiontips #sewingtips #lifehacktips, by Fashion fit tips on YouTube. 2 min 7 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 7 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Put the pants on with the shoes you will wear them with. Fold the cuff up to the length you want and pin it in place.
Take the pants off and turn them inside out. Measure the folded amount on both legs so the new length matches on each side.
Mark the new hem line with pins or chalk, then cut the excess fabric, leaving about 3 cm (1 inch) for the hem allowance.
Fold the raw edge under by about 1 cm and press it flat with an iron, or pin it if you have no iron.
Thread the needle with a double strand of thread and tie a knot at the end.
Sew small stitches along the folded edge, catching only a few threads of the pant fabric so the stitches stay hidden.
Work all the way around the leg, then tie off the thread and trim it. Repeat on the other leg.
Try the pants on again to check the length and that the hem sits flat. Press the hem once more if needed.
Tips and common mistakes
Use thread that matches the fabric colour so the stitches blend in.
Keep your stitches small and even, or the hem will pucker and show on the outside.
Pin the hem before sewing so the fabric does not shift while you work.
Hem both legs before cutting so you can compare the lengths side by side.
Questions
Do I need a sewing machine to hem pants?
No. A simple hand stitch with a needle and thread works fine, it just takes a little longer. Small hidden stitches give a neat finish.
How much fabric should I leave for the hem?
Leave about 3 cm (1 inch) below your new length. That gives enough fabric to fold under and sew without the edge fraying.
Can I hem jeans by hand?
Yes, but denim is thick. Use a strong needle and heavier thread, and take small stitches so the seam stays flat.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
