Too Long Pants? Here's the Easiest DIY Hemming Trick. #sewingtips #stylemistakes #lifehacktips, by Fashion fit tips on YouTube. 1 min 29 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 29 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Put the trousers on with the shoes you will wear them with. Pin the hem up at the length you want, then take them off.
Turn the trousers inside out and measure the folded amount with a tape measure. Mark the same amount all the way around with chalk.
Cut the excess fabric, leaving about 1.5 cm (half an inch) below your chalk line for the new hem allowance.
Fold the raw edge under by about 1 cm and press it flat with a hot iron. Use a pressing cloth on delicate fabrics.
Fold the hem up again along your chalk line so the folded edge sits inside the leg. Pin it every few centimetres.
Thread the needle with a double length of matching thread and knot the end.
Sew a small slip stitch: bring the needle up through the fold, take a tiny bite of the trouser fabric, then back through the fold. Keep stitches about 5 mm apart.
Work all the way around the leg, then repeat on the other leg. Knot off and trim the thread.
Press the finished hem from the inside with the iron, then try the trousers on to check the length.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep your stitches loose so the hem can stretch with the fabric and does not pucker.
Use a thimble on your thumb if the fabric is thick, like denim.
Pin and check the length on both legs before you cut anything.
Match the thread colour closely, or use a slightly darker shade for dark fabrics.
Questions
Can I hem trousers without cutting them?
Yes. You can fold the extra fabric up inside the leg and stitch it in place. This keeps the original hem and lets you undo it later.
What stitch should I use for a hand hem?
A slip stitch or blind hem stitch works best. It hides the thread on the outside and gives a clean finish.
How much fabric should I leave for the hem?
Leave about 1.5 cm below your chalk line. Thicker fabrics like denim may need a bit more.
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.
