Hemming Jeans - Fast & Easy!

Let’s face it, everyone wears jeans (who doesn’t love Denim Fabric?). Young, old and especially anyone in between wear them for just about any occasion. Jeans are typically manufactured in very long lengths so shortening them is a common necessity. Surprisingly, jeans are one of the easiest of pants to hem. Why anyone would pay $20-$30 to have this fast and easy task done for them is mind boggling. It really is that simple. No hand stitching is involved and within an hour the task is complete.

Step 1

The first step is to determine the desired length. If making that determination on yourself there a few ways that can be done. The easiest way is to take a pair of jeans you already know are the correct length and measure the inseam of both legs. Using that measurement, mark each inseam of the pants to be shortened with either a pin, fabric pen or chalk. Measure the distance from the new mark to the current hem. Using that measurement turn up the hem of each leg and pin in place.

Try on the jeans to make sure the hem length is where you want it. Look to be sure the hem on both legs are the same length and that the hem is parallel to the ground all the way around both legs. Make adjustments where necessary – this is a trial and error sort of task. Some people prefer to have the back portion of the jeans a bit longer to accommodate a high heel. If that is the case, make the appropriate adjustment. Once the final length is determined and securely pinned in place, steam press the hem to get a strong and clearly visible crease.

Step 2

The next step is mark the hem allowance and trim away the excess fabric. Using the pressed hemline as your guide, mark a cutting line 1 1/8 inches above the hemline using a chalk pen, fabric pen or tailors chalk. Since the line will never show, even a regular pen will do.

Step 3

Using the marked cutting line, trim away the excess.

Step 4

Now using the pressed hem crease as your guide fold up the raw edge to the crease line. Fold up once more to complete the hem and pin in place.

Step 5

Next, stitch the hem close to the folded edge. Denim is a very heavy and thick fabric so be sure to use a size 14/90 to 18/120 size needle. Also, use a thread designed for denim and try to select a color to match the old hem.

Start the stitching close to the inseam seamline where is less likely to show. Since a double turned hem creates a rather thick layer at the side and inseam seamlines, use a clearance plate to level off the presser foot. This will facilitate the foot’s ability to sew over the thick hump of fabric and keep the stitches uniform. And, that’s all there is to it.

This article uses the content from the original article on BurdaStyle.com