Hemming Pants: a Simple Guide to Hem Your Own Pants Perfectly (2024)

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Hemming pants is a very basic, but very fundamental, sewing skill. Learning to hem your own pants will save you time and money, whether it’s because you found the perfect pair or that certain pair which needs some adjustment.

In this article, you’ll learn how to do hand hemming and machine hemming of pants. This will include the materials needed and step-by-step instructions, plus little tips to give you maximum professional results.

Get down the art of hemming, and every time, make a fitted look.

What is Hemming Pants?

Hemming pants involves adjustments in length by folding, cutting, and stitching the fabric. You will need basic tools like scissors, pins, tape measure, and a needle with thread or a sewing machine.

In the process, you will achieve a perfect fit for your pants by setting them to a length that doesn’t drag on the floor. This will save on professional alteration costs. Whether it’s a blind hem stitch done by hand or meticulously done chain stitch on denim with the help of a machine, proper hemming will give you confidence and add polish to your pants.

Curious about how this is actually done? Let’s dive deeper.

What is Hemming?

Hemming is the term for the reduction in length from the inseam of trousers. It usually involves folding, cutting, and stitching of the fabric at the bottom.

Materials to hem include pants, pins, scissors, a needle along with thread for hand hemming, or a sewing machine for machine hemming.

Hemming jeans or dress pants means getting the perfect hem length, which ensures good fitting by not dragging on the floor.

Hem any pants to the perfect length for that professional, polished look.

Why Hem Your Pants?

Why hem pants? Well, for fit, style, and practicality. Properly hemmed pants save one from tripping and have a good effect on the overall look. Here are some reasons to hem:

• Get your style to the perfect length.
• Avoid wear and tear from dragging.
• Save on hemming cost by doing it yourself.
• Hem width customization according to different fashion trends.

Make sure the jeans and other pant hemming fit comfortably.

Alterations can make a significant difference, offering freedom of movement and confidence.

Hemming Pants by Hand

To hem your pants by hand, gather materials like a needle, thread, scissors, and an iron. Follow a clear process: measure, cut, press, and sew your hems using a blind hem stitch for a clean finish.

Materials and Tools for Hand Hemming

To hand-hem your pants, you’ll need a few basic sewing supplies. Start with a sharp needle, high-quality thread that matches your fabric, and a pair of sharp scissors.

A tape measure and pins will help you mark and secure the hem. Consider the fabric – heavier materials like denim may require a sturdier needle.

Folding techniques like a blind hem can create an invisible stitch. Take your time and practice hand-sewing to master the blind hem stitch for a professional-looking finish.

Process of Hand Hemming

First, unpick the original hem and press out any creases.

Have the wearer try on the trousers wearing shoes and pin to length.

Turn the trousers to the right side and mark in 2 inches above the pinned line assuming a 1 inch hem.

Trim excess fabric then fold the hem double and press each fold.

Thread a matching color thread in the needle and blind stitch, making large stitches on the hem fold and very small ones on the pant leg.

Make sure it’s even.

Hemming Pants With a Sewing Machine

Things you’ll specifically need to hem pants on the sewing machine are a heavy-duty needle and matching thread if you work with denim jeans. This process involves measuring, cutting, pinning, and sewing precisely to deliver results that are as professional as possible.

Materials and Equipment for Sewing Machine Hemming

You’ll need a few basics to do sewing machine hemming: heavy-duty needle and thread to match your pant color.

You’ll need to properly maintain your sewing machine, too. You should adjust the presser foot pressure and the tension in the bobbin according to the type of fabric you’re using.

Chain-stitched hemming is done by most in special cases like hemming denim since it’s very strong.

Adding a measuring tape, pins, an iron, scissors, and a mirror to your kit puts you close to perfect denim tailoring and machine sewing hems.

Process of Machine Hemming

Start by measuring and marking the inseam for alteration.

Turn the pants inside out.

Cut along the marked line, ensuring precision.

Fold the edge up 1/2 inch, then again for double fold hemming.

Use pins to secure the folds.

Thread your sewing machine with matching thread, use a heavy-duty needle for jeans.

Sew close to the folded edge, maintaining consistent tension.

For chain-stitched hemming, use a specialized machine if available.

Finish by pressing the hem to smooth any creases.

Hemming Jeans Vs. Dress Pants

This is in contrast to hemming jeans and dress pants, which are done differently because of the differences in the material used and also the style. The hemming for jeans normally involves chain stitching for added durability, while dress pants only use a straight stitch.

1. Jeans: Cut raw denim jeans on the marked line, fold twice to prevent fraying, and sew using matched thread.
2. Dress Pants: Measure 1/2" off the floor, double fold for a clean look, and be sure that the inseam hits at the right length for your fit.
3. Before/After: Check the before and after to ensure even professional hems.

Importance of Proper Hemming

It makes the pant fit perfectly to boost your confidence and style. Not only about the looks, but also well-hemmed pants are those that won’t cause one to trip, increasing their lifetime by not fraying at the edges. DIY hemming saves money, enabling tailoring to personal preference without the price of professional alteration costs. Patience and precision in hemming reflect in a polished look—so essential for different occasions.

Benefits of Hemming	Details
Better Fit	Adjusts to your height
Advanced Style	Lean, professional appearance
Cost Savings	Save Money – DIY Approach
Safety	Prevents tripping hazard
Durability	Prevents Fraying of Fabric

Signs Your Pants Need Hemming

You’ll know it’s time to hem your pants when you notice certain telltale signs. If your pants are bunching up at the ankles or dragging on the ground, that’s a clear indication they’re too long.

Creasing at the knees is another sign your inseam is off. And for jeans specifically, an overly long hem can lead to fraying and wear over time.

Pay attention to these subtle cues, and you’ll know when it’s time to break out the sewing kit and get to work.

How to Measure for Hemming

To measure for hemming, start by determining your inseam:

1. Measuring Inseam: Wear pants and shoes, stand straight, and measure from crotch to desired hem length.
2. Chalk Marking: Mark new hem length with chalk while standing.
3. Trimming Excess Fabric: Turn pants inside out, measure 1-2 inches above marked line depending on hem preference, and trim.
4. Pressing Bottom Edge: Fold bottom edge up by 1 inch, press, then fold and press again.

Pin the hem securely before sewing.

Tips for DIY Hemming

Knowing how to measure for hemming is only the beginning of the process; now, let’s really get into some DIY tips that will ensure perfection.

1. Choose the Right Thread: Match the thread color to your pants for a seamless look.
2. Choosing the Right Needle: Use a heavy-duty needle when sewing jeans and a regular one when sewing dress pants.
3. Press, Don’t Guess: Always iron the hem before sewing to obtain those crisp folds like professionals do.
4. Go Slow: Be patient; with hand sewing techniques and machine sewing techniques, patience will yield better results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)