How to Hem Pants: A Step-By-Step Guide

How to Hem Pants: A Step-By-Step Guide

Do you ever find yourself needing to hem your pants but don’t want to pay for a tailor? Hemming pants is a simple DIY task that anyone can do. Hemming pants involves shortening the length of the pants, which is usually done to get a better fit. In this article, we will guide you through the different methods and techniques that you can use to hem your pants.

Materials and Tools

Before we start, gather everything you’ll need for the process. Here are the materials and tools you’ll need:

Materials:

1. Fabric: the pants you want to hem.
2. Thread: choose a thread that matches the color of your pants.
3. Pins: straight pins to keep the fabric in place.
4. Scissors: use fabric scissors to avoid snagging the fabric.

Tools:

1. Sewing machine or hand needle: choose the method that is more convenient for you.
2. Tape measure: to measure the length of the pants.
3. Iron: to iron the pants and the seams.

Different Techniques

There are two main ways to hem pants:

Sewing Machine Hemming Technique

If you have a sewing machine, this technique could be a faster and more convenient option for you. Here’s how to hem pants with a sewing machine:

1. Measure your pants using a tape measure to determine how much you want to shorten them. Mark the desired length with a pencil or a fabric marker.
2. Turn the pants inside out and fold the bottom of the pants at the mark you made earlier. Then, fold it again to your desired hem length. Pin the hem in place.
3. Sew the hem using a sewing machine on a straight stitch. Use the foot pedal to sew along the hem, removing pins as you go.
4. Trim any loose threads or fabric, and iron the hem to give it a neat finish.

Hand-Stitching Hemming Technique

This option requires a bit more patience, but it will give you a cleaner finish for your hem. Here is how to hem pants by hand:

1. Follow the first step for the sewing machine technique.
2. Turn the pants inside out and fold the bottom of the pants at the mark you made earlier. Then, fold it again to your desired hem length. Pin the hem in place.
3. Thread the needle, double the thread and knot the end. Insert your needle at the beginning of the hem and sew a few stitches. Using a blind stitch sew around the hem, removing pins as you go.
4. Trim any loose threads or fabric, and iron the hem to give it a neat finish.

Comparison of Pros and Cons of Each Technique

The technique you choose for hemming pants depends on your personal preference. Hand-stitching is more time-consuming, but it gives you greater control over the end product. Sewing machines, on the other hand, are faster and more precise, especially when working with thicker or bulkier fabrics.

Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing your pants for hemming

1. Measure the length of your pants to see how much fabric you need to remove. This is an important step because hemming pants too short is irreversible, and you can’t undo it once it’s done.
2. Mark the fabric with a pencil or fabric marker to indicate where you will need to cut off the fabric. Make sure that you have measured the length correctly to ensure an even hem.
3. Cut off excess fabric with fabric scissors.

Hemming the pants:

1. Fold the hem of your pants to your desired length. This should be the new length that you marked earlier.
2. Pin the hem in place, careful to keep the fabric smooth and straight.
3. Sew the hem, making sure the stitches are as straight as possible.

Finishing touches:

1. Trim any loose threads or fabric from the hem.
2. Press the hem with an iron to make it look neater and more professional.

Expert Tips

Adding Extra Length to the Hem for Future Alterations

You may want to add extra length to the hem of your pants if you plan to change shoes that are much taller than your regular ones. So, make sure to measure with shoes that you are considering wearing with the pants.

Using Matching Thread for a Seamless Finish

If you want to achieve a seamless look, choose thread that matches the color of your pants. This will make your hem look as if it’s part of the original construction

Ironing the Hem Before Sewing for a Neater Finish

Iron your pants before and after hemming them. This will make it easier to create a straight hem, and it will make your finished product look sharper and neater.

Sewing with the Right Tension for Stretchy or Non-Stretchy Fabrics

If you are sewing stretchy fabric, use the correct tension as stretching the material while sewing it can cause it to pucker. On the other hand, if you are sewing non-stretchy fabric, use a lot of tension for a firmer finish.

Troubleshooting

Dealing with Uneven Hems

If you find that your hems are uneven, you can easily correct them by trimming the hem and making sure that it’s even on both sides. Alternatively, you can add interfacing which will give an extra layer of fabric to the hem.

Working with Tricky Fabrics

If you’re working with a delicate fabric or thick fabric, make sure to use the appropriate needle and thread. For instance, if you are working with a lightweight fabric like silk or chiffon, use a fine needle. However, if the fabric is thick, use a heavyweight needle. When in doubt, test on scraps of fabric.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned how to hem your pants, it’s your turn to give it a try. With some practice, you can alter the length of your pants to get the perfect fit. Remember to measure twice before cutting, iron your pants to make them look neater, and use the appropriate needle and thread for different types of fabric.