How to Hem Jeans

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Decide where to hem.

   Try on your jeans and decide where you would like to hem them.
   
   Generally, jeans should fall about an inch above the floor.
   
   This will prevent you from tripping and also avoid making your jeans look like they are a size too small.
   
   Feel free to alter the length to meet your personal preferences though.
2. 2

   Step 2: Fold up the bottom.

   Create a cuff where you want the jeans to be hemmed.
   
   Crease the fold so it lies flat and double-check that you've folded it up by the correct amount.
   
   Once you've done this on one side, measure just below the preexisting hem and use that measurement to create an equal fold on the other leg. , Place straight pins around the circumference of the pant leg to hold it in place.
   
   Check to be sure the seams line up on each pant leg as well as that they are even with each other. , Stitch around the circumference of the pant leg just below the stitching for the existing hem.
   
   You can use a sewing machine or do this by hand.
   
   To be clear, you will be sewing the cuff to the pant leg and later will fold it inside the leg.
   
   This will allow you to take out the hem later if you grow taller or want the pants longer at a later point in time. , Tuck the excess fabric of the folded cuff up into the leg of the jeans, folding the original hem down so its outer side shows once again.
   
   This should leave you a small loop of fabric along the bottom edge of the jeans inside the leg.
   
   Try on the jeans to make sure they are at the correct length.
   
   If you don’t expect to want to lengthen the jeans at any point, then you can also cut the excess fabric.
   
   Cut the excess fabric about 1 inch away from the new seam you have created., Use an iron to flatten out the hem you've created along the bottom edge.
   
   This will smooth out the loop of fabric tucked into the leg, and leave your jeans looking the perfect length with no tell-tale hemming signs.
3. 3

   Step 3: Pin the hem in place.

4. 4

   Step 4: Sew the hem.

5. 5

   Step 5: Unfold the hem.

6. 6

   Step 6: Iron the jeans.

Detailed Guide

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