How to Hem Pants

Do you have a pair of pants that you can't fit in anymore, or even a new pair that just need a few modifications before they fit perfectly.
Whether you're tailoring new clothes or adapting hand-me-downs, you'll want to get the hem right. Here is how you do it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pencils and paper
• Full-length mirror
• Ruler
• Dressmaker pins
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Sewing supplies
• Sewing kit
• Ironing board
• Iron

1. Select thread that matches the color and thickness of the thread used in the original hem.

2. Use small scissors or a seam ripper to undo the existing hem carefully.

3. Try on the pants and fold each pant leg inward to the length that looks correct for the new hem. Pin it in place.

4. Take off the pants, turn them inside out, and use a tape measure or ruler to determine the length of the fabric folded inward to form the new hem length. Use this measurement as your gauge for folding the pant legs all the way around.

5. Measure and pin the new hem length into place on both legs according to the measurement that you just made.

6. Iron the edge of the new hem on both legs to create a good crease. (If you want to hide the unfinished edge of the fabric to prevent fraying, fold it approximately 1/4 inch toward the inside of the pant leg and iron it in place.)

Tips & Warnings

• Try on pants with the appropriate shoes and hem accordingly.
• With lined pants, the lining is typically hemmed slightly shorter than the pants.

[TawandaD]

on 12/30/2008 Oh, please, Pants' Fix Solution -- please -- Nix the Pants' Fix Solution. $14 a pair and you've still got the slouchy, sloppy too long pants legs.

Not only did the instructions not mention hemming/stitching, there is no mention of cutting. From the directions, you simply fold up the leftover material and iron. I'll write hemming instructions later.

[Panayiota]

on 3/13/2008 You forgot to show us how to stitch the hem, the most important part !

[Panayiota]

on 3/13/2008 The most important part is HOW DO YOU STITCH IT...and there was no mention ??

[julie_c_228]

on 5/12/2007 Photos would be great for this article.

[jimflint1]

on 4/18/2007 Shouldn't there be something in the article about how to sew them once you've prepared them for hemming?