How to Keep Hems of Stretch Jeans From Curling

Repair curling jean hems with a needle, thread and interfacing.

After wearing a brand new pair of stretch jeans just a few times, the bottom begins to curl. The unsightly curling seems inevitable because denim naturally stretches with wear, washes and drying. In the case of stretch denim, this process happens faster because of the natural stretch of the fabric. No matter how expensive a pair of jeans, the hem simply won’t stay put most of the time. There is a relatively simple solution, but it requires a bit of sewing.

Things You'll Need

• Seam ripper
• Tape measure
• Stabilizer or interfacing
• Thread
• Needle
• Sewing Machine (optional)

Instructions

1. Turn the jeans inside out. Pull the seams loose using a seam ripper. Remove all of the excess threads from the seam. Measure the length of seam and seam allowance. The seam allowance is the bottom part of the seam, below the fold line. Measure and cut, interfacing the same length as seam, but twice the seam allowance.

2. Apply the interfacing, or interfacing to the inside, of the hem. Make sure to follow the manufacture’s instructions when applying. Start at the very edge of the fabric. The interfacing should cover both folds of the hem. Fold the hem again along the original fold line. Pin into place and iron. Make sure the fold is level and even.

3. Thread the machine needle or hand needle. Match the color of the new thread with the color of the thread used in the original seam. Set the machine to stitch using the straight stitch foothold. First, sew a few backstitches to anchor threads. Next, turn the garment inside out and sew along the original hemline. Add a few more backstitches and cut the loose threads away. Remove the pins.

4. Iron the seam again. The end result is a sharp, stiff seam that won’t curl. Turn the jeans right side out.

Tips & Warnings

• Use medium- to heavy-weight interfacing to create a stronger seam.

• Cut the piece of interfacing in half along the length before applying it to the jeans. Place one piece to the bottom half of hem and the other to the top. This will facilitate the folding and create a sharper edge in the hem.

• Speed up the work by using a sewing machine.

References

• “Threads Magazine”; Making Sense of Stabilizers; Jill McCloy; November 3, 2008
• Sew Mama Sew: Seam Finishes Simplified

Resources

• Unique Homemade Gifts: Cut Away Embroidery Stablilizer