How to Cut the Hem of a Shirt

Eliminate bulky hems by cutting more than 2 inches of excess fabric.

If you’re facing the prospect of cutting the hem on a shirt, you’ve probably found inspiration in a terrific piece that fits you well and makes a statement, but is just too long. Take credit for your creative vision, then grab some tailor’s chalk and a pair of scissors to shorten the shirt like a pro in a few simple but careful steps.

Things You'll Need

• Straight pins
• Tailor’s chalk
• Yardstick
• Sharp scissors
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Put on the shirt and determine where you want the new hem line to fall. Insert several pins at this new hem mark.

2. Remove the shirt and place it on a hard surface with only the front side facing you.

3. Measure from the bottom of the hem to the pins. Make note of this number.

4. Draw a line on the shirt that reflects this distance -- minus 1/2 inch for the seam allowance -- with tailor’s chalk and a yardstick.

5. Cut along this line carefully, starting at one side seam and ending at the other.

6. Repeat this sizing and cutting process on the back side of the shirt.

7. Make a new hem by pinning up the bottom edge 1/2 inch, all the way around the shirt.

8. Sew close to the bottom edge. Enjoy your new, shortened shirt.

References

• Sewing Made Easy; Dorothy Sara
• Stitch by Stitch: Learning to Sew, One Project at a Time; Deborah Moebes