How to Hem Pants or Skirts

You put on that new outfit you bought and the skirt or pants are too long. Here's how to remedy the problem yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Needle and thread that matches item
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Straight pins
• Iron

1. Carefully measure how much shorter you need the item to be. Use a measuring tape.

2. Cut off any excess material to within one and a half inch of desired length.

3. Fold hem one half inch and than another inch and secure with straight pins one inch apart.

4. Thread needle with one thread longer. You will sew hem with a single thread so only knot one thread.

5. Use a slanted stitch and place them three quarters of an inch apart. Remove pins as you sew.

6. When finished sewing press hem with iron set at appropriate heat setting.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use a pair of pants or skirt you regularly wear to measure. Place the article on top of item to be hemmed and proceed.
• The trick is to make stitches invisible as possible. Make sure that stitches that show are as small as possible.