How to Sew a Hem on Pants

Sometimes it is necessary to be able to do ordinary fixes for our wardrobe. The most common type of sewing done in one's household is hemming pant's cuffs. Rather than sending this to a tailor or the cleaners for hemming, which costs money, learn how to do-it-yourself by following these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Needle
• Thread
• Scissors
• Hands
• Straight pins
• Tailor's chalk
• Iron or press

1. Measure and Mark: Try on your pants with the shoes you will be wearing. Mark the desired hem with a chalk or use straight pins.

2. Cut: Take off pants and trim the excess fabrics, leaving around 2 inches for hemming.

3. Fold: After cutting to desired length, fold the new hemline and press using an iron to make it even and flat.

4. Needle and Thread: Get a needle and thread. Use a thread that matches the color of your fabric. Insert enough thread through your needle so as not to re-insert thread all the time. A yard of thread is more than enough for one cuff.

5. Hemming: Start by inserting an anchor stitch at the base of the cuff. Hold the edge and insert the needle, then create a loop to pull the needle through to create a knot. Do this twice to make it more secure and durable. Then, proceed with hand-stitching the fabric in place. You can do a straight edge stitch or a looping stitch. Do not pull hand stitches too tight which can create puckers in your fabric. Once at the end, create a double knot to secure it in place.

6. Press the cuff for a finished and tailored look.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask for help when marking the hem. It may be tough to mark straight when you are on your own.
• Make sure to leave enough extra room for future growth for younger children.

[bizewriter]

on 2/13/2008 Nice clear instructions for someone who has little sewing patience.

[MidniteWriter]

on 12/26/2007 Good to know! I think people don't realize they can tailor their clothes. They won't always fit people right off the rack. As for me, my pants are usually too long so I end up with the "short" or "petite" size. Thank you for this info!

[dawnzlight]

on 12/25/2007 you made this sound easy. Sewing has never come easy to me, and being short in stature, I find my pants too long all the time. Thanks!