How to Hem Clothing by Hand
Knowing how to hem clothing by hand can save you quite a bit of money if you seem to always need to have your clothing altered. The most commonly used hand stitch is the blind stitch. The process works equally well for hemming trouser legs or skirts.
Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Steam iron
- Ironing board
- Needle
- Thread
- Thimble (optional)
Instructions
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1
Remove the original hem. Snip a thread on the hem and pull it out. If the clothing was originally machine stitched, it may easily pull out. A hand-stitched hem may take a little bit longer.
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2
Try on the garment. Have a friend pin up the hem to the proper length. With some clothing you can measure up the same amount from the hemline.
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3
Fold the new hemline in place. Measure the width of the new hem. You can use the same width as the old hem. Anything more than 1½ inch may be too bulky. Cut away any excess fabric.
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4
Turn the raw edge down ¼ inch. Press the entire hem in place.
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5
Thread the needle with thread that closely matches the garment. Tie a knot in one end of the thread.
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6
Push the needle through the hem near one of the seams. The knot should be between the hem and the garment. Pull the needle and thread all the way out. Push the needle into the garment opposite where it came out of the hem. Barely catch two threads and pull the needle and thread back out. Repeat this stitch.
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7
Take another two-thread stitch into the garment about ½ inch away from the first stitch. Push the needle into the hem. Pull the thread entirely through. Repeat this process all the way around the garment. Don't pull the stitches up too tight or the hand-sewn hem may pucker.
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Tips & Warnings
You shouldn't be able to see the hem from the right side of the garment. If you can, take smaller stitches.
For extra security, make a double stitch every third stitch or so in the hem.
