How to Hem a Pair of Pants With Cuffs

You can hem a pair of pants that have cuffs with very little effort. It just takes a little bit of measurement and some simple math to get the cuffs on the hem just the way you want them. These directions apply whether you are hemming a pair of pants you bought or a pair you are making.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Ironing board
• Steam iron
• Straight pins
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Scissors
• Straight edge
• Needle
• Thread
• Sewing machine

1. Remove the hem from the pants if you are working on a pair of purchased pants that need alteration. Also remove the stitches that tack the hem to the side seam and inseam. Press the pants to remove all hem markings. All of the remaining steps pertain to both ready-made pants and hand-sewn.
2. Try on the pants. Put on the shoes that you plan to wear with those pants as well. Have a friend place pins in both pant legs to mark where you want the bottom of the cuffs to be.
3. Lay the pants flat on a tabletop with one leg on top of the other. Make sure to match side seams and inseams. The pins used in Step 2 should be even at this point as well as the bottom of both pants legs.
4. Measure the width of the cuff you want to put in the pants and double it. Add ¾ inch to that amount for the actual hem. If you are going to turn the raw edge of the fabric under and stitch it to prevent it from raveling, add another ¼ inch. Mark this line on the pants with pins.
5. Cut off the excess fabric. You can use the straight edge to make sure the edges are even.
6. Edge-stitch or zigzag finish the raw edge of the pants. Fold the hem into place. Sew the hem by hand or stitch it with the sewing machine.
7. Fold the cuffs into place. Try the pants on again to make sure the length is correct. Make adjustments if necessary. Press the cuffs with the steam iron. Tack the hems in place at the inseams and side seams.