How to Measure a hem

After working hard on a sewing project or making the perfect alterations to your clothing, it is essential to get the hem just right. The key to doing this correctly is to carefully measure your hem. If you are hemming pants the legs should match in length. If you are hemming a dress or skirt it should hang evenly around you.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pins
• Yard stick
• Iron
• Needle and thread
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Measure the length you want the article of clothing to be on the person. Use a sewing tape measure and measure from the waist line down. This will give you a general idea before you begin the project.

2. Fit the project to the person you have sewed it for. The person should put on the project with the shoes that will be worn with the outfit. The correct shoes will help the project to be the correct length and hang well.

3. Choose the desired length, fold the cloth under and pin it up.

4. Continue around the edge of the item, pinning the fold up. Check the hem for straightness by using a ruler or yard stick and measuring from the floor up. If hemming pants repeat the process on the same leg.

5. Remove the article of clothing and iron the hem into place. Then have the person try on the item again and measure again, checking against the yard stick.

6. Finish the hem with a hem stitch.