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How To

How to Hem Dress Pants

Contributor
By Marina Hanes
eHow Contributing Writer
(7 Ratings)

Instead of taking your dress pants to a tailor, hem them yourself. Hemming pants is easy to do. Read on to learn about how to hem dress pants.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Pins
  • Sewing needle
  • Thread
  • Thimble

    How to Hem Dress Pants

  1. Step 1

    Purchase a small sewing kit that includes sewing needles, different color thread, pins and a thimble.

  2. Step 2

    Determine how many inches you want to shorten your pants by. It's best to put the pants on and fold them where you want them hemmed. Then insert a few pins above the fold to mark the length of where you want to hem them. Turn the pants inside out so that the seams are showing and lightly iron on the fold so it's a crisp edge.

  3. Step 3

    Determine what color thread matches your dress pants. The closer to the color the better.

  4. Step 4

    Thread the needle with a foot or two of thread. Sometimes it's easier to use a thimble so you do not prick your finger. Knot the two end pieces of the thread a couple times in the same spot so a larger knot forms.

  5. Step 5

    Insert the threaded needle into the pant leg slightly above where you creased a fold. Pull the needle through until the knot meets the fabric. Insert the needle back into the pant leg about a centimeter next to the original point of insertion. This will form about a centimeter size of thread on the outside of the pant leg.

  6. Step 6

    Repeat the previous step every two or three inches around the pant leg. By threading so far apart, you will hem the pant without having visible threading. The purpose is to make the thread blend in with the fabric of the pants so it's not noticeable.

  7. Step 7

    Remove the pins from the bottom of the pant legs after you have completed sewing the hem.

Tips & Warnings
  • Use thread that is the closest color to the dress pants.
  • Be aware of where the needle's point is at all times so you do not prick or puncture yourself while sewing.

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