Things You'll Need:
- Sharp Scissors (made for cutting fabric)
- Sewing machine (fitted with a #16 heavy material needle)
- Iron
- Straight pins
- Small household hammer (optional)
- Thread to match existing stitch color
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Step 1
Turn the garment inside out and smooth it out on a flat surface. Cut the skirt or jeans off, leaving the length 3/4 of an inch longer than you want them to be.
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Step 2
Fold the cut end up 1/4 of an inch, ironing the material flat as you work around the skirt or jean leg.
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Step 3
Now fold the material up again. This time it will be a 1/2 inch fold. Again, continue ironing the fold as flat as possible as you go. Pin the hem in place as you work.
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Step 4
Make sure that the folds on the seams are laying as flat as possible. If the seams are to thick the machine won't be able to glide over them smoothly. If you've been wondering about the hammer, this is where you use it. Whack the seams with the hammer to make them flatten out. It really helps, besides it's fun to whack something!
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Step 5
Now you're ready to sew. A free arm machine works best, as you can slip the skirt hem or leg opening around the free arm. A flat bed will work fine too. Just be careful not to "catch up" any of the other material as you go. Sew a straight stitch as close to the top edge of the hem as you can. Continue all the way around and lock the stitch by reversing at the end.
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Step 6
When you're done hemming, it's best to iron the hem one more time. That's it, you're all done and ready to wear your stylishly shortened skirt, or your new shorts.
