How to hem Something Without Sewing
Whether you need to temporarily shorten a pair of pants for your rapidly growing child or have to make an instant adjustment to your slacks, learn a few tricks to hem something without sewing. With these ideas, no one will know that it wasn't a professional alteration.
Instructions
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Use a fusible web product or iron-on hem tape that will melt and bond the layers. Wash and dry the fabric before applying the product to improve the seal and prevent bunching due to shrinking. Some products are temporary until ironing, allowing you to adjust to find the proper length. (See Resources)
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Add a line of double-stick tape in a pinch as you're heading out the door. Affix the tape along the edge of the fabric to reduce the possibility of snagging on your shoe. If you have time, give your new hem a quick press with an iron to create a crease along the bottom instead of a soft fold.
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Consider iron-on velcro strips to create adjustable hems. As your child grows, simply lengthen the pants by adhering another line of the product at a lower spot inside the leg. The velcro is also easy to detach before washing to prevent fading as you change the length.
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Adjust the length of your pants and keep the new hem in place temporarily with a couple of decorative pins on each side. Use brooches, bobby pins with cute accents on the ends or snap-shut hair clips, for example.
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Create a hem with fabric glue that dries as quickly as regular paper adhesives. Although the bond will be durable and stand up to machine washing and dry cleaning, test the product on a similar fabric since it may stiffen once dried. Ensure your pant or skirt material has enough thickness or texture to avoid a tale-tell glue line.
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