How to Hem a Pair of Pants Without Sewing

Its easier to fix pants from the bottom than around the waist.

Shopping for pants that fit just right can be difficult, especially if you need pants that are one size in the waist and another size in length. This problem is more common in women because men's pants often come in varying waste and length combinations, while women's pants have fewer combinations. If you cannot find pants that fit properly in the waste and in length, you can purchase pants that fit well in the waist and hem the bottoms, even if you cannot sew well.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pins
• Hemming tape
• Clothes iron

Instructions

1. Measure your inseam with the measuring tape. Ask someone to measure from the inside top of your leg to the point at which you want the pants to fall. If you do not have someone to measure for you, measure the inseam on a pair of pants that do fit you.

2. Fold the bottom edge of each pants leg underneath, pinning it so it creates the proper inseam length for you.

3. Turn the pants inside out.

4. Position the hemming tape carefully underneath the fold you created at the bottom of each pant leg. Leave most of the pins in place to ensure you do not lose the proper length.

5. Iron the bottom of the pants leg to heat activate the adhesive in the hemming tape.

6. Turn the pants right-side out and try them on to ensure the proper fit.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash the pants before hemming if they are made from a material that typically shrinks, such as cotton or rayon, to ensure a proper fit.

• If you require an adjustment of more than 1 inch or 2 inches, you may need to cut off some of the fabric at the bottom before hemming.

• Hemming tape is not permanent and may need to be reapplied if it wears out.

References

• Innovate Us: What is Hem Tape?