Things You'll Need:
- Sewing machine Thread Scissors Chalk pencil
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Step 1
Determine how much material to hem. Try on the jeans with the pair of shoes you will be wearing and use a chalk pencil to mark the desired height. Remove the jeans and use a tape measure to draw a circle around the leg at the level of the mark and make sure it's even. If the hem is to be more than one inch, use scissors to cut off the excess material until there is only 1-inch left for the hem past the circle at the end of each pant leg.
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Step 2
Turn the jeans inside out so it is easier to work. On one leg at a time, fold up the denim 1/2-inch and use a hot iron to crease the fabric. Fold up the material another 1/2-inch to cover the ragged edge and iron it again to make another crease. Repeat the process with the other leg.
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Step 3
On both sides, insert straight pins horizontally in the center of the hem every few inches to keep the hem in place. Make sure the pins push through all layers of the hem material.
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Step 4
Thread the sewing machine. Use thread that matches the color used throughout the pair of jeans. Pass the thread through the upper portion of the sewing machine, following the directions as indicated on the outside of the machine. Then, create a bobbin with the same thread and insert it into the bobbin compartment and pull it through with the machine's needle.
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Step 5
Set the stitch dial to a straight stitch and use a #3 length. Place the pinned-up end of the pant leg around the base of the sewing machine so it can be turned easily. Slowly put pressure on the pedal and begin sewing around the hem, 1/4-inch from the top. Continue all the way around until the beginning is reached and backstitch 1/2-inch to secure the stitching. Cut the thread once completed. Repeat this process on the other leg.
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Step 6
Trim the ends of the thread if they are sticking out. Remove the pins, turn the jeans right side out and iron the hem one more time.
