Things You'll Need:
- Tape measure
- Straight pins
- Needle
- Matching thread
- Iron
- Ironing board
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Step 1
Find a volunteer. You need another person to help you determine and mark the new length for your pants leg.
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Step 2
Establish the new hem. Have the owner of the pants put them on, and make sure the pants are zipped and buttoned. Also have the owner put on the shoes he is most likely to wear with these pants. The bottom of the pants should be just at or slightly above the top of the shoe heel.
Turn the pants leg up carefully so the back is at the desired length, and the front naturally comes over the top of the shoe. Pin the material in place. Have the wearer take the pants off carefully, so he doesn't stab himself with the pins. -
Step 3
Trim the excess. If there is more than two inches of excess fabric after you turn and pin to the new correct length, trim it off very neatly. You want ½ to ¾ of an inch of fabric to make the new pants leg hem.
If there is not much excess fabric, you can choose to leave it on. However, for a really professional-looking hem, gently pick out the stitches in the pre-existing hem and iron open, then proceed as above. This step prevents the pre-existing hem from getting too bulky when you fold it up, and makes the final product much neater. -
Step 4
Press and sew. Press the raw edge over ¼ inch all the way around the leg, and repeat. Carefully hand sew the new hem. (See Resources for various hand stitches.)
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Step 5
Press. Iron the hem again after you've finished stitching for a neat, polished look.
