How to Hem or Rehem Double-Knit Pants

Hemming double-knit pants is not difficult, however, the technique is slightly different from the technique for hemming pants made from other kinds of fabric. The reason knit pants must be treated differently is due to the stretch in the fabric. Learn how to hem (or rehem) double-knit pants so that you can alter or finish your double-knit pants correctly. Once your knit pants are hemmed properly you will be able to wear them with style.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• Sewing machine
• Sewing notions (matching thread, scissors, pins)
• Iron
• Seam Ripper (possibly)

1. Try on the pants and determine where the hem should be sewn. Have a friend mark this point with several straight pins around the entire edge (or mark the hemline yourself if you are not wearing the pants). Remove the pants.
   If rehemming knit pants, completely remove the old hem stitches with a seam ripper and press the bottom edge of the pants to remove the creases.

2. Place the bottom raw edge of your double-knit pants into the sewing machine and sew a zigzag stitch around the entire edge, approximately 1/2-inch away from the edge. Repeat with the other leg. This is done to stabilize the knit and prevent it from stretching.

3. Cut around the bottom of the pants leg to approximately 1/8-inch away from the zigzag stitching line.

4. Turn the pants inside out and turn the raw edges of both pant legs up along the marked hemlines.

5. Press the turned up hems in place with the iron to make sharp creases.

6. Sew along the folded pants edges 1/8 inch from the folds. Clip your threads.

7. Turn the pants to the right side out and try them on to make sure the hem is correct.