How to Hem a Denim Skirt

Denim skirts are all the rage right now, and it seems like the longer they are around, the shorter they get. Hemming denim is not as hard as you may think. There are a few ways you can hem the skirts, and you can even add some pretty trim while you're at it. Hemming can be done in a matter of 15 minutes or it can take up to a couple of hours depending on how you do it. Even if you can't sew, you can still hem your skirt.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Needle
• Hem tape

Hem Using a Sewing Machine

1. Cut the bottom of the skirt to an inch below where you want the length to be when you're done hemming it.

2. Fold under 1/2 inch and then fold over again. This will keep the raw edge tucked inside where it won't continue to fray.

3. Sew a zig-zag stitch around the top of the hem. Make sure to keep it straight all the way around as you will be able to see it from the front. You can use a contrasting color to make it stand out as decoration.

Hem By Hand

4. Cut the bottom of the skirt 3/4 inch lower than you want the length when hemmed.

5. Fold the 3/4 inch in on the wrong side of the fabric and then tuck 1/4 inch, or the raw edge, inside the hem.

6. Hand sew from the fold line to the skirt using small stitches. Sew all the way around, knot the thread and cut.

Hem with Hem Tape

7. Cut the skirt 1 inch lower than you want the actual length to be.

8. Fold up 1 inch with wrong sides of the fabric together and iron the fold flat.

9. Insert the hem tape in the fold. Be sure not to allow any of the tape to show or it will stick and burn to your iron. Iron the folded fabric with the hem tape between it. You may have to leave the iron in one place for a few seconds to get the tape hot enough to adhere to the fabric.

10. Cut any loose threads from the fabric right up to the tape so it doesn't continue to fray.