How to Shorten Casual Pants or Jeans

Why walk around with your hem dragging on the ground or folded up? You can shorten your own casual pants or jeans - it doesn't take that long, looks professional and saves money.

Things You'll Need

• Chalk
• Pins
• Thread
• Iron
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Pin the pants or jeans, wearing the same shoes that will be worn with them. The bottom of the hem should fall about an inch from the floor in the back. Remove the pants or jeans and make sure the hem measures the same all the way around.

2. 

   Measure 1-¼ inches from the edge and mark with either chalk or pins.

3. 

   Cut at the markings.

4. 

   Fold bottom of hem ¼ inch from edge. Press each leg at the hem line and at the ¼ inch fold. Pin at the edge where you will be stitching.

5. 

   Using a sewing machine, stitch close to the folded edge. Use the guide on the sewing machine to keep the hem even.

Tips & Warnings

• Use gold-colored thread on jeans if it was used originally.