How to Hem Mens' Leather Pants Legs

Hem too-long pants to avoid damaging pants or tripping.

Leather pants are a sure fire way to make a style statement. The pants should fit well for maximum impact. This may mean hemming them. Pants that are too long should be hemmed in order to prevent soiling or tearing. Hemming a pair of men's leather pants is much the same as hemming a pair of pants made out of cloth; only you must use a sturdier thread.

Things You'll Need

• Seam ripper
• Fabric pens
• Straight pens
• Scissors
• Leather glue
• Spoon
• Heavy thread

Instructions

1. Remove the seams from the hem of the pants using your seam ripper.

2. Put on the pants and shoes that you will typically wear with the leather pants.

3. Stand straight. Fold the hem to the desired length. Typically, the hem should be about 1/2 inch below the ankle bone. Mark this line the entire way around the bottom of the pant leg with the fabric pen. Standing in front of a mirror or having a friend help you can make this easier.

4. Take off the pants. Fold them at the marked pen line.

5. Insert straight pins along the bottom and top of the hem at 1-inch intervals around the area to be hemmed. Place the pins in a straight line or the hem will be crooked.

6. Try on the pants again to ensure the hem is at the proper length. Adjust if necessary. Take off the pants and turn them inside out.

7. Fold up the pants to the fabric mark. Apply a thin line of leather glue to the creased area. Wait for a few moments for the glue to become tacky. Fold the hem up and press with the back of a spoon to hold it in place.

8. Choose a heavy-weight thread that matches the color of the leather pants. Rayon is a smart choice when sewing leather. Thread your needle with about 3 feet of thread.

9. Stitch the pant leg.

10. Tie off the thread when you have sewed the entire pant leg. Snip off the thread using the scissors.

References

• Make Them Yourself: What Thread Should I Use
• The New New: Hem Leather