These Pants are a Drag

Knowing how to hem a pair of jeans or casual pants is easy to learn and helpful to know. Pants that are too long are a drag (literally). Cuffing can be cute but sometimes you just want your pants to be the right length. So I am sharing how I hem jeans and the like. 

Step 1 - Have the owner of the pants try them on. I find it easiest to cuff the pants to the desired length and pin them.

Step 2 - Once the owner has given you the pants measure how long the cuff is. I usually find it is about the same length all around. (*If it is not go to the bottom of the page.) Subtract 5/8 inches from that measurement and mark it on the outside of the pants.  For example the pants I hemmed needed to be four inches shorter, so I marked 3 3/8 inches from the bottom of the pants.

Step 3 - Turn the pants wrong side out. Fold the pants up along the marking and pin.

Step 4 - This is where the sewing starts. I strongly suggest using a needle for denim if sewing jeans. You want to put the fold along the inside of the presser foot and sew around the pant leg.  Don’t forget to press your seam and fold once you have sewn. For this sewing I used thread that matched the pants so that if she wanted to cuff up her pants it wouldn’t show.

Step 5 - Cut the extra fabric off close to your sewing line.

Step 6 - Turn the pants right side out. Turn pant leg up inside of the pants 5/8 of an inch and pin. With this part I iron before and after I sew the hem.

Step 7 - You will want to match your thread to the thread from the original hems. You will notice that thread is thicker on jeans. I just use two spools the same color to create that thickness. You place them on the two spool holders and thread them through the machine at the same time. You can go buy thicker thread if you want to. You will also want to make your stitching length longer. I practiced on the fabric I had cut off right next to the original stitching to make sure it matched.

Step 8 - You will sew on the out side of the pants 1/2 inch from the fold. Once you are done press your seam and fold.

 Not too bad. The hardest part is working with thick jean material. Just take it slow and seriously, get a needle meant for denim. It will be less likely to break which means less frustration. Also if you are worried about the new hem not looking as distressed as the old one, don't. Wearing and washing will get you there. 

*For those whose hems that are not the same length all around you will need to mark on the outside of the pants where you want the bottom of your new hem to be. Be sure to use a fabric pencil or chalk that will wash off as this part will be visible on the outside of the pants. Then mark 5/8 inch below that. Now you can go back to Step 3 and use your second set of markings. Then you are good to continue through the rest of the tutorial. 

It Was Mom

Today is Mother's Day and I want to thank my mother. She is the one who taught me how to sew, how to dress, and how to be modest. Pretty much she made this blog possible. She patiently taught me how to read a pattern and put it together. She taught me how to match my clothing and not look like a hobo. She taught me that my body is a gift from God and to respect it as such. She was the one who started a fire in my heart for sewing and fashion. She was the one who made my dreams possible by teaching, encouraging, and supporting. I am so grateful for my beautiful mother and that God gave her to me.

I love you mom!

I love this video about moms. It describes perfectly the beauty of a mother. Because it was, it is, and forever will be mom. 

From the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Ironing Tips

I seem to follow a very silly pattern with some sewing techniques.  I only value or comprehend them until I experience the pain of not doing them. Like following pattern instructions, precise cutting, using the right fabric, and lots more. One of the things I want to do on this blog is to share helpful sewing techniques and practices from my bucket. I just don't want you to have the same troubles I have had. I am sure you will still have your struggles but hopefully I can help. 

The first one I want to share is about ironing. The iron is your best friend! Sometimes the only difference between a professionally looking skirt and a frumpy one is ironing. So here are 7 tips about ironing

1.There is a difference between ironing and pressing. Ironing is moving the iron back and forth across the fabric. Pressing is holding down the iron on the fabric and lifting it up. Ironing is for removing wrinkles from fabric or clothing. Pressing is usually done during construction and smooths out what you have done while sewing You press seams, pleats, darts, hems, etc. Here are two video examples of ironing and pressing.

Ironing:

2. Be aware of your heat setting. Irons typically have a guide on them to help you decide the appropriate heat for the fabric you are ironing/pressing. If you are unsure test a scrap piece of fabric.

3. Always iron your fabric before cutting out. This means your pieces will be the correct size and shape.

4. Press your seams open. This helps your seams lay flat and sets them. Also make sure you press the seam with the right side of the fabric against the ironing board. This prevents the seam from leaving an imprint on your fabric.

5. Pressing cloths and irons are good companions. A pressing cloth is a piece of material used to protect your fabric (and iron) while pressing. Pressing cloths are made of many materials but a good basic one is made of cotton. It handles the heat well.

6. Press after each step of construction. It is time consuming but makes it easier to sew.

7. This might seem obvious but when you finish a project iron it. You put forth great effort to make it, don't let it go to waste by letting it looking wrinkled.


These tips make it appear you will always be using your iron and it is true. When sewing you really can't have a better friend than an iron. It may take more time but you will appreciate the effort when your finished sewing project looks wonderfully professional. 

The Sewing Bucket

I love sewing. I love fashion. I love patterns. I love designing. I love fabric. I love modesty. I love beauty. This means I have a sewing bucket. It isn't a literal bucket, but a figurative one. It contains all the knowledge I've gained about sewing, fashion, modesty, textiles, etc. Over the years my love for these things has poured in knowledge and experience. There is quite a bit in my bucket but it is not full. I am not sure it will ever be full because there is always more to learn. I love to learn and I love to share what I have learned. So I am starting a new little adventure. I am nervous yet excited. My adventure? To share what's in my bucket and continue pouring more in. Would you like to join me on my adventure? We will learn and share and become fabulous at sewing! It won't be dangerous, just be careful with the sharp objects. (I won't be teaching how to sew fingers.) So grab your bucket and come along!