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