How to Hem a Pair of Jeans: Fast & Easy

Let’s face it, everyone wears jeans. Young, old and especially anyone in between wears them for just about any occasion. Jeans are typically manufactured in very long lengths, so shortening them is a common necessity. Surprisingly, jeans are one of the easiest of pants to hem and it is rather easy to learn how to hem a pair of jeans with little sewing. Why anyone would pay $20 to $30 to have this fast and easy task done for them is mind-boggling. It really is that simple. No hand stitching is involved and within an hour the task is complete.

Here’s a quick and easy way to hem a pair of jeans:

Step 1:

The first step in hemming blue jeans is to determine the desired length. If making that determination on yourself, there a few ways to do it.

The easiest way is to take a pair of jeans you already know are the correct length and measure the inseam of both legs. Using that measurement, mark each inseam of the pants to be shortened with either a pin, fabric pen or chalk. Measure the distance from the new mark to the current hem. Using that measurement, turn up the hem of each leg and pin in place.

Try on the jeans to make sure the hem length is where you want it. Look to be sure the hem on both legs is the same length and that the hem is parallel to the ground all the way around both legs. Make adjustments where necessary — this is a trial and error sort of task.

Step 2:

Some people prefer to have the back portion of the jeans a bit longer to accommodate a high heel. If that is the case, make the appropriate adjustment. Once the final length is determined and securely pinned in place, steam press the hem to get a strong and clearly visible crease.

Step 3:

Cut away the excess hem. Using the pressed hemline as your guide, mark a cutting line 1 1/8″ above the hemline with a chalk pen, fabric pen or tailor’s chalk. Since the line will never show, even a regular pen will do.

Step 4:

Using the marked cutting line, trim away the excess.

Step 5:

Using the pressed hem crease as your guide, fold up the raw edge to the crease line.

Step 6:

Fold the hem once more and pin in place.

Step 6:

Stitch the hem close to the folded edge. Since a double turned hem creates a rather thick layer at the side seam line, use a clearance plate to level off the sewing machine foot. This will facilitate the foot’s ability to sew over the thick hump of fabric and keep the stitches uniform. And, that’s all there is to hemming a pair of jeans!

Learn how to sew your own one-of-a-kind jeans complete with all the high-end details you love (for a fraction of the cost!) in Angela Wolf’s Craftsy class Sewing Designer Jeans. Also be sure to check out Pants Fitting Techniques with Sandra Betzina

Do you have any hemming tips to share?