You can easily make your jeans shorter at home. This is called hemming jeans. It lets you get the right fit without paying a tailor. You can do this yourself using a sewing machine or even by hand. This guide will show you how to do it. It covers different ways to alter your jeans length.
Why Make Your Jeans Shorter Yourself?
Lots of people need to shorten their jeans. Pants are often too long when you buy them. Getting the right length is important. Jeans that are too long can drag on the ground. They can get dirty or torn. Jeans that are too short don’t look good either.
Making them shorter yourself saves money. Tailors charge money to do this job. You can save that money. It also saves time. You don’t have to go to a store. You can do it when you have time at home. It feels good to fix things yourself. It is a simple DIY jeans hemming project.
Things You Need Ready
Before you start shortening jeans, get your tools. Having everything ready makes the job easier. You will need a few things.
- Jeans you want to fix
- Sharp scissors (fabric scissors work best)
- Pins
- A measuring tape or ruler
- Tailor’s chalk or a marker that washes away
- Matching thread (strong thread is good for jeans)
- A sewing machine (How to hem jeans with sewing machine is easiest)
- Sewing needles (denim needles are best)
- An iron and ironing board
Having the right tools helps a lot. Good scissors cut fabric cleanly. This makes sewing easier. Denim fabric is thick. It needs strong needles and thread.
How to Measure the New Length
This is a very important step. Get it right for a good fit.
Try On Your Jeans
Put on the jeans you want to shorten. Wear the shoes you usually wear with them. The length should be right when you are wearing those shoes.
Fold and Pin the Hem
Fold the bottom of the jeans up. Fold it to where you want the new bottom to be. Use pins to hold the fold in place. Put pins all the way around the leg. Make sure the fold is even. Look at the jeans in a mirror. Walk around a little. Make sure the length feels right.
Mark the Fold Line
Take the jeans off carefully. Don’t let the pins fall out. Lay the jeans flat. Use your ruler or measuring tape. Measure from the new folded edge up towards the waist. Write down this number. This is how much you are taking up jeans. Do this on both legs. Make sure the measurements are the same.
Mark the Cut Line
You need to cut off the extra fabric. But don’t cut right at the fold line. You need extra fabric to make the new hem. The hem is the finished edge at the bottom. For a simple hem, you need to fold the fabric up twice. Each fold needs some fabric.
Measure down from the fold line. Mark a second line. This second line is where you will cut. How far down should this line be? It depends on how wide you want your hem. A common hem width for jeans is about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch.
Let’s say you want a 1/2 inch wide finished hem. You will fold the fabric up 1/2 inch once, then another 1/2 inch. That means you need 1 inch of extra fabric below your fold line. So, measure 1 inch down from your first mark (the fold line). Draw your cut line there. Use your tailor’s chalk or marker. Do this all the way around the bottom of the leg. Do it on both legs. Check your measurements again. Make sure both legs have the same marks.
Table: Hem Allowance Guide
This table shows how much fabric to add below the fold line for different hem widths.
| Desired Finished Hem Width | Extra Fabric Needed for Cutting |
|---|---|
| 1/4 inch | 1/2 inch |
| 1/2 inch | 1 inch |
| 3/4 inch | 1.5 inches |
| 1 inch | 2 inches |
You need twice the hem width for the fabric you cut off. This allows for two folds. This makes a clean and strong hem.
How to Sew a Simple New Hem
This is the most common way to shorten jeans. You cut off the old bottom. Then you create a new bottom edge. This involves sewing jeans hem.
Step 1: Cut the Extra Fabric
Lay the jeans flat. Use your sharp scissors. Carefully cut along the lower line you marked. This is the cut line. Cut all the way around the leg. Make sure you cut evenly. Take your time with this step. Cutting jeans length straight is important for a good hem. Do this for both legs.
Step 2: Fold the Fabric Up
Now you will make the hem. Take the raw edge you just cut. Fold it up towards the inside of the jeans. Fold it up by the amount needed for the first fold (e.g., 1/2 inch). Pin this first fold in place. Put pins all around the leg.
Step 3: Fold the Fabric Up Again
Fold the fabric up one more time. Fold it up again by the same amount (e.g., another 1/2 inch). This hides the raw edge inside the fold. The bottom of the jeans now has two folds. The raw edge is tucked away. This double fold makes the hem strong and neat. Pin this second fold in place. Add more pins to hold it well. The bottom edge of this fold is where your sewing line will be.
Step 4: Get Your Sewing Machine Ready
Set up your sewing machine. Make sure it has the right needle. Use a denim needle. They are stronger. They can sew through thick denim fabric. Use strong thread. Matching thread looks best. Wind a bobbin with the same thread. Put the bobbin in the machine.
Set your machine to a straight stitch. A medium stitch length usually works well for jeans. Practice on a scrap piece of denim if you have one. See if the stitch looks good. Check the tension.
Step 5: Sew the Hem
Place the jeans leg under the sewing machine foot. Start sewing near an inside seam of the jeans. This spot is less noticeable. Lower the needle into the fabric. You will sew close to the top folded edge of the hem. Sew about 1/8 inch from the top fold. This catches all the layers of fabric.
Sew slowly and carefully. Follow the edge of the fold. Remove pins as you sew. Don’t sew over pins. When you get back to where you started, sew a few stitches backward. This locks the stitches. It stops the seam from coming undone. Cut the threads. Do this on both legs.
Step 6: Press the Hem
Take the jeans to your iron. Press the newly sewn hem flat. Pressing makes the stitches look nicer. It makes the hem lay flat and neat. Use steam if your iron has it. This helps set the stitches in the thick denim.
How to Keep the Original Hem
Some people like the look of the original hem. It often has a worn or special finish. You can shorten jeans and Keep original hem jeans. This method is a bit more tricky but gives a factory look.
Step 1: Measure and Mark Carefully
Put the jeans on. Fold them up to the length you want. Pin them just like for the simple hem. Take them off.
Now, measure how much shorter you want the jeans to be. Let’s say you need to take off 3 inches.
Lay the jeans flat. You will work above the original hem. Measure 3 inches up from the very bottom edge of the original hem. Draw a line across the leg at this point. Do this all around the leg. This line shows where you will cut.
Step 2: Cut Above the Original Hem
Cut along the line you just marked. You are cutting off the leg above the original hem. You now have the main part of the jeans leg and a separate piece that is the original hem. Keep the original hem piece safe.
Step 3: Prepare the Original Hem
Take the original hem piece. Turn it inside out. The right side of the fabric is now facing in.
Step 4: Attach the Original Hem to the Leg
Take the main jeans leg. Turn it inside out too. The right side of the fabric is now facing in.
Slide the original hem piece onto the bottom of the main leg. The raw edge of the main leg (where you cut) should meet the raw edge of the original hem piece. The right sides of both pieces should be facing each other (they are both inside out). Match the side seams of the original hem to the side seams of the main leg. Pin these raw edges together all around the leg.
Step 5: Sew the Pieces Together
Go to your sewing machine. Use a strong thread that matches the original jeans thread color, if possible. Use a denim needle.
Sew a straight stitch along the line where you pinned the raw edges together. Sew about 1/2 inch from the raw edge. This creates a seam joining the original hem back onto the leg. Sew slowly and keep your stitch line even. Lock your stitches at the start and end. Do this for both legs.
Step 6: Finish the Inside Edge
Now you have joined the two pieces. The seam allowance (the extra fabric on the inside) is raw. You need to finish this edge. This stops it from fraying.
You can use a serger if you have one. A serger trims the edge and wraps thread around it neatly.
If you don’t have a serger, use a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine. Set your machine to a wide zigzag stitch. Sew along the raw edge of the seam allowance. This covers the edge with thread and stops fraying.
Step 7: Press the Seam
Turn the jeans right side out. The original hem is now attached. The seam you sewed is on the inside. Press the seam allowance flat against the leg. Press the new hem edge neatly. Pressing makes the finished hem look much better.
Which Method is Right for You?
Both methods for altering jeans length work well.
- Simple New Hem: Easier, faster, good for jeans with a basic hem, good for beginners.
- Keep Original Hem: More steps, a bit harder, best when you want the exact factory look and feel of the original hem.
If this is your first time hemming jeans, the simple new hem is a great way to start. It uses basic Sewing machine jeans skills.
Deep Dive into Sewing Machine Settings
Using a sewing machine for jeans needs the right settings. Jeans are thick. They have thick seams where pieces of fabric come together.
Needle Choice
You must use a denim needle. These needles are stronger than regular needles. They have a sharper, stronger point. They can push through thick denim and multiple layers without breaking. Needles have numbers (sizes). For denim, a size 14 or 16 needle is usually best.
Thread Choice
Regular sewing thread might break when sewing jeans. Denim needs strong thread. Look for thread labeled “heavy duty” or “denim thread.” It is thicker and stronger. Matching the color of the original thread on your jeans gives a nice look. Jeans often use a golden or orange colored thread for topstitching.
Stitch Type
A straight stitch is what you need for the hem line.
Stitch Length
Use a medium to slightly longer stitch length. A stitch length of 2.5 to 3.5 millimeters works well. Shorter stitches can make it harder for the machine to move through thick fabric. Longer stitches look more like the stitches on ready-made jeans.
Tension
Check your machine’s tension. Stitching on a scrap piece of denim first helps. The stitches should look the same on the top and the bottom. They should not be too loose or too tight. You might need to adjust the top thread tension slightly for heavy duty thread.
Machine Speed
Sew slowly when working with thick denim. Go extra slow over the side seams of the jeans. These spots are very thick. Sewing slowly helps the needle push through and prevents it from breaking.
Working with Thick Seams
Jeans legs have seams on the sides. These seams are very thick. When you sew the hem, you sew over these thick parts. This can be hard for your machine.
How to Go Over Thick Seams
- Use a Walking Foot: If you have one, a walking foot helps feed the thick fabric evenly under the needle.
- Needle Down Position: If your machine has a needle down setting, use it. The needle stays down when you stop. This holds the fabric in place. It helps when you are going slowly over a thick spot.
- Hand Crank: When you get to a very thick seam, turn the hand wheel on your machine slowly by hand. Push the needle through the thick layers manually. This gives you control and saves the motor.
- Use a Seam Jumper/Leveller: This is a small tool. You can put it under the back of the presser foot. It helps keep the foot level when going over a thick seam. This stops stitches from getting messed up. You can also fold a small piece of thick fabric and put it behind the presser foot to level it.
Essential Supplies List
Let’s make a list of the important items needed for DIY jeans hemming.
- Jeans: The star of the show!
- Fabric Scissors: Sharp scissors just for fabric. Keeps them sharp.
- Measuring Tape/Ruler: To get the length right.
- Pins: To hold folds and seams in place.
- Tailor’s Chalk/Washable Marker: For marking cut lines and fold lines.
- Matching Thread: Heavy-duty or denim thread is best.
- Denim Needles: Size 14 or 16 recommended.
- Sewing Machine: How to hem jeans with sewing machine is fastest.
- Iron & Ironing Board: For pressing hems flat.
- Seam Ripper (Optional but helpful): If you make a mistake.
- Scrap Fabric (Optional): For practicing.
Using the right supplies makes the job much easier and the result much better.
Practicing Before You Cut
If you have never hemmed jeans before, try practicing. You can use an old pair of jeans you don’t care about. Or use a similar thick fabric. Practice sewing the double fold hem. Practice sewing over thick seams. This builds your skill and confidence before you work on your good jeans.
Fixing Common Problems
Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are some problems and how to fix them.
- Skipped Stitches: This often means your needle is wrong or dull. Switch to a new, sharp denim needle. Check your thread tension.
- Fabric Bunching Up: You might be pushing or pulling the fabric. Let the machine feed the fabric itself. Use a walking foot if you have one. Check tension.
- Uneven Hem: Your cutting or folding might be uneven. Measure and mark very carefully. Pin well before sewing. Go slowly when sewing.
- Thread Breaking: Your thread might not be strong enough. Use heavy-duty or denim thread. Your needle might be wrong or dull. Use a new denim needle. Your tension might be too high. Lower the top tension.
- Needle Breaking: You are probably hitting a thick spot too fast. Slow down. Turn the hand wheel manually over thick seams. Make sure you are using a denim needle.
Don’t worry if you make a mistake. A seam ripper lets you take out stitches and try again. Sewing takes practice.
Tips for a Pro Look
Want your home hemming to look like a store did it?
- Pressing is Key: Ironing at each step makes a big difference. Press folds before you sew them. Press the finished hem.
- Use Matching Thread: Try to match the color and type of thread already on your jeans. Jeans often have thick topstitching thread.
- Sew Close to the Edge (Simple Hem): For the simple hem, sewing about 1/8 inch from the top folded edge looks good. This is like the finish on many store-bought items.
- Reinforce Seams: When sewing over the side seams, sew a few stitches backward and forward to make that spot stronger. This is where the hem can come undone first.
- Trim Threads: Cut off all loose threads when you are done. A clean finish looks professional.
Taking up jeans can look great if you take your time and are careful.
More About Altering Jeans Length
Hemming is the most common way to alter jeans length. It involves changing the bottom edge. This guide focused on two main sewing methods. There are other ways to change the length or look.
Sometimes people just cut off the bottoms of their jeans and leave the edge raw. This is an easy way of cutting jeans length. It gives a casual, frayed look. You can wash them to help the edge fray.
Another no-sew method is using fabric glue or iron-on hem tape. You fold up the hem and use glue or the heated tape to stick it down. These methods are faster but not as strong or long-lasting as sewing. Sewing jeans hem creates a much more durable finish that lasts through many washes.
Caring for Your Hemmed Jeans
Once you have successfully tailored your jeans length, take care of them. Wash them as you normally would. The sewn hem should hold up well if you used strong thread and a good stitch. If you chose to keep the original hem, the seam joining it should be strong.
If you notice any stitches coming loose over time, you can easily fix them. Just sew over that section again on your machine. This is one benefit of DIY jeans hemming – you can do repairs yourself too.
Why Sewing is the Best Way
While there are quicker fixes, sewing is the best way to shorten jeans for most people. Sewing makes a strong hem. It lasts a long time. It gives a neat, finished look. Using a sewing machine jeans makes the job fast and even. Hand sewing is also possible, but it takes much longer and can be harder to keep even on thick denim. How to hem jeans with sewing machine is the fastest and most popular way.
Enjoy Your Perfect Fit
Now you have jeans that fit just right! You saved money and learned a new skill. Altering jeans length yourself gives you control. You can make your jeans exactly how you want them. DIY jeans hemming is a rewarding project.
FAQ: Questions People Ask
Here are some common questions about shortening jeans at home.
Q: Is it hard to hem jeans?
A: It can seem hard at first, but it is not. If you follow the steps carefully, it is simple. Using a sewing machine makes it much easier than sewing by hand. The first time might take longer, but you get faster with practice.
Q: What is the best stitch for hemming jeans?
A: A straight stitch is the best stitch for sewing the main hem line. It is strong and neat. If you are finishing the inside raw edge (like when keeping the original hem), a zigzag stitch or a serger stitch is good.
Q: Can I hem jeans by hand?
A: Yes, you can hem jeans by hand. It takes a lot more time and effort. You need a strong needle and thread. A sewing machine is much faster and makes a more even stitch on thick denim.
Q: What kind of thread should I use?
A: Use heavy-duty or denim thread. Regular thread is not strong enough for jeans fabric and seams. Try to match the color of the thread already on your jeans.
Q: My sewing machine struggles with jeans. What should I do?
A: Make sure you are using a denim needle (size 14 or 16). Use strong thread. Set your stitch length a bit longer. Sew slowly, especially over thick seams. You might need a walking foot or use the hand wheel over very thick parts.
Q: How much should I cut off?
A: Measure very carefully while wearing the jeans and the shoes you will wear with them. Mark the desired finished length. Then, add the extra fabric needed for the hem allowance (twice the width of your planned hem). Cut at this lower line. It’s better to cut off too little than too much at first. You can always cut more, but you can’t add it back.
Q: What if I want to keep the original hem?
A: This method is great if you like the look of the original hem. It involves cutting off the leg above the original hem and sewing the original hem back on. It’s a bit more advanced but gives a factory look. Use a strong stitch and finish the inside seam neatly.
Q: My hem is wavy after sewing. Why?
A: This can happen if you stretch the fabric while sewing or if your tension is off. Pin the hem well. Let the machine feed the fabric without pushing or pulling. Pressing the hem well after sewing can help flatten it.
Q: Do I need to wash my jeans before hemming?
A: Yes, it is a good idea to wash and dry your jeans before hemming. Denim can shrink, especially in length. Wash and dry them like you normally would. This way, the length you hem them to will be the final length after washing.
Hemming jeans at home is a useful skill. With the right tools and steps, you can get a perfect fit for all your jeans.