Do you have blue jeans that are too long? Do you wish you could make them fit right? Yes, you can fix long jeans even if you do not have a sewing machine. This post shows you how. You can shorten jeans without sewing. There are easy ways to do it. We will look at some simple methods. These methods use tools for no-sew hem jobs. You can use hand sewing jean hem stitches. You can use iron-on hem tape for jeans. You can also use fabric glue for hemming jeans. Each way helps you fix your jeans bottom without a sewing machine. You can get a quick jean hem fix. You can also repair jean hem without sewing machine help.
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Picking Your Method
You have a few choices to make your jeans shorter. You do not need a sewing machine for any of these. Think about how you want the jeans to look. Think about how much time you have. Think about what supplies you have.
You can sew the hem by hand. This takes more time. It makes a strong hem. It looks much like a machine hem.
You can use iron-on hem tape. This is fast. It uses heat from an iron. It makes a flat, clean hem. It is a no-sew denim hem solution.
You can use fabric glue. This is also fast. It does not need heat. It is a good way for a quick jean hem fix. It also makes a no-sew denim hem.
Another choice is to cut the bottom off. You let the edge fray. This is a different style. It is a way to shorten jeans without sewing.
We will look at each choice. You can decide which is best for you.
Method 1: Sewing Your Jeans Hem By Hand
Sewing by hand takes more work. It takes more time too. But it makes a strong hem. It can last a long time. Hemming jeans by hand gives you good control. You can make small, neat stitches.
What You Need For Hand Sewing
- Your jeans that are too long.
- Sharp scissors. Good ones for cutting fabric.
- A ruler or a measuring tape.
- Tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker. Something to make marks on the fabric.
- Straight pins. To hold the fabric.
- Thread. Try to find thread that matches your jeans color. Or a color you like. Strong thread is good for denim.
- A sewing needle. A strong one. One that can go through thick jean fabric. Needles for denim are best. They are sharp and strong.
- An iron and ironing board. To make creases flat and neat.
- A thimble. This protects your finger when pushing the needle. Denim is thick. It can be hard to push the needle through.
These are the tools for no-sew hem methods that involve stitching.
Steps For Sewing Your Jeans Hem By Hand
Follow these steps to do a hand sewing jean hem. Take your time with each step.
H5 Get Ready: Mark The New Length
Put on the jeans. Put on the shoes you wear with them. Stand straight. Ask a friend to help if you can. If not, stand in front of a mirror.
Fold the extra fabric under. Fold it up to where you want the hem to be. Make sure it looks straight. Make sure both legs are the same length.
Mark this line all around the leg. Use tailor’s chalk or the fabric marker. Do this on both legs. Take the jeans off.
Lay the jeans flat. Use your ruler or tape measure. Check the marks. Make sure the distance from the floor (or the top of the waistband) is the same all around each leg. Make sure the mark is the same height on both legs.
H5 Plan The Hem Fold
You need extra fabric below the mark. This fabric will make the hem. The hem makes the bottom edge neat and strong. A simple hem fold is usually about 1 inch (about 2.5 cm) or more.
Decide how wide you want the hem fold to be. A wider hem can look nice on jeans. Let’s say you want a 1-inch hem.
Your mark shows where the bottom of the finished hem will be. You need fabric below this line to make the fold.
Measure 1 inch below your first mark. Make another mark all around the leg. This is your cutting line.
If you want a wider hem, measure more than 1 inch below your first mark.
H5 Cut Off The Extra Fabric
Lay the jeans flat again. Make sure the legs are smooth.
Cut along the lower mark you made. This mark is below your desired hem line. This cut removes the extra length. Do this on both legs. Use your sharp scissors. Cut carefully. Try to cut in a straight line.
Now you have the fabric length you need for the hem.
H5 Make The Folds
This is a key step for a good hem. You will fold the fabric edge up two times. This hides the raw edge inside the hem.
First fold: Take the cut edge. Fold it up towards the inside of the leg. Fold it about 1/2 inch (about 1.25 cm). This first fold hides the raw edge.
Use your iron to press this fold flat. Ironing helps make the fold sharp and neat. Pin this first fold in place. Put pins every few inches.
Second fold: Now, fold the hem up again. Fold it so the bottom edge reaches your first mark. Remember, that first mark is where the finished hem should end. This second fold should be about the width you chose for your hem (like 1 inch).
Use your iron again. Press this second fold flat. Press all around the leg. The iron makes the creases sharp. This makes sewing easier.
Use straight pins to hold this second fold in place. Put pins all around the hem. Put them closer together than before. This keeps the fold from moving when you sew.
Check the hem height. Measure from the bottom fold up to make sure it’s the same width all around. Check that both legs have the hem folded up to the same height from the bottom.
H5 Start Sewing By Hand
Get your needle and thread ready. Denim is strong. Use a strong thread. Cut a length of thread. Do not make it too long. Long threads can get tangled. About 2 feet (60 cm) is a good length.
Thread the needle. Tie a knot at the end of the thread. Make the knot strong. Maybe tie it two times.
Start sewing inside the leg seam. This is where the hem stitching often begins and ends. It hides the knot.
There are different stitches you can use for hemming jeans by hand.
Running Stitch
This is a simple stitch. It is good for holding the hem but might show a little on the outside.
Push the needle up through the folded hem fabric. Just catch the top fold and a tiny bit of the main jean fabric above the fold.
Pull the thread through.
Push the needle back down a short distance away. Go through the hem layers.
Come back up a short distance away. Repeat this process.
Make small, even stitches. This looks neat.
Whip Stitch
This stitch goes over the edge of the folded hem. It wraps around the folded edge.
Start by bringing the needle up from inside the fold.
Take the thread over the top folded edge. Put the needle down just above the top fold. Angle the needle so it comes up through the fold and catches a bit of the main fabric right next to where you went down.
Pull the thread tight. This stitch goes at an angle around the edge.
Make these stitches close together. This makes a strong edge.
Blind Stitch (or Hemming Stitch)
This stitch is best if you want to hide the thread on the outside. It takes practice.
Start by bringing the needle up inside the fold.
Take a very small pick-up of the main jean fabric right above the top fold. Just grab one or two threads of the main fabric.
Then, push the needle into the folded edge of the hem. Run the needle inside the fold for a short distance (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch).
Bring the needle out of the fold.
Pull the thread through.
Repeat: pick up a tiny bit of main fabric, then run the needle inside the fold.
The stitches that show on the outside are very small dots. They are almost invisible if your thread matches.
Choose the stitch you feel most comfortable with. The blind stitch is good for making it look like a machine hem from the outside. The running stitch or whip stitch are easier but may show more.
H5 Sew All Around
Keep sewing all around the bottom of the jean leg. Follow the fold you made. Keep your stitches even. Remove the pins as you sew.
When you get back to where you started (at the seam), sew a few stitches in the same spot. This makes the end strong. Tie a good knot. Hide the knot inside the hem. Cut the extra thread.
Do the same for the other jean leg. Try to make the stitches on both legs look the same.
H5 Finish The Hem
After sewing, iron the hem one last time. This makes it lay flat. It makes your sewing look neat.
This is how you do a hand sewing jean hem. It takes time, but it works well. It is a real hemming jeans by hand method.
Pros and Cons of Hand Sewing
- Pros:
- Very strong and long-lasting hem.
- Looks much like a machine hem, especially with a blind stitch.
- You only need simple tools (needle, thread, scissors, iron, ruler).
- Gives good control over the hem width and look.
- Cons:
- Takes more time than other methods.
- Can be hard on your fingers, especially with thick denim. A thimble helps.
- Requires some basic sewing skill.
This method is a good way to repair jean hem without sewing machine if the old hem came out.
Method 2: Using Iron-On Hem Tape
Iron-on hem tape is a very popular way to make a no-sew denim hem. It is fast and easy. It uses heat to make the fabric stick together. This is also called fusible web for jeans.
What You Need For Iron-On Tape
- Your jeans that are too long.
- Sharp scissors.
- A ruler or a measuring tape.
- Tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker.
- Straight pins.
- Iron-on hem tape. Get a strong kind for denim. It comes in different widths. About 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide is good.
- An iron and ironing board.
These are tools for no-sew hem jobs using heat.
Steps For Using Iron-On Hem Tape
Follow these steps for a quick jean hem fix with tape.
H5 Get Ready: Mark And Cut
Just like with hand sewing, put on your jeans and shoes. Mark where you want the finished hem to be. Use your ruler to check the marks. Make sure both legs are even. Take the jeans off.
Now, think about the hem allowance. Iron-on tape works by sticking two fabric layers together. You fold the bottom edge of the jeans up to the inside. The tape goes between the main jean fabric and the folded-up hem fabric.
Decide how wide you want the hem. Let’s say 1 inch. Measure down from your mark. How much fabric do you need? You need enough fabric so that when you fold the edge up by 1 inch, the raw edge is hidden inside the fold.
A good way is to fold the bottom raw edge up by about 1/2 inch first. Then fold it up again by 1 inch (or your chosen width). This hides the raw edge inside the double fold.
So, measure down from your marked line (the finished hem line) by the total amount you need for the double fold. If your hem width is 1 inch and your first fold is 1/2 inch, you need 1 inch + 1/2 inch = 1.5 inches of fabric below your mark.
Cut off the extra fabric along this lower line.
H5 Make The Folds With Iron
Fold the bottom edge up by about 1/2 inch. Press this fold flat with the iron. Pin this fold in place.
Then, fold the fabric up again. Fold it so the folded edge is now at your first mark (the finished hem line). This fold should be your chosen hem width, like 1 inch. Press this fold flat with the iron. This creates a nice, crisp hem fold. Pin this second fold in place.
Now you have a hem fold that is the right width. The raw edge is tucked inside the double fold.
H5 Place The Iron-On Tape
Open up the second fold. Keep the first small 1/2 inch fold pressed inside. You will see the crease line where the second fold was.
Lay the iron-on hem tape inside the hem. Place it just above the first small fold. The tape should be between the first fold and the crease line of the second fold. It should be close to the top edge of the folded hem fabric.
Cut the tape to fit all around the hem. Do this for both legs.
H5 Iron To Stick The Hem
Fold the hem back up along the second crease line. The iron-on tape is now inside the double fold. It is between the folded hem edge and the main jean leg fabric.
Place a damp cloth or press cloth over the hem. This helps protect the fabric and iron.
Press the iron down firmly on the hem. Hold it in place for about 10-15 seconds. Do not slide the iron. Just lift and press down on the next section.
Work your way all around the hem of one leg. The heat from the iron melts the glue on the tape. This glue sticks the fabric layers together.
Let the hem cool completely. Do not touch or move it while it is hot. When it is cool, check if it is stuck well. If not, press again with the iron.
Do the same for the other leg.
H5 Check And Finish
Check both hems. Make sure they are stuck all the way around. Make sure they are the same length.
You have now made a no-sew denim hem using iron-on tape. This is a quick jean hem fix. You used fusible web for jeans.
Pros and Cons of Iron-On Hem Tape
- Pros:
- Very fast and easy method.
- No sewing skill needed.
- Creates a neat, flat hem.
- Good for a quick jean hem fix or repair jean hem without sewing if it came undone.
- Cons:
- May not be as strong as sewing. The glue can loosen over time, especially with washing and drying.
- Can sometimes feel stiff.
- May not work well on very thick or textured denim.
- Need an iron.
This method is excellent for shorten jeans without sewing machine and getting it done fast.
Method 3: Using Fabric Glue
Fabric glue is another way to make a no-sew denim hem. It is very simple to use. It does not need heat. It is great for a quick fix.
What You Need For Fabric Glue
- Your jeans that are too long.
- Sharp scissors.
- A ruler or a measuring tape.
- Tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker.
- Straight pins or fabric clips.
- Fabric glue that is made for fabric. Make sure it says it works on denim. Look for glue that stays flexible after it dries. Washable glue is best.
- Something to press the fabric, like heavy books.
These are tools for no-sew hem jobs using glue.
Steps For Using Fabric Glue
Follow these steps for a no-sew denim hem with glue.
H5 Get Ready: Mark And Cut
Put on your jeans and shoes. Mark the finished hem line. Check your marks with a ruler. Make sure legs are even. Take jeans off.
Decide your hem width (like 1 inch). Measure down from your finished hem line the amount needed for the double fold (like 1.5 inches). Cut off the extra fabric.
H5 Make The Folds
Fold the raw edge up by about 1/2 inch. You can press this fold with an iron if you want, but it is not required with glue. Pins or clips will hold it.
Fold the hem up again to the finished hem line (your first mark). Pin or clip this second fold in place.
You now have your hem fold ready. The raw edge is inside.
H5 Apply The Fabric Glue
Open up the second fold, just like with the iron-on tape. Keep the first small fold tucked inside.
Put a thin line of fabric glue along the top edge of the folded hem fabric. Follow the crease line of the second fold. Do not use too much glue. A thin, even line is best. If you use too much, it can soak through and be stiff or show on the outside.
Work on a small section at a time (maybe 6-8 inches).
H5 Fold And Press
Fold the hem back up along the second crease line. The glue is now between the folded hem and the main jean fabric.
Press the glued section down firmly. Hold it for a few seconds. Use your fingers or clips to hold it.
Put something heavy on the glued section. Books work well. This helps the glue stick strong.
Work your way around the hem, gluing and pressing sections. Make sure the edges of the glued sections meet neatly.
H5 Let The Glue Dry
Let the glue dry completely. This is very important. Check the glue bottle for how long it takes. It might take a few hours. Some glues take 24 hours to fully dry and be washable.
Do not move or wear the jeans while the glue is drying.
Once the glue is dry, remove any pins or clips.
H5 Check And Finish
Check the hem. Make sure it is stuck all the way around. You have made a no-sew denim hem using fabric glue for hemming jeans.
Pros and Cons of Fabric Glue
- Pros:
- Very fast and easy.
- Does not need an iron.
- Good for a quick jean hem fix.
- Requires very few tools.
- Cons:
- May not be as strong or last as long as sewing or even iron-on tape.
- Can make the fabric stiff where the glue is.
- Too much glue can show or soak through.
- May not hold well through many washes, especially in a hot dryer.
- Need to wait for the glue to dry completely.
This is a very easy way to shorten jeans without sewing. It is a good method to repair jean hem without sewing if just a small part has come undone.
Method 4: Cutting For A Frayed Edge
This is not really ‘hemming’ in the usual sense. But it is a way to shorten jeans without sewing and get a finished edge look. This look is raw and casual.
What You Need For A Frayed Edge
- Your jeans that are too long.
- Sharp fabric scissors.
- A ruler or a measuring tape.
- Tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker.
- Straight pins.
- Optional: Tweezers.
These are simple tools for no-sew hem styles that involve cutting.
Steps For A Frayed Edge
Follow these steps to shorten jeans without sewing by cutting.
H5 Get Ready: Mark The New Length
Put on your jeans and shoes. Mark where you want the bottom of the jeans to be. This is where you will cut. Mark this line all around the leg. Use your ruler to check it. Make sure both legs are even. Take the jeans off.
H5 Cut The Fabric
Lay the jeans flat. Cut along the line you just marked. Cut off the extra fabric. Use sharp scissors. Try to cut straight.
Do this for both legs. Now the jeans are shorter. The bottom edge is raw.
H5 Start The Fraying
Denim fabric is made of threads woven together. When you cut the edge, the threads can come loose. This is fraying.
To help the edge fray evenly, you can make small cuts up into the fabric from the raw edge. Cut up about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) every inch or so around the hem. Be careful not to cut too far up.
H5 Wash Your Jeans
The best way to get a good frayed edge is to wash and dry your jeans. The washing machine and dryer action will pull the threads loose along the cut edge.
Wash them in cold water. Dry them in a dryer. Check the edges after drying.
H5 Help The Fraying (Optional)
If the edges are not frayed enough after washing, you can help them. Lay the jeans flat. Look at the cut edge. You will see threads going up and down (these are warp threads, they are often blue) and threads going across (these are weft threads, often white or lighter).
You want the threads going across (the weft threads) to come loose below the cut line.
You can use tweezers to gently pull out the threads that are going up and down (the blue ones) just below the cut line. This leaves the horizontal threads loose. This makes the frayed edge look better.
Do this until you have the amount of fraying you like. You can wash and dry them again to get more fraying.
Pros and Cons of Frayed Edge
- Pros:
- Very fast and easy.
- No sewing or glue needed.
- Stylish, casual look.
- Simple shorten jeans without sewing method.
- Cons:
- The fraying can keep going up the leg over time. You might need to trim it now and then.
- Not a traditional hem. It is a specific style.
- May not work well on all types of denim fabric.
This is a super quick jean hem fix if you like the raw look.
Tools For No-Sew Hem Methods
We have talked about tools. Here is a list of common tools used for no-sew or low-sew hemming.
- Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors are a must for cutting cleanly.
- Ruler/Tape Measure: To measure the length and the hem width accurately.
- Marker/Chalk: To mark the cutting and folding lines on the fabric.
- Pins/Clips: To hold fabric folds in place before you sew or glue.
- Iron/Ironing Board: Essential for iron-on tape. Useful for pressing folds flat for hand sewing or glue.
- Needle and Thread: For the hand sewing method. Choose a strong needle and thread for denim.
- Thimble: Protects your finger when hand sewing thick fabric.
- Iron-On Hem Tape (Fusible Web): The special tape that melts with heat to stick fabric.
- Fabric Glue: Special glue made for sticking fabric together. Choose one for denim that is washable and flexible.
- Tweezers: Helpful for creating a neat frayed edge.
- Heavy Objects (Books): Good for pressing glued hems while they dry.
Having the right tools makes the job easier.
Choosing The Right Method For You
Which method should you use? Think about these things:
- How strong do you need the hem to be? Sewing by hand is the strongest. Iron-on tape is next. Fabric glue is the least strong.
- How fast do you need it? Glue and iron-on tape are fastest. Cutting and fraying is fast too. Hand sewing takes the longest time. It is not a quick jean hem fix.
- What look do you want? Sewing and tape make a neat folded hem. Glue makes a folded hem too, but can be stiff. Cutting makes a raw, frayed edge.
- What supplies do you have? Do you have an iron? Do you have a needle and thread?
Here is a simple table to help you compare:
| Method | Strength | Speed | Look | Supplies Needed | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Sewing Jean Hem | Very Strong | Slow | Neat, Classic | Needle, thread, scissors, ruler, marker, pins, iron, thimble | Durable hem, traditional look, repair jean hem without sewing |
| Iron-On Hem Tape | Medium | Fast | Neat, Flat | Iron-on tape, iron, scissors, ruler, marker, pins | Quick fix, no-sew denim hem, flat look |
| Fabric Glue For Hemming Jeans | Least Strong | Fastest | Neat, Can Be Stiff | Fabric glue, scissors, ruler, marker, pins/clips, weights | Very quick fix, no-sew denim hem, no iron needed |
| Cutting (Frayed Edge) | Varies | Very Fast | Raw, Casual | Scissors, ruler, marker, (tweezers), washing machine | Stylish look, shorten jeans without sewing |
If you need a repair jean hem without sewing machine help and want it strong, hand sewing is good. If you need a super quick jean hem fix, glue is fastest. If you want a clean no-sew denim hem and have an iron, tape is a good choice. If you like the style, cutting is the easiest way to shorten jeans without sewing.
Making Your Hem Look Great
No matter which method you choose, here are some tips for a nice looking hem:
- Measure Carefully: Always measure twice. Check that both legs are the same length before you cut or fold permanently.
- Press Your Folds: Ironing makes a big difference. It makes the fabric lay flat and creates sharp creases. This makes sewing, taping, or gluing easier and neater.
- Use Good Tools: Sharp scissors cut cleanly. A good ruler helps with straight lines. The right needle and thread for denim make hand sewing easier. Good quality tape or glue works better.
- Go Slow: Do not rush. Take your time cutting, folding, and sticking or sewing. This helps prevent mistakes.
- Hide Your Work (If Possible): For hand sewing, start and end your thread in a side seam to hide knots. For glue, use a thin line so it does not show through.
- Test First: If you are using tape or glue for the first time, try a small piece on some scrap denim. See how it works and how it holds.
Following these tips helps make your hemming job look good.
Caring For Your Jeans After Hemming
How you care for your jeans after hemming depends on the method you used.
- Hand Sewn Hem: This is the most durable. You can wash and dry your jeans like normal. The stitches should hold up well.
- Iron-On Hem Tape: Washing is usually fine. But the heat of a dryer can sometimes loosen the tape over time. To help the hem last longer, you can hang your jeans to dry. Or dry them on a low heat setting. If the hem starts to come undone, you might be able to press it again with the iron-on tape.
- Fabric Glue Hem: Check the glue product for washing instructions. Many fabric glues can be washed, but some may not hold up well in a hot dryer. Air drying or low heat drying is often best. The glue can sometimes get stiff or less sticky with repeated washing. You may need to add more glue later if it comes undone.
- Frayed Edge: The edge will continue to fray with washing. This is normal for this style. You might need to trim loose threads now and then if they get too long or tangled.
Proper care helps your no-sew or hand-sewn hem last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about hemming jeans without a sewing machine.
H5 Can I hem jeans without cutting them?
Yes, you can. This is often done when you want to keep the original hem. You fold the original hem edge up inside the leg. You then sew or glue the top edge of the original hem to the inside of the jean leg. This method is harder because the original hem is thick. It adds a lot of bulk. It is harder to do neatly without a machine. For simple no-sew or hand sewing jean hem, cutting off the extra fabric is usually easier.
H5 How wide should a jean hem be?
Most jean hems are between 1/2 inch and 1 inch wide (about 1.25 cm to 2.5 cm). A wider hem looks more casual or vintage. A narrower hem looks more modern. Choose the width you like best. Make sure it looks good with the style of the jeans.
H5 What is fusible web for jeans?
Fusible web is the glue on iron-on hem tape. It is a thin layer of adhesive. When you heat it with an iron, it melts. It acts like a glue to stick two pieces of fabric together. Iron-on hem tape for jeans is a type of fusible web that comes in a strip.
H5 Will fabric glue hold up on jeans?
Fabric glue made for denim can hold up, but often not as long as sewing or even iron-on tape, especially with washing and drying. It is good for a quick jean hem fix or if you do not wear or wash the jeans often. Choose a strong, flexible, washable fabric glue made for heavy fabrics.
H5 Is hand sewing a good way to repair jean hem without sewing machine?
Yes, hand sewing is a very good way to repair jean hem without sewing machine. If a small part of your old hem has come undone, you can use a strong needle and thread to sew just that part back down. A simple running stitch or whip stitch can fix it quickly.
H5 How can I make sure the legs are the same length?
Always measure from a fixed point, like the top of the waistband or the crotch seam, down to your marked hemline. Do this on both legs. Or, put the jeans on inside out, mark the length while wearing them, and then check the marks with a ruler when they are off. Measuring carefully before you cut or stick is key.
H5 Can I use super glue or craft glue for hemming jeans?
No. Do not use super glue or craft glue. These glues are usually too stiff for fabric. They can crack or break when you move. They might not hold up in the wash. Always use fabric glue made for clothes and the type of fabric you are using (like denim). Look for glues that stay flexible and are washable.
H5 How do I deal with the side seams? They are thick.
Denim side seams are often thick. When you fold the hem up, these seams become even thicker. This can be hard to sew through by hand or make the tape/glue not stick well in that spot.
* For Hand Sewing: Use a strong needle and a thimble. Take smaller stitches through the thick seam part.
* For Iron-On Tape or Glue: You might need extra tape or glue just at the seam area. Press very firmly. The thickness can make it harder for the tape or glue to bond well here. Sometimes cutting a small triangle notch out of the seam allowance fold inside the hem can reduce bulk, but be careful not to cut too much.
Conclusion
You do not need a sewing machine to make your jeans fit perfectly. You have several simple choices. You can choose to do a hand sewing jean hem for a strong, classic look. You can use iron-on hem tape for jeans or fabric glue for hemming jeans for a fast, no-sew denim hem. You can also cut the legs and let them fray for a casual style that lets you shorten jeans without sewing at all.
Each method has its good points. Each needs different tools for no-sew hem projects. Think about what is most important to you: strength, speed, or look. With a little care and the right method, you can fix your jeans yourself. You can get a quick jean hem fix or repair jean hem without sewing machine help. Give one of these methods a try. Make your jeans the right length today!