Making shorts shorter is easy with a sewing machine. You can give your old shorts a new look or fix the length of new ones. It’s a simple sewing job that beginners can do. Using a sewing machine makes hemming shorts much faster than sewing by hand. You can learn how to sew a hem on shorts quickly and easily.
Why Shorten Your Shorts?
Maybe your shorts are too long. Maybe you want a different style. Or maybe you found a great pair but the length is wrong. Changing the hem makes them fit better. It makes them look how you want. Hemming keeps the fabric edge from coming apart. It gives a clean, finished look.
Get Ready: What You Need
You need a few things to start. Gather these items before you begin. Having everything ready helps you work faster.
Things You Need
- Your shorts
- A sewing machine
- Matching thread
- Sewing scissors (sharp ones!)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pins
- Iron and ironing board
- Fabric marking tool (like chalk or a fabric pen)
- Optional: A seam ripper (if you need to remove an old hem)
- Optional: A hemmer foot (makes folding easy)
Here is a quick list of tools.
| Tool | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Sewing Machine | Sews the hem quickly. |
| Matching Thread | Makes the stitches blend in. |
| Sewing Scissors | Cut fabric cleanly. |
| Measuring Tape | Find the right length. |
| Pins | Hold folds in place. |
| Iron & Board | Make crisp folds (this is important!). |
| Fabric Marker | Mark where to cut and fold. |
| Seam Ripper | Takes out old stitches. |
| Hemmer Foot | Helps fold the fabric easily. |
Getting Your Shorts Ready
First, decide how short you want your shorts. Try them on. Look in a mirror. Figure out the best length for you. This step is very important.
Deciding on the New Length
Put the shorts on.
Fold the fabric up to the length you like.
Use pins to hold the fold.
Make sure both legs look the same length.
It helps to have a friend help you look.
Walk around a little. See if the length feels good.
Make sure you can move easily.
Mark the Cut Line
Take the shorts off carefully. Do not bump the pins.
Lay the shorts flat on a table. Smooth out the fabric.
Use your ruler or measuring tape.
Measure from the waist down to your pins. Write this number down.
Do this on both legs. Make sure the number is the same for both.
Now, you need to mark where you will cut.
You will cut below your finished hem line.
You need extra fabric for the hem. This extra fabric is called the “hem allowance.”
A standard double fold hem shorts uses about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 cm) of fabric.
So, if you want the finished hem to be at 15 inches from the waist, you need to mark your cut line at 15 inches plus the hem allowance.
Let’s say you want a 1-inch finished hem height (meaning the folded edge you see is 1 inch tall). You need 1 inch for the first fold and 1 inch for the second fold. That’s a total of 2 inches for the hem allowance.
If your desired finished length is 15 inches from the waist, your cut line would be at 15 inches + 2 inches = 17 inches from the waist.
Mark this cut line all around the bottom of the short leg. Use your fabric marker and ruler. Draw a line. Do this on both legs. This is part of measuring shorts hem correctly.
Mark the Fold Lines
Now you need to mark where you will fold the fabric.
You decided you need 2 inches for the hem allowance (for a 1-inch finished hem).
Your cut line is 2 inches below the finished length mark.
The first fold will be 1 inch up from the cut line. Mark a line here. This is your first fold line.
The second fold will be 1 inch up from the first fold line. This is your second fold line. This second line should match your desired finished length mark (the original pin line).
Mark these lines with your fabric marker.
Cut the Fabric
Now you will cut. Use sharp sewing scissors.
Cut carefully along the cut line you marked.
Cut only one leg at a time.
Make sure you cut evenly all the way around.
Cut the other leg the same way.
You have now removed the extra length.
Pressing Hem Allowance
Pressing is super important for a nice hem. It makes the folds stay in place. It makes sewing easier and neater.
Go to your iron and ironing board.
Set your iron to the right heat for your shorts fabric. (Cotton needs more heat than polyester, for example).
First, press the very edge you just cut. Just a quick press helps.
Then, fold the fabric up along your first fold line (1 inch from the cut edge).
Press this fold all the way around the leg. Use steam if your fabric can handle it. This makes the fold sharp.
Now, fold the fabric up again along your second fold line (1 inch from the first fold). This is your double fold.
Press this second fold really well. This creates the nice double fold hem shorts.
Do this on both legs.
Choosing Your Hem Style
There are different ways to hem shorts. The most common and strong way is the double fold hem.
Single Fold Hem
This is the simplest hem. You fold the fabric edge up just one time.
Then you sew it down.
This leaves the raw edge of the fabric inside the hem.
This can fray (come apart) easily.
You often finish the raw edge first. You can use a zig-zag stitch or a serger if you have one.
This hem is quicker but not as strong or neat as a double fold.
Double Fold Hem
This is the best hem for shorts. It hides the raw edge of the fabric inside the fold.
You fold the edge up once, then fold it up again.
This makes a clean edge on both the outside and the inside.
It is strong and lasts a long time.
Most shorts you buy have a double fold hem.
This is the main hem type we are covering in this guide. It is an easy way to hem shorts.
Rolled Hem
A rolled hem is very narrow. You roll the edge of the fabric twice, then sew.
It’s good for light, thin fabrics.
It can be tricky to do well.
Some sewing machines have a special foot for rolled hems.
For shorts, especially denim shorts, the double fold hem is usually best. It gives weight to the hem and looks good.
Getting Your Sewing Machine Ready
Before you start sewing, you need to set up your sewing machine. Proper setup makes sewing machine hemming shorts easy.
Pick the Right Needle
The needle you use depends on the fabric.
For cotton shorts, a universal needle is fine. Size 90/14 is a good choice.
For hemming denim shorts, you need a stronger needle. Get a “Denim” or “Jeans” needle. Size 100/16 or 110/18 works well. Denim is thick, so a strong needle won’t break.
Choose the Right Thread
Use good quality thread. Polyester thread is strong and works for most fabrics.
Choose a color that matches your shorts. If your shorts are blue, use blue thread. If you want the stitches to show, use a different color.
Make sure the thread on top (spool) and the thread in the bobbin are the same type and color.
Select the Stitch
A straight stitch is the stitch you need for hemming shorts.
It makes a strong line of stitches to hold the hem in place.
Set the Stitch Length and Tension
A medium stitch length is usually good for hemming. About 2.5 mm is standard.
If the stitches are too short, they can make the fabric pucker (gather up).
If they are too long, they might not hold well.
Machine tension is how tight the thread is. Usually, the middle setting works. If the stitches look loopy on the top or bottom, you may need to adjust the tension. Check your machine manual if you need help with tension.
Test on a Scrap Piece
Before you sew your shorts, test your settings.
Use a scrap piece of fabric from when you cut the shorts.
Fold it like you will fold the hem (double fold).
Sew a line of stitches on the scrap.
Look at the stitches. Do they look good? Is the tension okay? Does the needle work well?
This test helps you fix problems before sewing your shorts.
Sewing the Hem – Step by Step
Now you are ready to sew! This is the main part of how to sew a hem using a machine. It’s a beginner sewing hem project.
Step 1: Press the First Fold
You already did this, but let’s make sure.
Fold the raw edge of the fabric up 1 inch (or whatever your first fold measurement is).
Press it well with the iron. This makes a crisp edge.
Step 2: Press the Second Fold
Fold the fabric up again. Fold it up another 1 inch (or your second fold measurement).
The raw edge is now hidden inside the fold.
Press this fold very well. This is where your sewing line will be.
Step 3: Pin the Hem
Use pins to hold the double fold hem in place.
Place pins every few inches around the hem.
Put the pins in facing sideways. This makes it easier to take them out as you sew.
Step 4: Start Sewing
Sit at your sewing machine.
Place the short leg under the needle.
You will sew close to the top folded edge. This catches both layers of the double fold.
Start sewing at an inseam or outseam (where the leg seams are). This makes the start and end of your stitching less noticeable.
Put the presser foot down.
Lower the needle into the fabric at the starting point.
Sew a few stitches forward, then sew backward a few stitches (reverse stitch). This locks the stitches so they don’t come undone.
Then, sew forward again.
Step 5: Sewing the Hem
Sew slowly and steadily. Keep your fabric lined up.
Guide the fabric with your hands. Do not push or pull the fabric. The machine pulls it through.
Keep your eyes on the presser foot and where the needle is going.
You want your stitches to be a straight line, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3 to 6 mm) from the top folded edge of the hem.
As you sew, take out the pins just before they reach the needle.
Sew all the way around the leg until you get back to where you started.
Overlap your starting stitches by about half an inch (1 cm).
Sew backward a few stitches to lock the end stitches.
Lift the needle. Lift the presser foot. Pull the shorts away from the machine.
Cut the threads.
Step 6: Finish the Other Leg
Repeat Steps 1 through 5 on the other short leg.
Make sure you sew the second hem the same width and at the same distance from the edge as the first one. This makes both hems look the same.
This is the shorten shorts sewing machine process. It’s a very easy way to hem shorts using your machine.
Special Cases: Hemming Denim Shorts
Hemming denim shorts needs a little extra care. Denim is a thick fabric.
Denim is Thick
Denim is much heavier than cotton or linen shorts.
Sewing through many layers of denim can be hard for your machine.
The hem area has two layers of the short fabric plus two layers of the double fold. That’s four layers of denim!
At the side seams (the thick parts where different pieces of denim meet), you can have even more layers.
Use a Heavy Needle
As mentioned before, use a denim or jeans needle.
These needles are stronger and sharper. They can push through the thick fabric without breaking.
Consider a Denim Foot
Some sewing machines have a special foot for denim or thick seams.
This foot helps the machine go over the thick parts more smoothly.
It lifts the back of the foot slightly so it doesn’t get stuck.
Handle Thick Seams Carefully
When you sew over the thick side seams on denim shorts, the machine might slow down or struggle.
You can help the machine by:
* Sewing slowly over the seam.
* Turning the handwheel (the big wheel on the side of your machine) manually for a few stitches to get over the thickest part.
* Putting a small piece of folded fabric scrap behind the presser foot right after it goes over the seam. This helps keep the foot level. Some people use a “jean-a-ma-jig” tool for this.
Hemming denim shorts is totally doable with the right tools and a little patience.
Using a Hemmer Foot
A hemmer foot is a special foot for your sewing machine. It helps you make a double fold hem automatically as you sew. Using a hemmer foot can make the job even faster, especially if you are hemming a long, straight edge.
What is a Hemmer Foot?
It’s a metal foot with a little curled or folded part on the front.
As the fabric goes into the foot, the curl turns the edge of the fabric under twice.
Then, the needle sews the hem in place right behind the curl.
They come in different sizes, making different widths of hems (like 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, etc.).
How to Attach It
Turn off your sewing machine.
Remove the standard presser foot.
Attach the hemmer foot according to your machine’s instructions. It usually just snaps or screws on.
How to Use It
This takes a little practice.
You usually feed the very edge of your fabric into the curl of the foot.
It’s often easiest to start the hem by folding and pressing the first inch or so of the hem manually, just like you would for a regular hem.
Place the folded part under the foot.
Start sewing a few stitches.
Stop with the needle down in the fabric.
Lift the presser foot.
Carefully feed the fabric edge into the little curl or funnel on the foot.
Lower the presser foot.
Now, sew slowly. Keep the edge of the fabric guided into the foot’s curl.
The foot does the folding for you.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits:
* Can be very fast once you get the hang of it.
* Helps make a very even hem.
* Good for many straight hems.
Drawbacks:
* Can be tricky to learn.
* Doesn’t work well on curves. Shorts hems are usually curved, especially on the sides.
* May not work well on thick fabrics like denim.
* Requires your fabric edge to be cut very evenly.
* You might need a different size foot for different hem widths.
For your first time or for denim shorts, sewing a double fold hem manually after pressing is often easier than using a hemmer foot. But it’s a useful tool to know about!
Checking and Finishing Up
You’ve sewn the hems! Now for the final steps.
Trim Excess Threads
Look at your shorts. You will see threads at the start and end of your stitching.
Use small scissors to cut these threads close to the fabric. Be careful not to cut the fabric itself.
Check Your Stitching
Look at the stitches closely.
Are they straight? Are they close to the top fold?
Are the stitches locked at the start and end?
Are there any skipped stitches? If so, you might need to sew over that spot or check your needle.
Are there any puckers? (Gathered fabric). This could mean your stitch length was too short or your tension was off.
Final Pressing
Go back to your iron.
Press the finished hem one last time.
Press from the outside of the shorts.
This final press makes the hem look crisp and professional. It sets the stitches.
Your shorts are now hemmed!
Troubleshooting Common Sewing Issues
Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are some common problems and what to do.
Uneven Hem
If your hem is not the same width all the way around, you might have measured or pressed unevenly.
Using a seam ripper, you can take out the stitches in the uneven part.
Repress that section carefully, measuring as you fold.
Then sew it again.
Skipped Stitches
This often means your needle is bent, dull, or the wrong type for the fabric.
Turn off your machine. Change to a new, sharp needle. Make sure it’s the right type (e.g., denim needle for denim).
Check that the needle is put in correctly.
Test on a scrap again. If it’s still skipping, your machine might need cleaning or a tune-up.
Fabric Puckering
This means the fabric is gathering up as you sew.
Your stitch length might be too short for the fabric. Try a slightly longer stitch.
Your thread tension might be too tight. Check your machine manual for how to adjust tension.
Sometimes, pressing really well before sewing helps prevent puckering.
Measuring for the Perfect Hem
Let’s look closer at measuring shorts hem. Getting the length right is key.
Try On the Shorts
This is the very best way to find the right length.
Put on the shoes you might wear with the shorts.
Stand in front of a mirror.
Fold the fabric up to the length you want.
Use pins to hold the fold.
Look from the front, side, and back.
Make sure both legs look balanced.
Walk around. Sit down. Make sure the length is comfortable.
Mark the Desired Finished Length
Once you know the perfect spot, mark it.
You can use pins, or a fabric marker.
Put pins horizontally (side to side) right at the bottom edge of your desired hem.
Do this all around the leg.
Or, use a ruler to measure the distance from the waist down to the pins. Write this number down. Then take off the shorts and draw a line at this measurement all around the leg. This is the finished hem line.
Calculate the Hem Allowance
Remember, you need extra fabric below the finished hem line for folding.
For a double fold hem shorts that ends up 1 inch tall:
You need 1 inch to fold up first (the first fold).
You need another 1 inch to fold up second (the second fold).
Total hem allowance = 1 inch + 1 inch = 2 inches.
The cut line will be 2 inches below your finished hem line.
If you want a wider hem, say 1.5 inches tall:
First fold = 1.5 inches.
Second fold = 1.5 inches.
Total hem allowance = 1.5 + 1.5 = 3 inches.
The cut line will be 3 inches below your finished hem line.
A hem allowance of 2-3 inches is common for shorts.
Measure Carefully Around Both Legs
Lay the shorts flat and smooth.
Use your ruler or measuring tape.
Measure from the waist down to your finished hem line mark (or pins) on one leg.
Write it down.
Measure from the waist down to the same point on the other leg.
Make sure the numbers match! Your shorts should be the same length on both legs.
Then, measure down the needed hem allowance from the finished hem line mark. Mark your cut line.
Double-check everything before you cut! Measure twice, cut once.
Tips for a Clean Look
A few simple things make a big difference in how your finished hem looks.
Use Matching Thread
Thread that matches your fabric color blends in. Your stitches will be hard to see. This gives a clean, professional look.
Go Slowly
Sewing slowly lets you guide the fabric carefully. It helps you keep the stitching line straight. It helps you avoid mistakes. It’s not a race! Sewing slowly is especially important when you are just learning beginner sewing hem techniques.
Press, Press, Press!
We’ve said it before, but it’s worth saying again. Pressing is key!
Pressing the folds with an iron before you sew makes the fabric lie flat.
It creates sharp folds that are easy to sew along.
Pressing at the end makes the finished hem crisp and neat. Don’t skip the pressing hem allowance step.
Grasping Sewing Machine Hemming
Learning how to hem shorts with sewing machine is a great skill. It saves you money and lets you customize your clothes. You can use these steps for many types of shorts. The double fold hem is strong and looks good. Taking your time to measure and press is important. Using the right needle and thread helps a lot. Even for hemming denim shorts, your machine can do the job. Practice makes perfect. The easy way to hem shorts is by following these simple steps with your machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much fabric do I need to fold up for a hem?
For a standard double fold hem, you usually need 2 to 3 inches of fabric below your desired finished length. This lets you fold the fabric up twice. If you want the finished hem height to be 1 inch tall, you need 2 inches of hem allowance total (1 inch + 1 inch). If you want a 1.5-inch tall hem, you need 3 inches total (1.5 inches + 1.5 inches).
Can I hand sew a hem instead of using a machine?
Yes, you can hem shorts by hand. Hand hemming can make a very neat, almost invisible stitch. However, using a sewing machine is much faster and creates a stronger stitch, especially for fabrics like denim. For a quick hem, the machine is the way to go.
What stitch is best for hemming shorts?
A straight stitch is the best stitch for hemming shorts. It is strong and goes with the look of most shorts. Sew the straight stitch close to the top folded edge of the hem.
Is hemming shorts hard for beginners?
No, hemming shorts is a great project for beginner sewing hem enthusiasts. It uses basic sewing machine skills like sewing a straight line. The most important steps are measuring, marking, and pressing accurately before you sew.
How do I hem elastic waist shorts?
Hemming elastic waist shorts is the same process for the leg hems. The elastic waist does not change how you hem the bottom of the legs. Just follow the steps for measuring, marking, pressing, and sewing the double fold hem on each leg.
You did it! Your shorts now fit perfectly. Enjoy your new look!