How To Make Long Pants Shorter Without Sewing Easy Steps

Long pants are great. But sometimes they are just too long. Maybe you bought a new pair. Or maybe your child grew taller, but not that much taller. You need to make them shorter. Fast. And maybe you don’t have a sewing machine. Or you don’t know how to sew. That’s okay! You can make long pants shorter without sewing. It’s easier than you think. You can do this yourself.

There are a few ways to make pants shorter without a needle and thread. The most popular ways use heat-activated tape or fabric glue. These methods create a no-sew hem. They can be quite strong. They can last through many washes. They are perfect for a DIY no-sew hem. We will show you how.

How To Make Long Pants Shorter Without Sewing
Image Source: www.extrapetite.com

Comprehending No-Sew Hem Options

People have been fixing clothes for a long time. Sewing was the only way. But now, we have new tools. Hemming tape for pants is one such tool. Fabric glue for hems is another. These let you create a neat edge. An edge that looks like it was sewn. But with no sewing involved.

Why choose no-sew?
* It is fast. Much faster than sewing.
* It is easy. Anyone can do it.
* It saves money. No need to pay a tailor.
* It works on many fabrics.
* It’s perfect for quick fixes. Or even long-term ones.

We will look at the main methods. The tape method. The glue method. We will explain how each one works. And which one might be best for you.

The Iron-On Tape Technique

This is perhaps the most common no-sew method. It uses iron-on hem tape. This tape has glue on it. The glue melts when it gets hot. You use an iron to heat it up. The melted glue sticks the fabric together. It creates a strong bond. This method is great for many types of pants. Jeans, slacks, and many casual pants work well.

The tape is also called adhesive hem tape. It usually comes on a roll. It looks like a thin strip of web material or paper. Some tapes are single-sided. Some are double-sided. Double-sided tape is more common for hems. It glues one part of the hem to the other.

Using hem tape to shorten pants is simple. It needs a few tools. And a little care. But it does not need any sewing skills.

Items You Will Need

To shorten pants with iron using hem tape, gather these items:

The long pants you want to shorten.
Iron-on hem tape (double-sided is best). Get enough for both legs. Measure the hem length you need. Plus a little extra.
An iron. Make sure it gets hot.
An ironing board. Or a flat surface you can iron on.
Measuring tape. A ruler works too.
Fabric scissors. Sharp ones work best.
Tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker. Something that washes away or is light colored.
Straight pins.
A pressing cloth. A thin cotton cloth or old pillowcase. This protects your fabric from the heat.
(Optional) Hem gauge or ruler for easy measuring.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here are the steps for using hem tape to shorten pants:

Finding the Right Length

This first step is very important. You need to know how short the pants should be.

Put the pants on.
Wear the shoes you usually wear with these pants. Shoe height matters.
Fold the bottom edge of one pant leg up. Fold it to the length you want.
Look in a mirror. Is it the right length?
Have a friend help you. They can check the length. They can also put pins in place.
Fold the hem evenly all around. Use pins to hold it. Place pins straight up and down. Put them about every few inches.
Take the pants off carefully. Do not change the fold or the pins.

Marking the New Hemline

Now you will mark where the fold is. This helps you cut evenly.

Lay the pants flat. Smooth out the leg you pinned.
Use the measuring tape or ruler. Measure the folded part. How wide is it? Write this number down. Let’s say it’s 2 inches.
Now, decide how wide you want your new hem to be. A standard hem is about 1 inch to 1.5 inches wide. A wider hem looks neat on some pants. Let’s plan for a 1.5-inch hem.
The tape will hold this 1.5-inch hem in place. But you need extra fabric to fold under. You need to fold under the edge you cut. This hides the raw edge.
Measure from the current bottom edge of the pants. Mark a line where the new bottom edge should be. This is where the pants will end.
Now, measure down from this new bottom edge line. Measure the width of your planned hem. This is 1.5 inches in our example. Mark another line. This is your fold line for the hem.
Then, measure down again from that fold line. Measure the width of your planned hem plus a little extra for folding under. A common fold-under amount is about 0.5 inches. So, if your hem is 1.5 inches, you need 1.5 inches (for the hem) + 0.5 inches (for the fold-under) = 2 inches of fabric below the new bottom edge line. Mark a third line 2 inches below the new bottom edge line. This is your cutting line.

Let’s make this simpler.

Desired final length: Pin where you want the bottom of the pants to be. Mark this line. This is the finished edge line.
Hem fold line: Decide how wide you want the hem (e.g., 1.5 inches). Measure up from the finished edge line by this amount. Mark this line. This is the fold line.
Cutting line: Decide how much fabric you want to fold under at the raw edge (e.g., 0.5 inches). Measure down from the finished edge line by the hem width (1.5 inches) PLUS the fold-under amount (0.5 inches). So, measure down 2 inches from the finished edge line. Mark this line. This is the cutting line.

Use your chalk or marker to make clear lines. Do this all the way around the leg.
Repeat on the second pant leg. Make sure the lengths match! Measure from the waistband down to the cutting line on both legs. They should be the same.

Cutting the Fabric

Now you will cut the extra fabric off.

Lay the pant leg flat.
Use sharp fabric scissors.
Cut along the lowest marked line. This is your cutting line.
Cut slowly and carefully. Make a clean, straight line.
Cut the other pant leg the same way. Make sure the cut edges are even.

Preparing the Hem

You have cut off the extra length. Now you need to fold the fabric to make the hem.

Take one pant leg. Turn the pants inside out.
The cutting line is the raw edge.
Fold the raw edge up first. Fold it up by the fold-under amount you planned (e.g., 0.5 inches). Fold it towards the inside of the leg.
Press this small fold with your iron. Use a medium heat. This makes a neat edge. It hides the raw cut edge.
Now, fold the hem up again. Fold it along the fold line you marked earlier. This is the main hem fold. It should be your planned hem width (e.g., 1.5 inches).
Pin this double-folded hem in place. Use pins every few inches. The folded edge you just ironed should be tucked inside the hem.

Applying the Tape

This is where the iron-on hem tape comes in.

Open up the last fold you made (the 1.5-inch fold). The small folded edge (0.5-inch fold) should still be pressed neatly.
Take your hemming tape for pants. Lay a strip of tape inside the folded hem. Place it close to the top folded edge (the one you just opened up).
Make sure the tape goes all the way around the leg. Cut the tape to the right length. Overlap the ends of the tape slightly (about 0.5 inches).
Make sure the tape is smooth. No bumps or twists.
Fold the hem back up again. Fold it along the main fold line. The tape is now hidden inside the hem fold. The tape should be between the two layers of fabric you want to stick together.

Pressing Firmly

Now you will use the iron to activate the glue. This is how you shorten pants with iron.

Place a pressing cloth over the area you are about to iron. This protects your pants from direct heat. It prevents melting or scorching the fabric.
Set your iron to the heat setting recommended for your fabric type. Check the pant’s care tag. If you don’t know, start with a medium heat. You can increase it if needed. Avoid steam unless the tape instructions say to use it. Steam can sometimes weaken the glue before it bonds.
Press the iron down firmly onto the pressing cloth. Hold it there for about 10-15 seconds. Do not slide the iron. Lift and press along the hem. Overlap each press slightly.
Work your way around the entire hem. Make sure you press everywhere the tape is.
After pressing one section, lift the pressing cloth. Check if the hem is stuck. It might need to cool first.
Let the hem cool completely. This takes several minutes. The bond gets stronger as the glue cools.
Once cool, check the hem again. Is it secure all the way around? If there are loose spots, press them again. Use firm pressure and heat.

Finishing Up

Remove the pins after the hem has cooled and set.
Turn the pants right side out.
Your no-sew hem is now finished! It should look neat and clean.

Repeat all steps for the second pant leg. Take extra care to make sure both hems are the same length. Measure from the waistband down to the new hem on both legs to double-check.

Tips for Success with Hem Tape

Test first: If you can, test the tape on a scrap piece of the same fabric. See how well it sticks. See what heat setting works best.
Fabric Type: Hemming tape for pants works best on flat, non-stretchy fabrics like cotton, denim, linen, and polyester blends. Very thick fabrics might need wider tape or longer pressing time. Very thin or delicate fabrics like silk or chiffon might need special low-heat tape. Or glue might be better.
Width of Tape: Tape comes in different widths. Use a width that fits easily inside your hem without sticking out. A 0.5 to 1-inch wide tape is common for pant hems.
Clean Fabric: Make sure the pants are clean and dry. Fabric softener or sizing can sometimes affect how well the tape sticks.
Even Pressure: Apply firm, even pressure with the iron. This ensures the glue melts and bonds properly.
Let it Cool: Do not skip the cooling step. This is crucial for the bond to set.
Overlap Tape: Overlapping the tape ends slightly creates a continuous bond around the hem.

Pros and Cons of Iron-On Tape

Pros	Cons
Easy and fast	Can come undone over time or in hot washes
Creates a clean, flat hem	Less flexible than a sewn hem
Widely available (Iron-on hem tape)	May not work well on all fabric types
Strong bond if done correctly	Ironing skill is needed
Good for medium to heavy fabrics like denim	Can leave a slight stiffness

This method is a great way to create a no-sew hem that looks professional. It’s ideal for those who want to shorten pants with iron easily.

The Fabric Glue Method

Another excellent way to make a no-sew hem is by using fabric glue. This method uses a special adhesive designed for fabric. It stays flexible after drying. It can withstand washing. Fabric glue for hems is a good choice if you don’t have an iron. Or if you are working with a fabric that doesn’t like heat.

Glue hemming pants is also quite easy. Like tape, it requires careful measuring and application. The key is using the right type of glue. And applying it correctly.

Items You Will Need

To shorten pants using glue, gather these items:

The long pants you want to shorten.
Fabric glue for hems. Make sure it says it’s permanent and washable. Look for glues specifically for fabric.
Measuring tape or ruler.
Fabric scissors.
Tailor’s chalk or fabric marker.
Straight pins.
A smooth, flat surface to work on.
Wax paper or parchment paper. To protect your work surface from glue.
(Optional) Binder clips or clothes pins. To hold the hem while the glue dries.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here are the steps for glue hemming pants:

Finding and Marking the Length

This part is the same as with the tape method.

Put the pants on with your shoes.
Fold and pin the hem to the desired length.
Take the pants off carefully.
Lay the pants flat.
Mark your finished edge line, fold line, and cutting line as described in the tape section. Remember to measure from the desired finished edge down to get your cutting line. You need enough fabric for the hem fold and a small fold-under.
Repeat for the second leg, ensuring lengths match.

Cutting the Fabric

Again, this step is the same.

Lay the pant leg flat.
Cut along the lowest marked line (the cutting line) using sharp scissors.
Cut the other leg evenly.

Preparing the Hem with Folds

This step is similar, but without ironing.

Turn the pants inside out.
Fold the raw edge up by your planned fold-under amount (e.g., 0.5 inches).
Press this fold firmly with your fingers or a ruler to make a crisp crease. You can use a warm iron if the fabric allows, but it’s not required for glue.
Now, fold the hem up again along your main fold line. This creates the full hem width (e.g., 1.5 inches). The small folded edge is tucked inside.
Use pins to hold this double-folded hem in place. Pin every few inches.

Applying the Fabric Glue

This is the key step for glue hemming pants.

Place a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper inside the pant leg. Put it between the pant leg fabric and the hem. This stops glue from sticking the front of the pants to the back.
Carefully open up the main hem fold. The small folded edge should still be tucked in.
Apply a thin line of fabric glue for hems along the top edge of the folded hem (the edge that will be against the pant leg). Do not apply too much glue! A little goes a long way. Too much glue can soak through or make the hem stiff.
You can apply the glue as a continuous line. Or you can apply small dots of glue every half inch or so. Follow the glue product’s instructions.
Work in sections if needed. Glue about 6-12 inches at a time.

Securing the Hem

After applying glue to a section, fold the hem back up along the main fold line.
Press the folded hem down firmly with your fingers. Press where the glue is. This helps the glue bond to the pant fabric.
You can use binder clips or clothes pins to hold the hem firmly while the glue dries. Place them every few inches along the hem. Make sure the wax paper is inside the hem before clipping.
Continue applying glue and pressing/clipping in sections until you have gone around the entire hem.
Repeat for the second pant leg.

Drying Time

Let the glue dry completely. This is very important.
Drying time varies greatly depending on the glue. It can take from a few hours to 24 hours. Check the glue product’s instructions for the exact drying time.
Leave the clips in place until the glue is at least mostly dry. For best results, leave them for the full drying time if possible.
Remove the clips and wax paper once the glue is fully dry.

Finishing Up

Remove all pins.
Turn the pants right side out.
Your no-sew hem using glue is complete. The hem should be securely attached.

Tips for Success with Fabric Glue

Use the Right Glue: Make sure the glue is made for fabric. Check that it is permanent and washable. Regular craft glue will likely not work.
Less is More: Apply glue sparingly. Too much glue is bad. It can soak through, look messy, and make the hem stiff.
Even Application: Try to apply the glue evenly. This ensures a consistent bond.
Protect Your Surface: Always use wax paper or parchment paper inside the hem. This prevents the glue from sticking layers of fabric together that you don’t want stuck.
Full Drying Time: Allow the glue to dry completely. Rushing this step can result in the hem coming undone later.
Fabric Type: Fabric glue for hems works well on many fabrics. It can be better than tape for stretchy fabrics. Or for very thin fabrics where tape might show through. Test on a scrap if possible.
Clean Fabric: As with tape, the fabric should be clean and dry.

Pros and Cons of Fabric Glue

Pros	Cons
No iron needed	Requires long drying time
Good for fabrics sensitive to heat	Can be messy to apply
Stays flexible after drying (usually)	Too much glue makes hem stiff/visible
Works well on stretchy fabrics	Some glues may not last as long as tape/sewing
Creates a flat, secure hem	Bond strength can vary by glue brand
Widely available (Fabric glue for hems)	Can be hard to remove if you make a mistake

Using fabric glue for hems is a great alternative. It lets you create a sturdy, no-sew hem without using heat.

Considering Temporary Pant Hems

Sometimes, you don’t need a permanent fix. Maybe the pants are for a one-time event. Or maybe you are deciding on the length before making a final cut. In these cases, a temporary pant hem is useful.

Temporary methods don’t involve tape or glue. They are usually quicker to do. But they won’t last through washing or much wear.

The simplest way to create a temporary pant hem is by folding and pinning.

Items You Will Need for Temporary Hem

The long pants.
Straight pins. Safety pins also work.
Measuring tape or ruler.

Step-by-Step for Temporary Hem

Find the length: Put the pants on. Wear the right shoes. Fold the hem up to the length you want.
Pin the hem: Use pins to hold the fold in place. Put pins about every few inches. Place them parallel to the fold (horizontally) so they don’t poke out easily. Or use safety pins for more security.
Turn inside out (optional): For better hiding, you can turn the pants inside out after pinning the length. Then, fold the raw edge under the fold you just made. Pin again to hold this inner fold. This hides the raw edge more neatly.
Check: Take the pants off. Lay them flat. Check that both legs are the same length. Adjust pins as needed.

Pros and Cons of Temporary Hem

Pros	Cons
Very fast and easy	Not durable (comes undone easily)
No cutting or adhesives needed	Pins can fall out or poke you
Fully reversible	Does not look as neat as permanent hems
Good for testing lengths	Cannot be washed
Ideal for a quick, short-term fix (Temporary pant hem)	Not suitable for everyday wear or active use

This method is best for trying on, photoshoots, or events where the pants won’t be heavily used. It’s a true temporary pant hem.

Choosing Your No-Sew Method

Tape or glue? Which one should you use? The best choice depends on a few things:

Fabric Type: Iron-on tape is great for sturdy, non-stretchy fabrics like denim. Glue can be better for delicate or stretchy materials.
Tools Available: Do you have an iron? If not, glue is your answer.
Time: Tape needs pressing time with an iron and cooling time. Glue needs many hours to dry completely. If you need it fast and permanently, tape is usually quicker overall.
Durability Needs: Both tape and good fabric glue can be quite durable. Read product reviews. Some users find one method lasts longer than the other for their specific fabric and washing habits.
Personal Preference: Some people find ironing easier. Others prefer working with glue.

Here is a quick comparison table:

No-Sew Hem Method Comparison

Feature	Iron-On Hem Tape	Fabric Glue for Hems	Temporary Pin Hem
Tools Needed	Iron, ironing board, tape, scissors, pins, marker	Glue, scissors, pins, marker, wax paper	Pins, ruler/tape
Requires Iron	Yes	No	No
Process	Cut, fold, insert tape, iron, cool	Cut, fold, apply glue, press, dry	Fold, pin
Drying/Setting Time	Minutes (cooling)	Hours (drying)	Instant
Durability	Moderate to High (Washable)	Moderate to High (Washable)	Very Low (Not washable)
Looks	Flat, clean	Flat, clean (if not too much glue)	Visible pins, less neat
Best For	Denim, cotton, non-stretchy fabrics	Stretchy fabrics, delicate fabrics, no-iron option	Quick fix, testing length
Common Name	Iron-on hem tape, Adhesive hem tape, Hemming tape for pants	Fabric glue for hems, Glue hemming pants	Temporary pant hem

For a durable, long-lasting no-sew hem, both tape and glue are good options. The tape method (shorten pants with iron, using hem tape to shorten pants) is very popular. The glue method (glue hemming pants) is a strong alternative.

Tips for a Great No-Sew Hem

No matter which permanent method you choose (tape or glue), follow these general tips for the best results:

Measure Carefully: This is the most important step. Measure twice, cut once! Make sure both legs are exactly the same length. Measure from the same point on the waistband down to the new hemline on both sides.
Cut Straight: A straight cut makes folding easier. Use sharp scissors. Follow your marked line closely.
Press Folds: For the tape method, pressing the initial fold-under and the main hem fold helps create crisp lines. For the glue method, pressing with fingers or a ruler helps. This makes the hem neat.
Use a Pressing Cloth (with iron): Protect your fabric! Heat can damage many materials.
Follow Product Instructions: Hem tape and fabric glue products have specific instructions. Read them! They will tell you the right heat setting, pressing time, or drying time. They might also give tips for different fabrics.
Don’t Rush: Give the tape time to cool completely. Give the glue time to dry completely. Rushing the process can result in a weak bond.
Test the Bond: After cooling/drying, gently try to pull the hem open. If it feels loose anywhere, re-press (for tape) or apply more glue (carefully, for glue) and let it set again.
Consider Fabric Thickness: Very thick fabrics might need extra-strong tape or glue. You might need to press or clamp longer. Very thin fabrics might need a lighter touch and a product less likely to show through.

These steps help you achieve a durable, professional-looking DIY no-sew hem.

Caring for Your No-Sew Hem

You’ve created a beautiful no-sew hem. How do you keep it looking good? Washing and drying need some care.

Washing: Turn the pants inside out before washing. This protects the hem from rubbing against other clothes in the wash. Use cold or warm water, not hot. Hot water can sometimes loosen the adhesive over time. Use a gentle wash cycle.
Drying: Air drying is best for no-sew hems. Hang the pants up or lay them flat to dry. High heat in a dryer is the biggest threat to adhesives. If you must use a dryer, use a low heat setting. Or tumble dry on cool. Remove the pants while they are still slightly damp.
Ironing: If you need to iron the pants, avoid ironing directly on the hem line, especially with high heat or steam. If using an iron-on hem, direct high heat can reactivate the glue and potentially cause it to shift or loosen. Iron around the hem if possible. If you must iron the hem area, use a pressing cloth. Use a low to medium heat setting.

By taking these simple steps, your no-sew hem made with hemming tape for pants or fabric glue for hems should last a long time.

Common Questions About No-Sew Hems

You might have more questions about making pants shorter without sewing. Here are some common ones:

Q: Can I wash pants after using hem tape or fabric glue?
Yes, you can wash them. It’s important to use washable, permanent products like iron-on hem tape or fabric glue for hems. Follow the care instructions on the pant label and the adhesive product label. Turn pants inside out to wash. Use cooler water and lower dryer heat for best results.

Q: How long does a no-sew hem last?
The lifespan varies. It depends on the product quality, how well it was applied, the fabric type, and how often the pants are washed and dried. A well-done no-sew hem using good quality adhesive hem tape or fabric glue for hems can last for years and many washes. However, they might not be as durable as a professionally sewn hem over a very long time.

Q: What if the hem comes undone?
If a section comes loose, you can often fix it.
* For tape: Apply a new piece of hemming tape for pants to the loose area. Re-press with an iron following the original steps.
* For glue: Carefully apply a little more fabric glue for hems under the loose section. Press it down. Let it dry completely, using clips if needed.
You might need to remove the old adhesive residue before applying new adhesive.

Q: Can I use regular tape or glue?
No. Regular tapes (like Scotch tape) and glues (like school glue) are not designed for fabric. They will not hold up to washing. They will likely just fall off or dissolve. Always use products made specifically for fabric like iron-on hem tape or fabric glue for hems. Look for “washable” and “permanent” on the label.

Q: Can I shorten jeans this way?
Yes! Jeans are one of the most common items people shorten pants with iron using hemming tape for pants. The tape works very well on denim. Just make sure to use a sturdy tape. Use enough heat and pressure with the iron. The glue method also works on jeans.

Q: Does the hem tape or glue show through the fabric?
High-quality iron-on hem tape and thin applications of fabric glue for hems should not show through most medium to thick fabrics like cotton or denim. On very thin or light-colored fabrics, some products might be visible. Test on a scrap piece if you are worried. Using a lighter hand with glue helps.

Q: Can I remove a no-sew hem later?
It can be difficult to remove permanent no-sew hem products completely. Adhesive hem tape residue can be sticky. Fabric glue can be hard to soften or remove without damaging the fabric. Temporary pant hem methods (like pins) are easily removed.

Q: Is this method suitable for formal pants or delicate fabrics?
For very delicate or expensive formal wear, sewing is usually recommended for the cleanest, most invisible finish. However, a careful no-sew hem using a suitable fabric glue or a low-heat iron-on tape can work on some delicate fabrics. Always test first on a hidden spot or scrap.

Q: How wide should the hem tape or glue line be?
For tape, choose a width that fits inside your hem fold. Common widths are 0.5 inches to 1 inch. For glue, apply a thin line or dots close to the edge that needs bonding. Follow the product’s instructions on application width.

Q: Can I use this method on stretchy pants like leggings?
Fabric glue for hems is often a better choice for stretchy fabrics than iron-on tape. Tape can make the hem stiff and less flexible. Glue can maintain more stretch. Look for fabric glue that stays flexible after drying.

Using hemming tape for pants or fabric glue for hems offers simple ways to get the perfect pant length. You don’t need to know how to sew. You can easily achieve a DIY no-sew hem. Whether you shorten pants with iron and tape, or use glue hemming pants, these methods provide a great solution. They let you make a neat no-sew hem right at home.