When something rips or tears, but is still in overall decent condition, I try to repair it. But, paying someone to mend your clothes can be expensive. Knowing how to do basic sewing is a great skill. Today, I’m going to share how I learned to hem a pair of pants.
Let me start out by setting the record straight: I am not a sewing expert. I can sew a straight line on a machine and that’s about it. To be honest, sewing has always intimidated me, although I’d love to learn more at some point. Someday…
So, I am sharing this tutorial on the blog so that 1.) I won’t forget what I just learned and 2.) to encourage some other soul who does not know much about sewing either. If I can do this, then so can you!
I’ve been wanting to learn how to hem a pair of pants for a while now. A couple of Kev’s khaki pants were too long and had been dragging for quite some time. As you can see, they were pretty frayed, but I thought they still had some wear left in them so I wanted to see if I could repair them myself. I figured I could save us a few bucks and learn a new skill at the same time.
My mom is the sewing expert {in my opinion} and since she doesn’t live in town, I brought the pants with me when we visited for 4th of July. As it turned out, the process took less than an hour {and I’m slow and this was my first time} and was pretty simple, really.
Disclaimer: From what my mother explained, there are tons of ways to hem pants, but this method should work for a basic pair of khaki or chino pants {and when I say khaki, I’m talking about the fabric and not the color itself}. If you are dealing with cuffs or special fabrics, you will need to look up another tutorial. 🙂
HOW TO HEM A PAIR OF PANTS
Supplies:
fabric scissors
seam ripper {optional}
matching thread
sewing machine
straight pins
measuring tape
iron/ironing board
Instructions:
1. Gather your supplies and prepare your machine by threading the needle and bobbin with matching thread. You may need to look at your owner’s manual if you are still learning your machine.
2. Cut off any extra fabric that is no longer needed. I cut the old hem off entirely, but you could use a seam ripper to rip out the old hem and then make your cut if you can’t spare the extra fabric. Now you are left with a raw edge of fabric.
3. Roll the raw edge over about 1/4 inch and iron the fold, creating a crease.
4. Sew a straight line {about 1/8 inch from the raw edge of the fabric} around both pant legs. This stitch is strictly to keep your new raw edge from fraying and unraveling.
5. Try on the garment and determine the length of the new hem. Fold the end of the pants under and pin them to the desired length. Use a measuring tape if necessary to ensure the hem is the same length all the way around. I determined that a 1 inch hem would be sufficient.
6. Iron the fold, creating a another crease.
7. Sew another straight line {about 1/8 inch from the top of the hem} around both pant legs, making sure to overlap where you started stitching. Most machines are made to be able to sew over pins. You can remove the pins as you go, or wait to remove them until you are completely finished sewing the hem.
8. Try on the pants one final time to confirm the length is okay.
9. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done! 🙂
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About 45 years ago mother taught me the same way, Sarah. Great tutorial!
Thank you, Mrs. Gardner! It seems like basic sewing is a dying art which makes me sad. I need my mother to teach me everything she knows before it’s too late! Hope you are well. –Sarah 🙂