Hemming jeans with the original hem is a clever and sustainable way to give your favorite pair a fresh look without compromising their authentic style. Unlike traditional hemming methods that often result in a bulky or artificial-looking finish, this technique allows you to preserve the jeans’ original hemline while still shortening the length to suit your needs. Whether you have a pair of frayed jeans that you want to trim or simply desire a more tailored fit, hemming jeans with the original hem offers a seamless and professional-looking solution.
Before embarking on this project, it’s crucial to gather the necessary materials. You’ll need a sharp pair of fabric scissors, a measuring tape, a sewing machine, matching thread, and an iron. Additionally, a tailor’s chalk or fabric marker will come in handy for marking the new hemline. Once you have everything you need, you can begin the process by carefully measuring the desired length of your jeans. Mark the new hemline with tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker, ensuring that the measurement is consistent around the entire leg. Fold the excess fabric up along the marked line and give it a press with an iron to create a crisp crease.
Now it’s time to sew the new hem. Using your sewing machine and matching thread, stitch along the folded edge of the fabric, being careful not to catch any of the original hem. Once you’ve sewn around the entire leg, press the seam allowance flat with an iron to give the hem a professional finish. Finally, trim any excess thread, and you’re done! Hemming jeans with the original hem is a straightforward and rewarding project that can breathe new life into your favorite pair of jeans while preserving their classic character.
Measuring and Marking the Hem
Measure the desired length of your hem with a measuring tape or ruler, starting from the waistline to the desired hemline. Mark the length with a fabric marker or chalk.
Determining the New Hemline
To determine the new hemline, you need to consider the original hem allowance and the desired length. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Measure the original hem allowance. Turn the jeans inside out and measure the distance from the raw edge of the original hem to the folded edge.
- Subtract the original hem allowance from the desired length. This gives you the length of fabric you need to fold up to create the new hem.
- Mark the new hemline by measuring the length you calculated from the original hemline.
Pinning and Pressing the Hem
Once the new hemline is marked, pin the raw edge of the fabric up to the marked line. Ensure the pins are perpendicular to the fabric edge for a clean and even hem.
Press the hem using a hot iron. This sets the crease and makes it easier to sew the hem in place.
Pinning the Hem in Place
Once you’ve marked your hemline, it’s time to pin it in place. This will help you to ensure that the hem is even and that you don’t accidentally cut too much off the bottom of your jeans.
To pin the hem, start by folding the bottom edge of the jeans up to the hemline. Then, use a straight pin to secure the fold in place. Make sure that the pin is perpendicular to the hemline, and that it goes through both layers of fabric.
Continue pinning the hem in place, spacing the pins about 1 to 2 inches apart. Once the hem is pinned, you can try on the jeans to make sure that the length is correct. If the hem is too long, you can remove a few pins and fold the bottom edge up a little bit more. If the hem is too short, you can add a few pins and fold the bottom edge down a little bit more.
When you’re satisfied with the fit of the hem, remove the pins and iron the hem in place. This will help to press the crease into the fabric and make the hem look more professional.
Tips for Pinning the Hem
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a sharp needle. | A sharp needle will make it easier to pierce through the fabric and will help to prevent the fabric from tearing. |
| Don’t stretch the fabric. | Stretching the fabric can cause the hem to become uneven. |
| Pin perpendicular to the hemline. | Pinning perpendicular to the hemline will help to ensure that the hem is even. |
| Space the pins evenly. | Spacing the pins evenly will help to prevent the fabric from puckering. |
| Iron the hem before you sew it. | Ironing the hem will help to press the crease into the fabric and make the hem look more professional. |
How to Hem Jeans With the Original Hem
If you’re looking for a way to hem your jeans that will give them a professional finish, then you’ll want to use the original hem. This technique is a bit more time-consuming than simply folding up the fabric and sewing it in place, but it will give your jeans a much more polished look.
Here’s how to do it:
- Start by turning your jeans inside out and marking the desired hem length with a piece of chalk or fabric pen.
- Next, fold up the bottom edge of the jeans by about 1/2 inch and press it in place with an iron.
- Then, fold up the bottom edge again by about 1 inch and press it in place.
- Now, it’s time to start sewing the hem. Use a sewing machine to sew a straight stitch along the top edge of the folded fabric.
- Once you’ve sewn the hem in place, turn your jeans right side out and press them again. You now have a pair of jeans with a professional-looking hem.
People Also Ask
How can I hem jeans without sewing?
There are a few ways to hem jeans without sewing, such as using fabric glue or iron-on hem tape. However, these methods will not give you as durable a hem as sewing it in place.
Can I hem jeans by hand?
Yes, you can hem jeans by hand. However, it will take longer and require more patience than using a sewing machine.
How much does it cost to hem jeans?
The cost of hemming jeans will vary depending on the tailor you go to. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $30 for a basic hem.
