Hemming wide jeans can be a rewarding DIY project, allowing you to achieve a custom fit and a professional finish. Whether you’re adjusting the length or simply refining the hem, here’s the ultimate method for hemming wide jeans:
1. Gather Your Materials
Materials Needed:
- Wide jeans
- Measuring tape
- Fabric chalk or a fabric marker
- Scissors
- Pins or fabric clips
- Iron
- Sewing machine with denim needle or a needle and thread (for hand sewing)
- Thread matching the color of the jeans
- Seam ripper (optional)
2. Measure and Mark the Desired Length
Instructions:
- Wear the Jeans: Put on the jeans and mark the desired length while standing. It’s best to do this with the shoes you’ll wear most often with the jeans.
- Measure the Excess: Take off the jeans and measure the distance from the original hem to the marked line. This will be the amount you need to shorten.
- Mark the New Hem Line: Lay the jeans flat and use fabric chalk or a marker to draw a straight line where you want the new hem to be. Add an extra inch for the fold if you want a clean finish.
3. Cut and Prepare the Hem
Instructions:
- Cut the Excess Fabric: Cut the jeans along the line you marked, leaving the extra inch for the hem fold.
- Optional: Preserve the Original Hem: If you want to keep the original hem, you can use a seam ripper to remove it and then reattach it later. This technique is called “keeping the original hem.”
4. Fold and Pin the Hem
Instructions:
- First Fold: Fold the raw edge of the fabric up by half an inch and iron it flat.
- Second Fold: Fold it up again by another half inch, enclosing the raw edge. Iron the fold to create a crisp hemline.
- Pin or Clip: Use pins or fabric clips to secure the folded hem in place, ensuring it’s even all the way around.
5. Sew the Hem
Machine Sewing:
- Set Up Your Machine: Use a denim needle and matching thread. Set your machine to a straight stitch.
- Sew the Hem: Sew close to the folded edge of the hem. Go slowly and remove pins as you sew. Backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitches.
Hand Sewing:
- Thread the Needle: Use a strong, matching thread and double it for extra strength.
- Sew the Hem: Use a slip stitch or a blind stitch for a clean look. Sew along the inner fold, keeping stitches small and even. Knot the thread securely at the end.
6. Press the Hem
Instructions:
- Iron the Hem: Press the hem with an iron to set the stitches and ensure the hem lies flat. Use a pressing cloth if needed to protect the fabric.
7. Finish and Inspect
Instructions:
- Trim Any Loose Threads: Use scissors to trim any loose threads or excess fabric from the inside of the hem.
- Try On the Jeans: Put on the jeans to check the fit and length. Make any necessary adjustments.
Tips for a Professional Finish
- Use a Denim Needle: When sewing denim, always use a denim needle to avoid breaking needles and ensure clean stitches.
- Match the Thread: Use a thread that matches the color of the jeans for a seamless look.
- Practice First: If you’re new to sewing, practice hemming on scrap fabric or an old pair of jeans to build confidence.
- Preserve the Original Hem (Optional): If you like the look of the original hem, you can carefully remove it, hem the jeans, and then reattach the original hem for a professional finish.
