Hemming pants with a sewing machine is an essential skill for anyone who sews. A well-hemmed pair of pants can make you look polished and professional, and it can also help to extend the life of your pants. However, hemming pants can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not used to using a sewing machine. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to hem pants with a sewing machine, so you can get that perfect fit every time.
Before you start, you’ll need to gather your supplies. You’ll need a pair of pants that need to be hemmed, a sewing machine, thread, a needle, a pair of scissors, and an iron. Once you have your supplies, you can get started!
The first step is to measure the length of your pants. To do this, put on the pants and stand up straight. Measure from the bottom of the pant leg to the desired length. Once you have the measurement, mark the length on the inside of the pant leg with a piece of chalk or a fabric marker. Next, you’ll need to fold up the hem. The width of the hem will depend on the style of the pants. For a standard hem, fold up the fabric about 1 inch. Press the fold with an iron to create a crease. Fold up the hem again, this time to the desired width. Press the fold again to create a crease.
Preparing the Pants
1. Gather Your Materials
You will need a sewing machine, thread, a needle, scissors, and a measuring tape or ruler. If you are hemming jeans, you may also need a seam ripper.
2. Turn the Pants Inside Out and Measure the Hem
Put on the pants and mark the desired length with a pin or a piece of chalk. Take off the pants and turn them inside out. Measure the distance from the bottom of the leg to the pin or chalk mark. This is the length of the hem.
| Pant Type | Hem Allowance |
|---|---|
| Dress pants | 1 – 1 1/2 inches |
| Jeans | 1/2 – 1 inch |
| Skirts | 1 – 2 inches |
3. Add the Hem Allowance
Add the hem allowance to the length of the hem. For example, if you want a 1-inch hem and the length of the hem is 6 inches, you would add 1 inch to 6 inches, giving you a total hem length of 7 inches.
4. Press the Hem
Fold the bottom of the pants leg up by the length of the hem allowance. Press the fold with an iron to create a crease. Fold the pants leg up again by the length of the hem allowance, enclosing the raw edge. Press the fold again to create a crease.
Setting Up the Sewing Machine
Before starting to hem your pants, it’s essential to set up your sewing machine correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:
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Choose the right needle and thread: Select a needle size and thread weight appropriate for the fabric of your pants. Generally, a size 10 or 12 needle and a medium-weight thread will do the job.
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Wind the bobbin: Take the empty bobbin and wind it with the thread you’ve chosen. Make sure to follow the instructions provided with your sewing machine.
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Insert the bobbin into the machine: Place the bobbin into the bobbin case and thread it through the tension discs. This step varies slightly depending on the sewing machine model, so refer to your user manual for specific instructions.
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Thread the needle: Take the other end of the thread and thread it through the needle. Bring the thread ends together and pull them through the machine’s tension discs.
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Adjust the tension settings: The tension settings control the tightness of your stitches. Start with a medium tension setting and adjust it as needed based on the fabric you’re using.
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Select the stitch type: For hemming pants, a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch will work well. Choose the stitch that best suits the fabric and the desired look of your hem.
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Practice on a scrap fabric: Before hemming your actual pants, practice your stitching on a piece of scrap fabric. This will help you get a feel for the machine and adjust your settings accordingly.
Troubleshooting Common Hemming Issues
Puckering or Wrinkling
Puckering or wrinkling occurs when the fabric is not fed evenly through the sewing machine, causing the hem to gather or buckle. To resolve this:
- Check the tension settings. Adjust the upper and lower thread tensions so they are balanced.
- Ensure the presser foot is not pressing down too hard on the fabric. Adjust the pressure accordingly.
- Use a smaller stitch length for more control over the fabric.
- Try using a different stitch pattern, such as the zigzag stitch.
Uneven Hem
An uneven hem results from the fabric not being folded or pressed evenly before stitching. To correct this:
- Carefully fold and press the hem to create a crisp crease.
- Use a measuring tape or ruler to ensure the hem is consistent throughout.
- Consider using a hemming foot or guide to assist with accuracy.
Loose or Droopy Hem
A loose or droopy hem occurs when the stitches are not snug enough. To address this:
- Increase the stitch length slightly to reduce the number of stitches per inch.
- Use a heavier thread for added durability.
- Consider using a double stitch or topstitching for additional strength.
Bulging or Bulky Hem
Bulging or bulky hems are caused by excessive fabric in the fold. To eliminate this:
- Trim any excess fabric from the hem allowance.
- Fold and press the hem more sharply to reduce bulk.
- Use a lighter-weight fabric or a thinner lining to prevent heaviness.
Fabric Type Recommended Hem Width Lightweight Fabrics (e.g., silk, chiffon) 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch Medium-Weight Fabrics (e.g., cotton, linen) 1/2 inch to 1 inch Heavyweight Fabrics (e.g., denim, canvas) 1 inch to 2 inches Broken or Skipped Stitches
Broken or skipped stitches indicate a problem with the sewing machine or thread. Troubleshooting steps include:
- Check for any thread jams or tangles in the machine.
- Replace the needle if it is bent or damaged.
- Rewind the bobbin and ensure the thread is threaded correctly.
- Adjust the stitch length and tension settings as necessary.
Alternative Hemming Techniques
In addition to using a sewing machine, there are several alternative hemming techniques available. These methods offer versatility and may be suitable for different fabrics or specific preferences.
Hand Hemming
Hand hemming involves folding the fabric twice over and stitching it by hand. This technique provides a neat and invisible finish, making it suitable for formal garments or delicate fabrics.
Iron-On Hemming Tape
Iron-on hemming tape is a quick and convenient way to hem pants. Simply fold up the fabric and press the tape onto the fold with an iron. The adhesive will bond the fabric, creating a hem.
Fusible Webbing
Fusible webbing is similar to iron-on hemming tape, but it requires a bit more precision. The webbing is placed between the folded fabric and pressed with an iron. The heat activates the adhesive, bonding the fabric together.
Hemming Clips
Hemming clips are designed to hold the fabric in place while you sew. They are especially useful for hemming stretchy fabrics, as they prevent the fabric from shifting or stretching.
Blind Hem Stitch
The blind hem stitch is a specialized stitch that creates an invisible hem. This technique is commonly used on sheer fabrics and garments that require a clean and refined finish.
Fold-Over Hem
A fold-over hem is created by folding the fabric twice over the raw edge. The first fold is pressed, and the second fold is stitched in place. This hem is easy to do and provides a durable finish.
Lace Hem
Lace can be added to the bottom of pants to create a decorative hem. The lace is sewn onto the folded fabric, adding a feminine and elegant touch to the garment.
Horsehair Braid
Horsehair braid is a thin, stiff braid that can be sewn into the hem to add volume and shape. This technique is often used on formal pants and skirts to create a flared or bell-bottom effect.
Hemming Technique Difficulty Suitability Hand Hemming Moderate Formal garments, delicate fabrics Iron-On Hemming Tape Easy Quick and convenient Fusible Webbing Moderate Precise finish Hemming Clips Easy Stretchy fabrics Blind Hem Stitch Advanced Invisible finish Fold-Over Hem Easy Durable finish Lace Hem Moderate Decorative touch Horsehair Braid Moderate Volume and shape Tips for a Professional Hem
1. Measure and Mark
Measure the desired hem length and mark it with a fabric pen or tailor’s chalk. Use a measuring tape or ruler for accuracy.
2. Fold and Crease
Fold the pants leg up to the marked line and crease it firmly with an iron.
3. Pin the Hem
Pin the hem in place perpendicular to the pants leg. Start at the center and work your way out, spacing the pins evenly.
4. Stitch the Hem
Use a sewing machine with a straight stitch and matching thread to sew the hem. Stitch close to the folded edge, making sure to catch both layers of fabric.
5. Trim the Excess Fabric
Trim any excess fabric close to the stitching line.
6. Press the Hem
Press the hem to seal the stitches and create a clean finish.
7. Use a Blind-Stitch Hem
For a less visible hem, use a blind-stitch machine or hand-sew the hem using a blind stitch.
8. Hem Length Table
Refer to the table below for recommended hem lengths based on pant style:
Pant Style Hem Length Dress Pants 1-2 inches Casual Pants 1-1.5 inches Jeans 1-2 inches Dress Skirts 1-1.5 inches 9. Consider the Fabric
The thickness and weight of the fabric will affect the hemming technique. For heavier fabrics, use a stronger thread and wider stitch length. For delicate fabrics, use a lighter thread and narrower stitch length.
How to Hem Pants with a Sewing Machine
Hemming pants is a great way to customize their length and fit. Hemming involves folding up the bottom edge of the pants and stitching it in place. With a sewing machine, hemming pants is a relatively quick and easy process. Here are the steps on how to hem pants with a sewing machine:
1.
Prepare the pants. Turn the pants inside out and fold up the bottom edge by about 1 inch. Press the fold with an iron.
2.
Pin the hem. Align the raw edge of the hem with the folded edge and pin it in place. Make sure that the pins are perpendicular to the hem so that they don’t get caught in the sewing machine.
3.
Sew the hem. Using a sewing machine, sew a straight stitch along the pinned edge of the hem. Use a stitch length of about 2.5 mm. Start and stop sewing about 1/2 inch from the side seams.
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Press the hem. Turn the pants right side out and press the hem with an iron. This will help to set the stitches and give the hem a professional finish.
People Also Ask About How to Hem Pants with a Sewing Machine
Can I hem pants without a sewing machine?
Yes, you can hem pants without a sewing machine. However, it will take longer and may not be as durable as a hem that is sewn. There are a few different ways to hem pants without a sewing machine, such as using fabric glue, iron-on hem tape, or a needle and thread.
What stitch should I use to hem pants?
A straight stitch is the most common stitch used to hem pants. It is a strong and durable stitch that will hold up well to wear and tear. You can also use a zigzag stitch to hem pants, but it is not as strong as a straight stitch.
How wide should the hem be?
The width of the hem will depend on the style of the pants. A narrow hem of about 1/2 inch is common for dress pants and other formal pants. A wider hem of about 1 inch is more common for casual pants and jeans.
How do I hem pants so that they are even?
To hem pants so that they are even, you need to measure the length of the pants from the waistband to the desired length. Then, fold up the bottom edge of the pants by the desired hem width and press the fold with an iron. Pin the hem in place, starting at the side seams and working your way to the center. Sew the hem in place using a straight stitch, starting and stopping about 1/2 inch from the side seams. Press the hem again to set the stitches and give it a professional finish.
