How to Hem Jeans by Hand (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)
If your jeans are too long but you don’t have a sewing machine, don’t worry, you can still achieve a clean, professional finish right at home. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to hem jeans by hand using simple tools and basic stitches. Whether you want to keep the original hem, shorten your jeans, or repair old denim, this guide has you covered.
Why Cut Jeans by Hand?
Hand-hemming jeans is an inexpensive and practical substitute for going to a tailor. It enables you to:
Change the length to suit your needs.
For a factory-finish appearance, keep the original hem.
Customize a variety of jeans, such as bootcut, thin, and straight.
Additionally, hand-hemming offers greater control, particularly when dealing with thick denim.
What’s Needed for Hand Hemming Jeans
Get these fundamental tools before you start:
Scissors made of fabric
Clips or pins
A measuring tape
Tailor’s pencil or chalk
Hand sewing needle (ideally robust and sharp)
Match the thread to your jeans.
Iron (useful but optional)
Step-by-Step: How to Hem Jeans by Hand
1. Measure and Mark the New Length
Wear the jeans with your usual shoes and fold the extra fabric under.
Pin the fold where the jeans touch the top of your shoes.
Remove the jeans and measure the folded length using a ruler or tape.
Tip: Leave a ½ inch seam allowance for a neat finish.
2. Cut Off Excess Fabric (Optional)
If the excess fabric is too bulky, trim it — but remember to leave seam allowance.
For those who want to keep the original hem, skip cutting and follow a fold-up method instead.
3. Fold and Pin the Hem
Turn the jeans inside out.
Fold the fabric up to the marked line and pin all around the leg opening.
Make sure both legs are even by measuring again.
4. Start Hand-Sewing the Hem
Thread your needle and tie a small knot at the end.
Use one of these stitches:
✔ Slip Stitch (Best for Invisible Hem)
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Insert the needle into the fold of the hem.
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Take tiny stitches into the denim without pulling through the outer layer.
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Continue around the hem.
✔ Running Stitch (Easy for Beginners)
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Make small in-and-out stitches along the fold.
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Keep them even for a smooth finish.
5. Fasten the Stitch
Tie a tight knot inside the fold after the circle is finished.
Cut out excess thread.
6. Press the Hem
To give your jeans a sharp, clean finish, iron the hem flat.
This gives the hem a polished appearance and aids in the settling of the stitches.
Advice for a Professional Look
For thick denim in particular, use sturdy thread.
For durability, make tiny, tight stitches.
For a tidy appearance, pick a thread color that complements your jeans.
Sew near the existing stitching if you want to preserve the original hem.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Cutting too much fabric before measuring
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Using a needle too thin for denim
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Uneven hems due to poor measurement
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Pulling stitches too tight, causing puckering
Avoid these mistakes and your jeans will look tailor-made.