Learn How to Sew a Hemline

Learn how to sew because it is a useful every day skill that everyone should learn. If we were all the same shapes and sizes, life would be so easy.  We would never need to sew a hemline ever again. The fact is, however, we are all made different. We are all different heights, we are all different widths. Some people like their pant legs short and others like their pant legs long. Learning how to create and sew that perfect hemline isn’t as complicated as you think. The average hem can be completed in less than an hour. Here’s what you need to know.

Before You Begin

Make sure you know how much of a hem you are looking to create.  Double check the desired length of your hem. Use some fabric tape to mark your hemline before cutting.

Step 1 – Remove Existing Hem

If there is still part of a hem in your article of clothing, remove it using either a pair of scissors or a hemline removing tool. This tool will safely remove and strip the existing hemline.

Step 2 – Mark Your New Hemline

Put on your article of clothing. Mark the spot where you wish to create your hemline. Take the article of clothing back off. Using a bunch of straight pins, mark your hemline. Follow one straight pin after one another. Use a soft tape measure to make sure you are marking an accurate and straight hemline. If you are unsure about how to use straight pins, you can also use a clothing or material chalk that will give you the ability to mark the hemline in a straight run. Trim any excess fabric from the end of the hemline.

Step 3 – Press and Sew

Take out the ironing board. Heat the iron and press the new hemline flat. Re-measure the hemline from end to end, making sure that it is straight from bottom to top. Stitch the hem all the way around. You can use a simple basting stitch to get the job done efficiently and effectively. The raw edges of your hem now need to be tidied up. Either repeat the same type of stitching that was originally in place on the piece of fabric or apply a thin layer of fabric tape to the edges. Now apply a hand stitch or a machine stitch to secure the hem in place. This will strengthen the hem and it will prevent unraveling.

Step 4 – Finishing Press

After completing the sewing of your hemline, press the fabric one last time using an iron. Double check the hemline for straightness and evenness along the article of clothing. 

Put your article of clothing (pants, shirt, jacket as examples) back on and admire your handy sewing work!