How to Alter Your Pants and Shirts: A Guide to Hemming Techniques

Have you ever bought a pair of pants or a shirt that was too long for you? Or maybe you have some old clothes that you want to give a new look by shortening them. If so, you might want to learn how to hem your clothes by yourself. Hemming is a sewing technique that involves folding and stitching the edge of a fabric to create a neat and finished appearance. Hemming can also prevent the fabric from fraying or unraveling over time.

There are different ways to hem your clothes, depending on the type of fabric, the style of the garment, and the tools you have. We will show you some of the most common hemming techniques that you can use to alter your pants and shirts at home.

What You Will Need

Before you start hemming, you will need some basic sewing supplies, such as:

• A measuring tape
• A pair of scissors
• Pins or clips
• A sewing machine or a needle and thread
• An iron and ironing board
• A seam ripper (optional)

You will also need to choose the right thread colour and weight for your fabric. For example, if you are hemming denim, you will need a heavy-duty thread that matches the colour of your jeans. If you are hemming a delicate fabric, such as silk, you will need a fine thread that blends in with the fabric.

How to Hem Your Pants

Hemming your pants can make them fit better and look more polished. Here are the steps to hem your pants:

1. Put on your pants and mark the desired length. You can use pins, chalk, or a washable marker to mark where you want the hem to end. Make sure to wear the shoes that you plan to wear with the pants, and stand straight and evenly. You can also ask someone to help you with this step.
2. Take off your pants and measure the distance from the original hem to the marked length. This is how much you need to shorten your pants. Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to this measurement for the hem allowance.
3. Cut off the excess fabric using scissors. Be careful not to cut too much, as you can always trim more later if needed.
4. Fold the raw edge of the fabric under 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) and press it with an iron. This will create a clean edge and prevent fraying.
5. Fold the fabric again by the hem allowance and press it with an iron. Pin or clip the folded edge in place.
6. Sew the hem using a sewing machine or a needle and thread. You can use a straight stitch, a zigzag stitch, or a blind hem stitch, depending on your preference and the type of fabric. A blind hem stitch is a special stitch that creates an invisible hem by catching only a few threads of the fabric. You can use a blind hem foot on your sewing machine, or do it by hand using a slip stitch.
7. Trim any excess threads and press the hem with an iron. You have successfully hemmed your pants!

How to Hem Your Shirts

Hemming your shirts can change the look and feel of your outfit. Here are the steps to hem your shirts:

1. Put on your shirt and mark the desired length.
2. Take off your shirt and measure the distance from the original hem to the marked length. Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) for the hem allowance.
3. Cut off the excess fabric using scissors.
4. Fold the raw edge of the fabric under 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) and press it with an iron.
5. Fold the fabric again by the hem allowance and press it with an iron. Pin or clip the folded edge in place.
6. Sew the hem using a sewing machine or a needle and thread. You can use a straight stitch, a zigzag stitch, or a blind hem stitch.
7. Trim any excess threads and press the hem with an iron.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to make your hemming process easier and more effective:

• If you are not sure about the length of your pants or shirt, you can baste the hem first using a long and loose stitch. This way, you can try on your garment and adjust the length if needed before sewing the final hem.
• If you are hemming a curved or uneven hem, you may need to ease the fabric to avoid puckering or stretching. To do this, you can either gather the fabric slightly along the edge or cut small notches or slits on the seam allowance to allow the fabric to lie flat.
• If you are hemming a stretchy fabric, such as knit or jersey, you may need to use a special needle and thread that can accommodate the stretch. You can also use a stretch stitch, such as a zigzag stitch or a twin needle stitch, to prevent the hem from breaking or popping.
• If you are hemming a thick or bulky fabric, such as denim or leather, you may need to use a heavy-duty needle and thread that can pierce through the layers. You can also use a hammer or a mallet to flatten the seams and reduce the bulk.

 

How the Visiting Tailor Can Help You Create Your Own Clothes in Style

Creating your own style can be a fun and rewarding way to express your personality and stand out from the crowd. But if you don’t have the time, the tools, or the skills to design and sew your own clothes, don’t worry. We are here to help.

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So what are you waiting for? Book an appointment with The Visiting Tailor today, and let us help you create your own style. Whether you want a formal, casual, or trendy outfit, we can make it happen. With The Visiting Tailor, you can always look your best and feel confident in your clothes.