Materials Needed
To hem dress pants without a sewing machine, you will need some basic supplies like scissors, an iron, and fabric adhesive or heat-activated bonding tape. You may also require other dressmaking essentials such as a tape measure, pins, and a marking pen. Additionally, you may need cleaners and a small piece of scrap fabric for testing the colour fastness of any chemicals used for stain removal.
Preparing the Pants
Before hemming the pants, they must first be prepared by pressing the fabric with an iron and removing any stains present on the material. This can be done using specially formulated cleaners that target certain types of stains, like food stains, grease, or makeup. Once the surface of the fabric is clean, mark the desired hem length using the tape measure and marking pen and cut the excess fabric at the marks. If necessary, also trim the excess fabric along the waistband and side seams to make a straight line.
Creating a Turn-Up Hem
To create a turn-up hem on the dress pants, press the hem allowance of the fabric to form a neat fold, then pin it in place before pressing the fabric with an iron. Once the fabric is pressed, you can use fabric adhesive or heat-activated bonding tape to secure the hem in place. Next, fold over the top edge of the hem allowance and tuck it underneath the fold of the hem. Finally, press the fabric to give it a neat finish.
Creating an Invisible Hem
If you prefer an invisible hem for your dress pants, you can use a method called the ‘blind stitch’. First, fold the hem allowance of the fabric to form a neat fold and pin it in place. Then, using a blind stitch, carefully sew the underside of the hem allowance in place, making sure to sew as close to the existing stitching as possible. However, as this method requires precision, it is best to seek advice from a qualified seamstress or tailor if you are unsure.
Tailoring the Waistband and Inseam
When hemming trousers, the inseam and waistband should also be taken into consideration. If the waistband of the pants is too loose or too tight, it may need to be adjusted by taking the pants apart at the seams and shortening or lengthening them as desired. Additionally, if the inseam is too long, it can be hemmed in the same way as the legs of the pants. To do this, make sure to mark the desired length at both ends of the inseam, then fold and pin the hem allowance in place.
Tips for Hemming Dress Pants
To create a professional finish when hemming dress pants without a sewing machine, there are a few tips that you can follow. Firstly, when pressing the fabric, make sure to use a low heat setting in order to avoid scorching or damaging the fabric. Secondly, if using fabric adhesive, it is a good idea to invest in a high quality product to ensure strong adhesion. Lastly, always keep in mind that precision is key when hemming fabric by hand, so take your time and be patient.
Alternatives to Hand Hemming Dress Pants
Although hemming dress pants by hand can be a time-consuming and tricky process, there are alternative methods that you could consider. One such method is by using hemming tape, which is a pressure sensitive adhesive that does not require the use of a sewing machine. Additionally, some fabrics respond well to the use of heat-activated adhesives, which can provide an effective and neat finish on hems.
Professionally Hem Your Pants
If you would like to have your dress pants professionally hemmed, this can also be a viable option. Most good quality dry cleaners or skilled seamstresses will be able to hem your pants with ease and expert precision. However, this can be a pricey option depending on the job, so it is best to shop around and get some quotes before committing to a service.
Rethreading the Pants
When hemming dress pants without a sewing machine, it is important to remember to rethread the pants. To do this, pull the drawstring or elastic through the inside of the hems at the waistband and ensure it is tight enough to form a neat line. This step is especially important if the original elastic has become loose or stretched out, as it will help to give the pants a more polished look.
Secure Your Hem Finishings
Finally, it is important to remember to secure your hem finishings. Once you have finished the job, press it with an iron and then use straight pins or fabric adhesive to make sure the hem stays in place. This will help to ensure that your hem is neat and tailored and will remain in place even after repeated washes.
