Materials Needed
Pants that need to be hemmed, pins, fabric scissors, needle, thread, optional – binder clips (or something similar).
Preparing the Pants
The first step in hemming pants without a sewing machine is to lay the pants out so you can easily access the area that needs to be shortened. As much as possible, ensure that the fabric is flat on a sturdy surface. Check to make sure that any lining inside the pants is not bunched up, as this will make the hemming process more difficult. If necessary, gently tug and straighten the lining before continuing.
Next, measure the area that needs to be hemmed. Measure up from the bottom of the fabric, being sure to evenly measure both sides of the hem. This will give you a guide as to how long your finished hem should be. Measure twice to be sure, as once the fabric is cut, there is little you can do to repair it.
Once the area to be hemmed is measured, use your fabric scissors to cut any excess fabric from the bottom of the pants. Cut an even amount from both sides, until the hemline reaches the desired length.
Hemming the Pants
Once the fabric is cut, use your pins to secure the fabric. Pin the remaining fabric up, being sure to pin both sides evenly. To create a neat hem, fold the fabric one-half inch inside and pin the sides again.
If possible, use a binder clip or something similar to hold the folded fabric in place as you work. This will make it easier to sew the hem. If necessary, press the folded part of the fabric with an iron. Press lightly, ensuring not to press too hard, as this can easily damage the fabric.
Once the fabric is creased, get your needle and thread ready. The most important thing to consider when hemming without a sewing machine is your stitch length. Make sure you are using a shorter stitch length than you would use in a machine. Shorter stitches will make the product look more professional and less homemade.
Sewing the Hem
Start by preparing your needle and thread. Cut a length of thread of no more than 18 inches long, and double it up by threading it through the eye of the needle twice. This will make it easier to sew a strong, neat hem.
Start sewing as close to the fold of the fabric as possible. Make sure to sink the needle in and out of the fabric, being sure to keep the stitches short and even. As you approach the end of the hem, tie off the thread with a knot. Then, snip away any remaining thread.
Finishing Touches
Now it’s time for the finishing touches. To ensure the hem looks neat, press the newly sewn fabric with an iron, moving from the inside of the fabric to the outside. Start at the knot and make sure no fabric bunches up under the presser of the iron.
Finally, make sure all your pins are removed from the fabric before you wear your newly hemmed pants. This is an important step, as walking around with pins in your pants is not only uncomfortable, but can be dangerous.
Hand Sewing Versus Machine Sewing
Hand sewing your pants instead of using a machine can be a time consuming and tedious process. However, there is also a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in a job well done. Hand sewing gives you the benefit of being able to easily alter or repair your clothes, and allows you greater control and precision than is present in machines.
Advantages of Hand Sewing
One of the biggest advantages of hand-sewing is that it requires less equipment. Many people have the necessary tools on hand already. Hand-sewing also allows you the option of sewing on the go, as it requires very little setup time or extra equipment.
Hand-sewing is quieter and more leisurely than using a machine, and it is a good way to practice and build up one’s sewing skills. Using a machine too much can actually make it harder to learn by hand, as hand sewing and machine sewing are two completely different processes, each with its own techniques.
Disadvantages of Hand Sewing
The biggest disadvantage of hand-sewing is that it is more time-consuming than using a sewing machine. Complex projects require far more time and skill to complete by hand than with a machine. Hand-sewn projects can also be less durable, as stitches made by hand are generally not as strong as those made by machine.
Tools and Techniques
Hand sewing requires different tools and techniques than those used by machines, and it is important to understand the differences. The most commonly used tool is a needle, which can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the type of project.
Thread is also essential, and there are different types of thread, depending on the project and materials. Thick thread is usually used for repairing worn areas, while thinner thread is used for delicate stitching.
When actually performing the hand stitching technique, start by using a basic running stitch. This is a simple up and down motion with the needle, creating an even line of small stitches. To create a stronger, more durable stitch, work the needle back and forth between the same two points, creating more than one stitch in the same loop.
