Gather Materials
When it comes to zipping up a well-fitted pair of scrubs, the process can seem intimidating if you don’t have a sewing machine handy. While it may appear like an extensive project to adjust the length of scrubs without using a machine, it is possible with the correct tools. Gather a few of the necessary materials such as a pair of pants that need hemming, a sewing measuring tape, and straight pins. You will also need scissors, thread, and an iron.
Mark the Length
The next step is to make sure that the hem of the scrub pants is the exact length you desire. Measure the length you want the pants to be and make sure that the measurement matches the length of the pants leg. Once the length is marked with a pin, take the scissors and cut off the excess fabric. After this is done, use an iron to press down the pant leg, being sure to fold it towards the inside of the pants.
Secure the Hem
After the pant leg is shortened and ironed, secure the hem by pinning. Start with one pin at the beginning of the hem and continue pinning on both sides of the fabric until it is secured all the way around. After the hem is pinned, put the pants on and, starting at the beginning of the pinned area, use the thumb and forefinger to pull up the hem. After doing this, the hem should now be even with the rest of the legs and you can use a sewing tape to measure if it is the same length on both sides.
Sew the Hem
To hold the hem in place, it is essential to use a needle and thread to sew the pins together. This will secure the hem more permanently to the pants and will help keep their shape over time. Take the thread and begin the stitching at a point where one of the pins is placed. After the thread is firmly secured, begin to gently loop the thread in between the material and pins in a secure position. Make sure that the length of the loops is equal to create a uniform stitch.
Trim Thread
After the needle and thread is completely looped all the way around, fasten the thread by looping it back around itself. Use scissors to trim the threads and make sure there is no excessive material hanging from the pants. Finally, have another look at the hem, checking for excess thread, unevenness, and weak spots.
Folding for an Extra Hem
If an extra hem is desired for an even more professional look, the additional fabric can be folded and pinned once to the pants for a crisper look. Start by measuring the extra desired length and fold the fabric over the existing hem. After the hem is pin-secured, stitch it as normal and trim any excess thread.
Iron
Once the hem is completely finished, use an iron to press the hem and add a touch of texture to the garment. Make sure to pin and measure the fabric again before pressing down the iron to give the garment an added professional finish.
Troubleshooting
Even if you are following the steps properly, you may run into issues when hemming your pants. Make sure you double-check the fabric to see if there are any spots or tears that need to be mended or put reinforcement fabric if the fabric around the hem is too loose. If the fabric is too stiff or weak for the hem to stay in place, use a strong thread to keep it in place and use a needle to secure the ends.
Additional Tips
It may seem like it takes a lot of time and effort to hem scrub pants without using a sewing machine, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task if you have the right materials. The process becomes much easier when following the steps outlined above. Before starting to hem your pants, make sure to double-check the fabric to make sure you know what type of thread to use, the quality of fabric you’re working with, and the amount of reinforcement fabric that may be necessary.
Tailor
It is also important to note that this process can take some trial and error. If problems persist, it may be necessary to seek the help of a tailor or professional who can help correctly hem the pants in a timely manner. A tailor may also be able to make any adjustments to the hem that may be necessary.
Baste
From beginners to experts alike, hemming scrub pants without a sewing machine is an achievable task. To help the hem stay in place, you may opt to use a basting stitch. A basting stitch is a temporary stitch used to fasten material that can easily be removed. This means you don’t have to worry about ruining the hem when you are trying to get it right.
Final Appearance
After properly hemming your scrub pants, you should have a clean, professional-looking hemline. This will not only help you look polished and professional but it will also help to retain the integrity of the pants over time. Making quality alterations to clothing can be expensive, so it’s important to properly care for your garments to ensure they last.
Stitching Carefully
When hemming without a machine, make sure to stitch carefully when securing the hem. Doing so will help ensure the fabric is secure and the hem will remain in place over time. If possible, use a larger needle when sewing and make sure the stitch is tight and not too bulky. This will help the pants look more polished and more professional.
Thread Quality
When hemming pants, use quality thread and make sure the color of the thread matches the fabric you are working with. The last thing you want is to have a visible thread line that stands out against the pants. Thick thread, such as button thread, is most commonly used to hem pants as it is thick and strong, making sure the hem stays in the right place.
Press
Lastly, once the hem is finished, use an iron to press the hem and add texture to the fabric. This helps give the hemline a professional finish and sets the fabric for a neat, finished look. Take care not to press too hard as this may cause the fabric to curl and create an uneven hemline. Press quickly and confidently to secure the hem and achieve the desired final look.
