How to Hem Shorts Without a Sewing Machine
Hemming is a common way to change the length of shorts without having to purchase a new pair. It is a relatively straightforward process, even without a sewing machine, if one follows a few basic steps. With the right materials, one can hem a pair of shorts quickly and easily.
To hem a pair of shorts, one will need fabric scissors, pins, an iron, and fusible bonding tape – also known as fendi tape or fusible interfacing. Fusible bonding tape is a web of interlaced weave which helps to stabilize the fabric when hemming. It comes in many widths, and the amount used will depend on the thickness of the fabric.
The first step is to try on the shorts and decide how long one wants them. Then, take the shorts off and lay them on a flat surface. Using the fabric scissors, carefully trim off the excess fabric at both the sides of the shorts. Make sure to be consistent with the length, as this will make the hemming process much easier. After the extra fabric has been trimmed from both sides, the shorts should be pressed down with an iron – the heat from the iron will help the fusible bonding tape to adhere properly to the fabric.
It is always a good idea to use pins when hemming. This is especially important if one is hemming without a sewing machine. Secure the edge of the short with pins, then apply the fusible bonding tape. Alternatively, one may choose to use bias tape. Bias tape helps to ensure that the hem is even and consistent. Place the fusible bonding tape or the bias tape along the edge of the short and iron it into place – this will provide a secure and firm hold.
The next step is to stitch the hem of the short. This can be done by hand or by machine. For hand-stitching, one will need a needle, thread, and a tacking needle – also known as a hand sewing needle. Start by pulling the thread through the side of the hem using the tacking needle, then stitch it into the hem by hand. For those who are not experienced in hand-stitching, machine-stitching is a much easier option. An experienced sewer can set the stitch on the machine to create the hem.
Once the hem has been stitched into place, the last step is to press the hem with the iron. The heat from the iron will help to set the fabric in place and secure it to the hem. This will ensure that the hem stays secure and in place.
Measuring and Choosing the Right Length
Measuring a pair of shorts to ensure they are the right length is an important step. It is best to measure the shorts while they are still on the body, as it will be easier to get an accurate measurement. To get an accurate measurement of the shorts, measure from the center seam of the shorts to the bottom of the shorts. Be sure to measure the same area of the shorts on both sides – this will ensure that the hem is even.
Once the desired length for the shorts has been determined, it is important to select the right length for the hem. The hem should be able to provide enough fabric to tuck up neatly under the shorts without being too long. If the hem is too long, the shorts may look bulky or ill-fitting. As a general rule of thumb, the hem should be approximately 1/2 to 1 inch shorter than the desired length.
It is important to remember that the fabric of the shorts should be taken into consideration when hemming. If the shorts are made from a lightweight fabric, the hem should be shorter than usual – this will help to keep the shorts from bunching or wrinkling. On the other hand, if the shorts are made from a heavier fabric, the hem should be slightly longer than usual.
Preparing the Shorts For Hemming
Before hemming a pair of shorts, it is important to prepare them properly. This includes closing any open seams that may be present. Most shorts come with open seams on the sides or the bottom of the leg. If the shorts have open seams, it is important to close them before hemming to ensure that the hem stays secure. To do this, one can use an iron, pins, and thread – or one can use a sewing machine for a more professional finish.
Once the seams have been closed, the shorts must be pressed with an iron. This will help to get rid of wrinkles and creases, as well as set the fabric in place. Make sure to press the shorts evenly, as this will make the hemming process much easier. After the shorts have been pressed, it is important to check the fabric to make sure it is free of any wrinkles or creases.
Cutting the Excess Fabric
Once the shorts have been prepared, it is time to cut away the excess fabric. It is important to use fabric scissors for this step to ensure that the fabric does not fray or tear. When cutting the fabric, it is best to cut the same amount from each side. It is also important to make sure that the fabric is cut off in a straight line – this will ensure that the hem is even and the shorts look neat when finished.
In addition, it is important to take the fabric of the shorts into consideration when trimming away the fabric. If the shorts are made from a lightweight fabric, make sure not to cut away too much fabric or the shorts may not fit properly. On the contrary, if the shorts are made from a heavier fabric, make sure not to cut away too little fabric or the hem may not stay secure.
Attaching the Fusible Bonding Tape
Once the excess fabric has been trimmed away, the next step is to attach the fusible bonding tape or the bias tape. For those who are using fusible bonding tape, it is important to use the right kind for the fabric. Different fabrics require different types of fusible bonding tape, so it is important to check the label to ensure that the correct type is being used.
Once the fusible bonding tape has been cut to the desired length, it is important to secure it in place with pins. This will help to hold the fusible bonding tape in place as one irons it. To ensure that the fusible bonding tape is secure, use pins to place the tape 1/4 inch away from the edge of the hem. After the tape is secure, the next step is to press the edge of the short with an iron – this will help to secure the tape and set it in place.
Stitching the Hem
Once the fusible bonding tape or the bias tape has been secured, it is time to stitch the hem of the short. As mentioned earlier, this can be done by hand or by machine. For hand stitching, use a tacking needle or a hand sewing needle to thread the needle with a thread. Then, start stitching the hem by hand. Make sure to take small stitches to ensure the hem is secure and even. If one is using a machine to stitch the hem, set the stitch to create a neat and even hem.
Regardless of the method used to stitch the hem, it is important to check the hem for any loose threads or uneven stitching. If there are any loose threads or uneven stitching, it is important to fix them before pressing the hem. This will help to ensure that the hem is even and secure when finished.
Pressing the Hem
The last step in hemming a pair of shorts is to press the hem with an iron. The heat from the iron will help to set the fabric in place and secure it to the hem. This will ensure that the hem stays secure and in place. When pressing the hem, make sure to press the entire area – this will help to get rid of any wrinkles or creases and ensure that the hem is even.
In addition, it is important to be gentle when pressing the iron. If the iron is pressed too hard, it may cause the fabric to stretch or even tear. Keep the iron moving and make sure to press evenly to ensure that the hem stays secure.
Once the hem has been pressed, the shorts are ready to wear. Hemming a pair of shorts without a sewing machine is a relatively easy task that can be done in a few simple steps. With the right materials, one can hem shorts quickly and easily without having to buy a new pair.
