Hemming a suit pant correctly requires practice, precision, and a sewing machine, which allows you to customize the length of your trousers with professional results. Hemming trousers is not a difficult procedure. In this guide, we will offer tips on how to hem suit pants with a sewing machine so that you can create the perfect fit.
The first step to hemming trousers is to identify the desired pant length. Ideally, trousers should cover the entire foot, or be slightly shorter so that a few centimeters of the shoe or ankle is visible. To measure the pant length, lay the trousers flat on a table and measure the inseam starting from the crotch to the bottom of the trouser leg. After the desired length is marked, pin the excess material length to the inside of the pant leg.
Making sure that the excess fabric is evenly distributed and without wrinkles, use a ruler to sharpen the fabric and create a desirable fold on the inside of the pant leg. If you’re working with a more delicate material, use craft paper as a guide. Carefully press the fold with a hot iron to create a sharp crease and to keep the fabric in place.
Once the excess length is pinned and creased, the next step is to start the seam. Make sure you have the right thread for the type of fabric. Begin to stitch from the inside of the pant leg, slowly making small and even stitches, until you reach the desired length. To ensure that the hem stays in place, it’s best to use a double stitched fold.
It’s also important to take care to avoid making visible stitches from the outside of the pant leg. To maintain a neat and uniform finish, ensure that the fold is even. Once complete, you can trim off any leftover thread and finish the hem with a steam iron.
Buttonhole Maker Feature
Many sewing machines feature a buttonhole maker motor, allowing you to enter fabric type and exact measurements. This feature will thenautomatically set the proper stitching speed, tension and needle position. This feature makes hemming trousers less time consuming and more accurate that traditional methods.
Using a buttonhole maker moter also creates uniform spacing between stiches, ensuring that the hem looks professional without needing additional adjustments.
For those working with heavier materials, be sure to use heavier duty needles and thread to ensure that the hem holds. If a double-stitched fold is not necessary, use a single stitch method or a roll hem stitch.
Tape for Lining
To avoid having to stitch the inside of the trousers and keep the hem in place, one option is to use taped lining. This process requires minimal sewing and is quite simple. All you need to do is cut a length of fabric that is slightly longer than the desired pant length and pin it to the inside of the trouser leg.
When pinning the fabric in place, make sure that it is pressed flat and that it is not bunched up as this will be visible from the outside. Once the fabric is pinned securely, trim off any excess and attach it to the trousers with iron-on hem tape.
This method is best for trousers made from thick fabrics and for those that do not need a sharp fold. The folded fabric will serve as a lining, making sure that the hem is in place with minimal effort.
Professional Alterations
Hemming trousers is a simple enough task that can be carried out with a few tools and minimal sewing skills. However, if you prefer a professional look and do not have the time or abilities to carry out the task yourself, there are tailors and alterations experts who specialize in this area.
Professional alterations can be expensive, but the finished product will be of a much higher quality and will be tailored specifically to your body measurements. Consult with experienced tailors to identify the best service to fit your needs.
Trouser Alteration Tools
Having the right tools is essential for successful pant hemming. Make sure that you have a sewing machine that is suitable for the fabric you are working with, a tape measure,a pair of scissors, and a range of pins and needles.
A couple of other items you may need are a hem gauge, which is used to measure the specific length of the trousers, and a thimble to protect your finger from the machine’s needles. You may also want to use tailor’s chalk or a fabric marking pencil to mark the desired pant length.
Conclusion
Hemming a suit pant with a sewing machine is a straightforward process that can be done quickly and easily to achieve a professional look. After getting the right tools and measuring the desired pant length, pins are used to mark and crease the fabric before starting the seam. With the right tools and a little practice, you can achieve excellent results with minimal effort.
