Materials Needed
Making jeans shorter without a sewing machine requires basic knowledge of tailoring, supplies and simple tools. Once you have the following items, you’re ready to get started: denim jeans that need to be shortened, scissors, a ruler, an iron, and a needle and thread.
When selecting the scissors, make sure the blades are sharp and that the tips are pointed. For a high-quality finish, use tailor’s shears. If you plan on using a regular pair of scissors, make sure to use the finest blades available.
Measuring and Cutting
Lay the jeans flat on a clean, flat surface. Measure the length of the jeans from the waist to the bottom. The length should be the same on both sides.
Next, you’ll need to add the desired length of fabric between the inseam and the crotch. This can be anywhere from half an inch to one and a half inches, depending on how much you want to shorten the jeans. Add one inch more than your desired length to account for the hem.
Once you have the measurements, mark the area you wish to cut with a ruler and a marker. Take your time and make sure the line is straight and that the measurement is correct.
Once the area is marked, line up the fabric so that both the sides match up perfectly. Make sure to choose the back pocket for this process since it’s the least visible area.
Once the fabric is lined up, cut along the line you marked. Make sure to use sharp scissors so that the line is even and clean.
Hemming
Once the jeans are cut, it’s time to hem them. Turn the jeans inside out and iron the hem. Leave a one-quarter inch gap between the jeans and the iron. This will give the hem enough room to fold.
Next, fold over the hem and iron the fabric again, making sure to keep a consistent width throughout. Once the fabric is ironed, pin the fabric in place.
Using the needle and thread, stitch the hem in place. The best stitch to use is a backstitch. This will give the fabric a strong and secure finish.
Finally, once the hem is sewn in place, turn the jeans right-side out and iron them.
Additional Tips
If your are new to sewing and tailoring, it’s always a good idea to practice on an old pair of jeans before attempting to hem a new pair. This will give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the process and make sure you get a professional-looking finish.
When choosing the denim fabric for the hems, try to use a material that matches the jeans as closely as possible. If you cannot find an exact match, make sure to choose a fabric that is as close as possible in color.
For a more professional finish, use bias binding instead of regular fabric. This will give the hem a tighter and more secure hold.
Patterned Jeans
The jeans-shortening process is somewhat different when you are working with patterned jeans. For these types of jeans, you will need to use the same measuring and cutting techniques, but you will also need to pay attention to the pattern.
When measuring and cutting the fabric, make sure to keep the pattern even on both sides. This will ensure that the pattern is centered and that the jeans have a uniform look.
When hemming, use a zigzag stitch. This will help lock the fabric in place and make sure it stays secure.
Fabric Weights
The weight of the fabric will also affect the hemming process. The heavier the fabric, the stronger the hem needs to be. For heavier fabrics, use a double-stitch for the backstitch. This will provide a more secure finish.
For lighter fabrics, use a single-stitch instead. This will provide just enough strength and hold while still allowing the fabric to move and drape freely.
Final Touches
Once the hem is finished, turn the jeans right-side out and iron them, making sure to use a low setting. This will help hold the fabric in place and give them a clean and professional-looking finish.
Finally, brush away any threads and check the jeans for any imperfections. If everything looks perfect, you’re ready to enjoy your new, shorter jeans.
