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Jeans are a versatile and durable clothing item that can be worn in almost any situation. However, they are often too long for many people but are also available for big belly people, leading to the need for hemming. Hemming jeans can be an intimidating task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a simple and rewarding process.
Distressed jeans are a popular fashion trend that involves intentionally creating a worn or vintage look on denim fabric. This can be achieved through a variety of techniques, including sanding, bleaching, and ripping the fabric. Distressed jeans have a casual and edgy look that pairs well with a variety of outfits, from t-shirts and sneakers to dressier tops and heels.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps to hem jeans, including the tools and materials needed, different hemming methods, and tips for achieving the perfect fit.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before starting the hemming process, it is important to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Here is a list of what you will need:
- Jeans
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Iron
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy steps to hem your jeans:
Pin or Press the hem in
When hemming jeans, it is important to either pin or press the hem in place. Pinning involves using straight pins to hold the hem in place while sewing, while pressing involves using an iron to fold and flatten the hem. Both methods are effective and it is up to personal preference which one to use. However, it is important to make sure that the hem is secure and even before sewing to ensure a clean and professional-looking finish.
Mark the hem allowance
Before hemming jeans, it’s important to mark the hem allowance to ensure that the hemline is even and straight. The hem allowance is the amount of fabric that will be folded up to create the hem. To mark the hem allowance, measure the desired length of the jeans from the bottom edge and use tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker to draw a line all around the jeans at that point. This line will serve as a guide when folding up the hem. Make sure to measure and mark the hem allowance accurately to ensure a neat and tidy hem.
Trim the excess length
After marking the hem allowance, it’s time to trim the excess length of the jeans. Use fabric scissors to cut along the line that was marked in the previous step. It’s important to cut straight and evenly to ensure that the hemline is even. Take your time and double-check the length before cutting to avoid cutting off too much fabric. It’s better to cut off a little at a time and try the jeans on to ensure the desired length has been achieved.
Double-Turn the hem allowance to form the hem
Once the excess length of the jeans has been trimmed, it’s time to double-turn the hem allowance to form the hem. Fold the hem up to the line that was marked in the previous step, then fold it up again so that the raw edge of the hem is completely hidden. Use an iron to press the hem in place, making sure that it’s even and flat. This will create a clean and professional-looking finish for the hem. Once the hem has been pressed in place, it’s time to sew it to secure it in place.
Secure the hem seam at the beginning
When sewing the hem of jeans, it’s important to secure the hem seam at the beginning to prevent it from unraveling. Start by folding up the hem along the marked line and securing it in place with a few straight pins. Then, sew a few stitches across the hem at the starting point, making sure to backstitch to secure the thread. This will prevent the thread from coming loose and unraveling the hem over time. Once the starting point is secured, continue sewing along the hemline, removing the pins as you go. Make sure to sew in a straight line and keep the stitching even for a neat and tidy finish.
Stitch the hem with a Triple Straight Stitch
When sewing the hem of jeans, it’s recommended to use a triple straight stitch to ensure that the hem is secure and durable. This type of stitch is stronger than a regular straight stitch and has a “stretch” to it that allows the thread to move with the fabric. To use a triple straight stitch, set your sewing machine to this stitch setting and sew along the hemline, making sure to keep the stitching even and straight. Sew all the way around the hemline, and when you reach the starting point, backstitch a few stitches to secure the thread. This will create a strong and durable hem that can withstand frequent wear and tear.
Lock the stitches at the end of the hem
After sewing the hem of the jeans, it’s important to lock the stitches at the end of the hem to prevent them from unraveling. To do this, sew a few stitches in place at the end of the hemline, then backstitch to secure the thread. This will prevent the thread from coming loose and unraveling the hem over time. Once the stitches have been locked in place, trim any excess thread. You can also use a serger or overlock stitch to finish the raw edge of the hem if desired, which will prevent fraying and add an extra layer of durability to the hemline.
Verdict
Hemming jeans can be a simple and easy process if you follow the right steps. By marking the hem allowance, trimming the excess length, double-turning the hem allowance, securing the hem seam at the beginning, stitching the hem with a triple straight stitch, and locking the stitches at the end of the hem, you can create a professional-looking and durable hemline for your jeans. Taking your time and double-checking each step will ensure that the hem is even and straight, and that the stitching is secure. With these easy step-by-step instructions, you can hem your own jeans and give them a new lease on life.