How to Hem Slacks
Try on the slacks you need to hem., Ask a friend to put a straight pin in the fabric of one leg at the midpoint of your shoe's heel to measure hems., Take off the slacks and turn them inside out. , Lay out the slacks flat on their side., Mark a...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Try on the slacks you need to hem.
Put on the same shoes you will wear with those slacks. -
Step 2: Ask a friend to put a straight pin in the fabric of one leg at the midpoint of your shoe's heel to measure hems.
You may prefer your slacks a little longer or shorter, but take care that the hem does not drag on the ground when you are standing nor ride up above your ankle when seated. ,, The zipper should be at one side and the middle of the seat should be at the other side.
The leg with the pin in it should be on top.
It can be helpful to pin the 2 sides of the waistband together to help keep the pant legs even while you measure hems.
Smooth the fabric of both legs from the waist to the existing hem. ,, This will be your cutting line.
Move the top leg slightly to see where the chalked lines intersect the bottom pant leg.
Make a small chalk mark at the intersecting lines on the bottom leg. , Make sure the fabric is still even at the waist and smoothed out through the leg. , Use short, even cuts with fabric shears. , Fold half of the raw fabric in again, press and pin hem at 3 to 4 inch (7.6 to
10.2 cm) intervals. , Bring the stitch from the top of the fold to the fabric of the adjacent leg.
Pick up only 2 to 3 threads from the fabric of the leg.
Keep stitches 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) apart while sewing a hem.
Tie off thread with small, short knots. , Make sure the hems are even and smooth. -
Step 3: Take off the slacks and turn them inside out.
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Step 4: Lay out the slacks flat on their side.
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Step 5: Mark a straight line using tailor's chalk across the pin in the pant leg
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Step 6: perpendicular to the length of the leg.
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Step 7: Use a measuring tape to make new chalk marks 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) below the original mark.
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Step 8: Flip the pants over and chalk the 2 straight lines across the other pant leg.
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Step 9: Cut a hem in the fabric of each leg at the bottom chalk mark.
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Step 10: Pin the fabric.
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Step 11: Thread a needle with matching thread and sew the hems.
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Step 12: Try the slacks on again in front of a full-length mirror.
Detailed Guide
Put on the same shoes you will wear with those slacks.
You may prefer your slacks a little longer or shorter, but take care that the hem does not drag on the ground when you are standing nor ride up above your ankle when seated. ,, The zipper should be at one side and the middle of the seat should be at the other side.
The leg with the pin in it should be on top.
It can be helpful to pin the 2 sides of the waistband together to help keep the pant legs even while you measure hems.
Smooth the fabric of both legs from the waist to the existing hem. ,, This will be your cutting line.
Move the top leg slightly to see where the chalked lines intersect the bottom pant leg.
Make a small chalk mark at the intersecting lines on the bottom leg. , Make sure the fabric is still even at the waist and smoothed out through the leg. , Use short, even cuts with fabric shears. , Fold half of the raw fabric in again, press and pin hem at 3 to 4 inch (7.6 to
10.2 cm) intervals. , Bring the stitch from the top of the fold to the fabric of the adjacent leg.
Pick up only 2 to 3 threads from the fabric of the leg.
Keep stitches 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) apart while sewing a hem.
Tie off thread with small, short knots. , Make sure the hems are even and smooth.
About the Author
Patrick Thompson
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow pet care tutorials.
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