Slacks are an essential part of any professional wardrobe, and keeping them looking their best is important. One of the most common alterations that people need to make to their slacks is hemming them. Hemming is the process of shortening the length of the pants so that they fall at the correct spot on your leg.
If you’ve never hemmed pants before, don’t worry! It’s a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few simple steps. First, you’ll need to gather your materials. You’ll need a pair of scissors, a measuring tape, a needle and thread, and an iron. Once you have your materials, you can begin the process of hemming your slacks.
First, you’ll need to measure the length of your pants. To do this, put on the pants and stand in front of a mirror. Fold up the hem of the pants until it reaches the desired length. Then, measure the distance from the fold to the bottom of the pant leg. This is the amount of fabric that you will need to remove.
Understitching the Hem for Neatness
Understitching, also known as blind stitching or top stitching, is a technique used to secure the hem allowance to the garment’s wrong side. This method provides a clean and professional finish, especially for fabrics that tend to fray or roll up. Follow these steps for perfect understitching:
Materials:
- Slacks with hemmed allowance
- Matching thread
- Sewing machine with a blind hem presser foot (optional)
Instructions:
- Fold and press the hem allowance: Press the hem allowance twice, first along the folded edge and then along the stitched line.
- Set up your sewing machine: Use a blind hem presser foot if available, or adjust the stitch width to 1-2 mm and the stitch length to 2-3 mm.
- Start stitching: Align the folded edge of the hem with the edge of the fabric. Start stitching from one end, keeping the folded edge slightly under the presser foot.
- Stitch just inside the fold: Guide the needle just inside the folded edge of the hem, catching only the hem allowance.
- Continue stitching: Continue stitching around the entire hem, keeping the needle close to the folded edge.
- Secure the stitches: Backstitch or tie off the thread at the end of the stitching.
- Fold the hem over: Once the hem is understitched, fold the hem over towards the wrong side of the fabric.
- Press the hem: Use a steam iron to press the hem flat, securing the understitching.
Tips:
- Use a matching thread color to make the stitches less visible.
- Practice on scraps of fabric before working on your actual slacks.
- If using a regular presser foot, insert a narrow piece of cardboard or plastic under the folded edge to create a guide for the needle.
How to Hem Slacks
Hemming slacks is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. With the right tools and a little patience, you can achieve a professional-looking hem that will make your slacks look like they were made for you.
To hem slacks, you will need the following:
- A pair of sharp scissors
- A measuring tape or ruler
- A sewing needle and thread
- A thimble (optional)
Once you have gathered your materials, you can begin hemming your slacks.
- Put on the slacks and mark the desired hem length.
- Take off the slacks and lay them flat on a table.
- Fold up the excess fabric at the bottom of the legs to the desired hem length.
- Pin the fold in place.
- Sew the hem in place using a small stitch.
- Remove the pins and press the hem flat.
People Also Ask About How to Hem Slacks
How much should I hem my slacks?
The amount that you hem your slacks depends on your personal preference. However, a good starting point is to hem them so that the break hits just at the top of your shoes.
Can I hem my slacks without sewing?
There are a few ways to hem your slacks without sewing. One option is to use hem tape. Hem tape is a self-adhesive fabric that can be applied to the inside of the hemline. Another option is to use iron-on hem tape. Iron-on hem tape is a type of hem tape that is activated by heat. Simply apply the iron-on hem tape to the inside of the hemline and then press it with a hot iron.
How do I make a blind hem on my slacks?
A blind hem is a type of hem that is invisible from the right side of the fabric. To make a blind hem on your slacks, you will need to use a blind hem stitch on your sewing machine. A blind hem stitch is a type of stitch that creates a small, invisible stitch on the inside of the hemline.
