Hemming your relaxed jeans at home is straightforward. This guide provides easy, step-by-step instructions and essential tips to achieve a clean, professional-looking finish without a sewing machine, saving you time and money.
Are your favorite relaxed-fit jeans a little too long, pooling around your ankles or hiding your shoes? It’s a common frustration, but thankfully, you don’t need to be a master tailor – or even own a sewing machine – to fix it. Learning how to hem relaxed jeans at home is a simple skill that can save you money and give your beloved denim a perfect fit. We’ll walk you through the process with clear, easy-to-follow steps, ensuring you get a neat finish that looks great. Get ready to give your jeans a new lease on life!
Why Hemming Your Relaxed Jeans is Essential
Relaxed fit jeans offer comfort and a laid-back style, but their looser cut can sometimes lead to excessive length. When jeans are too long, they can:
- Look sloppy and unkempt.
- Cause tripping hazards.
- Wear out faster at the hem due to dragging on the ground.
- Hide your footwear, which can be a styling misstep.
Hemming them correctly ensures they sit perfectly at your shoe line, creating a polished silhouette and extending the life of your jeans. It’s a practical skill that anyone can master. We’ll focus on techniques that are beginner-friendly and require minimal materials.
Gathering Your Hemming Supplies
Before you begin, having the right tools makes the whole process smoother. You don’t need much, and many of these items are likely already in your home.
Essential Tools:
- Fabric Scissors: Sharp scissors specifically for fabric will give you a clean cut.
- Measuring Tape or Ruler: For accurate measurements. A tailor’s measuring tape is ideal.
- Fabric Marker or Chalk: To mark your cutting and folding lines. A disappearing ink pen or a piece of soap can also work in a pinch.
- Pins: To hold the folded hem in place before sewing.
- Iron and Ironing Board: Crucial for creating crisp folds and a professional finish.
- Thread: Choose a color that matches your jeans as closely as possible.
- Needle: A standard sewing needle will do.
- Seam Ripper (Optional but Recommended): If you need to remove the original hem for a more authentic look.
Having these items ready means you can tackle your hemming project whenever inspiration strikes!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Hem Relaxed Jeans at Home
Let’s get your jeans fitting just right. This method focuses on a simple, no-frills hem that’s perfect for beginners.
Step 1: Prepare Your Jeans
Start by washing and drying your jeans. This ensures they are clean and preshrunk, so your hem won’t change length after the first wash. Lay them flat on a clean surface. Try them on to get a preliminary idea of the desired length, but use your measuring tape for precision.
Step 2: Measure and Mark the Desired Length
Put on the shoes you typically wear with these jeans. Stand in front of a mirror and decide where you want the hem to fall. A good starting point is often just above the sole of your shoe or where the jeans naturally crease. Using your measuring tape, measure from the crotch seam down to where you want the hem to end. Add about 1.5 to 2 inches to this measurement for your folding allowance. Mark this point on the inner seam of one leg.
Now, use your measuring tape and fabric marker to draw a straight line across the leg at this marked length. Ensure the line is parallel to the floor. Repeat this on the other leg, making sure the marks are identical.
Step 3: Trim the Excess Fabric
Once you’ve marked your desired hemline on both legs, it’s time to cut. Using your sharp fabric scissors, carefully cut along the marked line. It’s better to cut slightly below your final desired length than too short, as you can always trim more, but you can’t add fabric back. Aim for a clean, straight cut all the way around each leg.
Step 4: Create the First Fold
Take one leg and fold the raw edge upward by about 0.5 to 0.75 inches (roughly 1-2 cm). Use your fabric marker to trace this fold line, creating a guide. Press this fold firmly with your iron. This initial fold helps to neaten the raw edge and prepare it for the second fold.
Step 5: Create the Second Fold
Now, fold the already folded edge up again. This time, fold it to meet the original marked hemline (where the cut was made). This second fold should be about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm), depending on how much allowance you left. Ensure this fold is also straight and even all the way around the leg. Press this second fold firmly with your iron. You should now have a neatly folded double hem that looks tidy and ready for stitching.
Pin the hem in place using your pins, spacing them about every 1-2 inches. This will keep the fabric from shifting while you sew.
Tip for Relaxed Jeans: Because relaxed jeans have a wider leg opening, you might find it easier to pin the hem while the jeans are on your leg to get a perfectly straight line and a good drape before making the final press. Just be careful not to prick yourself!
Step 6: Hand Stitch the Hem
Thread your needle with a length of matching thread (about 18-24 inches is manageable). Tie a knot at the end of the thread. You can use a simple running stitch or a blind stitch for a cleaner look. A blind stitch is ideal for making the stitches less visible on the outside of your jeans.
To do a blind stitch:
- Start by inserting your needle from the inside of the folded hem, through the top fold, and bring it out slightly.
- Take a tiny stitch in the main body of the jean fabric, just above the folded hem.
- Bring your needle back into the folded hem, catching just a thread or two from the fold.
- Repeat this process, taking small, even stitches. Aim to catch as little of the main jean fabric as possible to keep the stitches invisible from the outside.
Work your way all the way around the leg, securing the hem. When you reach the starting point, tie off the thread securely on the inside of the hem and snip any excess.
Step 7: Final Press and Inspection
Once both legs are stitched, remove the pins. Give the entire hemmed area a good final press with your iron to set the stitches and ensure a crisp finish. Turn the jeans right-side out and check your work. The hem should be even, secure, and look neat.
Alternative Hemming Techniques for Relaxed Jeans
While the hand-stitched blind hem is a great beginner method, here are a couple of other options to consider, depending on your tools and desired look:
1. Using a Sewing Machine
If you have a sewing machine, hemming relaxed jeans is even quicker. Follow steps 1-5 as above, but for step 6, use your sewing machine. A straight stitch is generally best for denim. You can use a twin needle for a professional, double-stitch look if your machine allows (this is common on many sewing machines).
Pros: Faster, more durable stitching, professional finish.
Cons: Requires a sewing machine; can be intimidating for absolute beginners.
2. No-Sew Hem Tape
This is the fastest, easiest method, requiring no sewing skills at all. You’ll need iron-on hem tape (also called hemming web or fusible web). Follow steps 1-5. After creating your double fold and pinning it in place, insert the hem tape between the two layers of fabric. Carefully iron over the area according to the product instructions. The heat will activate the adhesive, bonding the layers together.
Pros: Extremely fast, requires no sewing, good for temporary hemming.
Cons: May not be as durable as stitched hems, can sometimes create a slightly stiff hem, may unstick over time or with frequent washing.
We recommend checking out guides from reputable fabric and sewing retailers, such as Moda Fabrics’ tutorials for general fabric handling tips that apply to denim.
Preserving the Original Hem Look (The “Jean Hack”)
If you want your hem to look as authentic as possible, mimicking the original factory hem, you can reattach the original cut-off hem. This is a bit more advanced but gives a fantastic result.
Tools Needed:
- All tools from the essential list, plus a seam ripper.
Steps:
- Cut and Measure: Follow steps 1-3 to determine your desired length and cut off the excess fabric.
- Remove Original Hem: Carefully use a seam ripper to detach the original hem from the cut-off portion. You’ll have a narrow strip of fabric with the original factory stitch line.
- Attach New Hem: Place this original hem strip onto the raw edge of your newly cut jeans leg, right sides together. Align the raw edges.
- Sew: Use a straight stitch on a sewing machine, or a strong backstitch by hand, to sew the original hem strip onto the new jean leg, using the original stitch line as a guide to get the correct placement.
- Fold and Topstitch: Turn the attached hem down so it sits correctly on the outside of the jean. Press well. From the outside, you can either hand-stitch discretely into the original stitch line with a blind stitch, or you can machine stitch just above the original hem to secure it. Some people even leave it as is if the stitching is strong enough.
This method is perfect for keeping that authentic, slightly worn-in look characteristic of many relaxed jeans.
Troubleshooting Common Hemming Issues
Even seasoned crafters can run into small snags. Here are solutions to common problems:
My Hem is Wavy Instead of Straight
Cause: The fabric wasn’t pulled evenly when marking or cutting, or the folds weren’t pressed crisply.
Solution: For a quick fix, try re-pressing the hem with steam, pulling the fabric slightly as you iron. If it’s significantly off, you may need to unpick some stitches, re-mark, and re-press. Always ensure your measuring tape is held straight and parallel to the floor.
My Stitches Are Too Visible
Cause: Using a contrasting thread color, stitches are too large, or not using a blind stitch.
Solution: For hand-stitching, opt for a thread that precisely matches your jeans. Smaller, tighter stitches will be less noticeable. Practicing a blind stitch on a scrap piece of fabric first can help. If machine stitching, use a thread color match and consider a twin needle for a more professional, consistent line of stitching.
The Hem Feels Too Stiff
Cause: Usually occurs with no-sew hem tape or if the fabric folds are too bulky.
Solution: For iron-on tape, ensure you’re following the product’s instructions. If it’s bulk, try making the second fold slightly smaller or using a thinner hem tape. Washing the jeans again might help soften the hem over time.
I Cut Too Much Off!
Cause: Accidental cutting error.
Solution: This is why having the “jean hack” method with the original hem is so useful. If you don’t have the original hem, you can buy a strip of denim fabric in a similar wash and attach it as a new hem. Alternatively, for a very small error, you might be able to hide it with a slightly wider fold if you have enough allowance, or embrace a no-sew patch. For larger errors, consider taking them to a tailor or learning to add an extra panel of fabric.
When to Seek Professional Help
While hemming jeans at home is wonderfully achievable, there are times when a professional tailor might be the better option:
- Delicate or Expensive Denim: If your jeans are a significant investment or made of very delicate fabric, you might prefer not to risk it.
- Complex Finishes: Jeans with intricate embroidery, unique washes, or very specific design elements might be best handled by someone with specialized experience.
- Perfect Fit is Critical: If you need an absolutely flawless, precise fit and are not confident in your home hemming capabilities.
- Time Constraints: If you need them hemmed quickly and don’t have the time to learn or complete the task yourself.
Professional hemming is often surprisingly affordable and can provide peace of mind.
FAQ: Your Jean Hemming Questions Answered
Q1: Can I hem my relaxed jeans if I don’t have a sewing machine?
A: Absolutely! You can hand-stitch the hem using a basic needle and thread, or use iron-on hem tape for a no-sew option. Both methods are beginner-friendly.
Q2: How much length should I leave for a hem?
A: For a simple double fold, plan for about 1.5 to 2 inches of allowance. This allows for a neat internal fold of about 0.5 inches and an outer fold of 1 to 1.5 inches.
Q3: What kind of needle and thread should I use for hemming jeans?
A: For hand-stitching, use a standard-sized sewing needle and a strong polyester thread that matches your jeans closely. For a more durable stitch, consider a denim needle if you’re using a sewing machine.
Q4: How do I make sure the hem is even on both legs?
A: Measure from the crotch seam down to your desired hem length on both legs while wearing the jeans with your shoes. Mark carefully and use your measuring tape to ensure both cut lines are the same distance from the floor.
Q5: What is the best way to hem jeans to look like the original hem?
A: The “jean hack” method, where you cut off the excess, carefully detach the original factory hem, and then reattach it to the new edge of your jeans, will give the most authentic look.
Q6: Can I use fabric glue to hem jeans?
A: While fabric glue can work in a pinch, especially for quick fixes, it’s often not as durable or flexible as stitching or hem tape. The glue can become stiff, crack, or detach over time, especially with frequent washing and wear.
Q7: How often should I wash my jeans after hemming?
A: You can wash them as usual. If you used iron-on tape, it might be wise to wash them on a gentle cycle and avoid high heat in the dryer for the first few washes to ensure the bond sets properly.
Conclusion
Learning how to hem relaxed jeans at home is a practical skill that empowers you to achieve a perfect fit for your favorite denim. Whether you opt for a simple hand-stitched hem, a quick no-sew tape solution, or the authentic look of reattaching the original hem, the process is entirely manageable for beginners. By following these clear steps, gathering your simple materials, and paying a little attention to detail, you can transform ill-fitting jeans into a perfectly tailored part of your wardrobe. No more trips to the tailor or wearing jeans that drag on the floor – just perfectly hemmed, comfortable, and stylish relaxed jeans, ready for anything.
