Forget the seamstress; to shorten your pants, all you need is a needle and a tape measure—you’ll save a lot!

While a seamstress certainly offers professional results, you absolutely can shorten your pants at home with just a needle, thread, and measuring tape! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it successfully:

What You’ll Need:

• Pants
• Measuring tape
• Straight pins
• Needle
• Matching thread
• Scissors
• Iron (optional, but recommended)
• Marking tool (tailor’s chalk or fabric marker)

Steps:

1. Try on the Pants:
   • Put on the pants and the shoes you plan to wear with them.
   • Stand in front of a mirror.
2. Determine the Desired Length:
   • Decide where you want the hem to fall.
   • Have someone help you pin the pants to the desired length, or carefully pin them yourself.
   • Make sure both legs are pinned evenly.
3. Measure and Mark:
   • Take off the pants and lay them flat.
   • Measure the distance from the original hem to the pins on both legs.
   • Use the marking tool to mark this measurement around the entire circumference of both pant legs.
   • Add an extra 1-2 inches for the hem allowance (the fabric that will be folded up). Mark this new line as well.
4. Cut the Excess Fabric:
   • Carefully cut along the second marked line (the one with the hem allowance).
5. Prepare the Hem:
   • Fold the raw edge of the fabric up to the first marked line (the desired length).
   • Iron the fold to create a crisp crease.
   • Fold the fabric up again, encasing the raw edge within the hem. Iron this fold also.
   • Pin the hem in place all the way around both legs.
6. Sew the Hem:
   • Thread your needle with matching thread.
   • You can use a hand-sewing technique like a blind hem stitch, a slip stitch, or a simple running stitch.
   • Start by securing the thread with a knot.
   • Sew along the folded edge of the hem, keeping your stitches small and even.
   • Continue sewing all the way around both pant legs.
   • Secure the thread with a knot and trim any excess.
7. Iron the Hem:
   • Iron the finished hem to create a smooth, professional look.
8. Try on the Pants:
   • Put on the pants to check the length and ensure the hem looks even.

Tips:

• For thicker fabrics, you may need a stronger needle and thread.
• If you’re unsure about your sewing skills, practice on a scrap piece of fabric first.
• If you’re shortening jeans, you may want to keep the original hem for a more authentic look. This involves carefully cutting the pant legs above the original hem, then reattaching it.
• If you are shortening dress pants, a blind hem stitch will give a very clean look.

By following these steps, you can successfully shorten your pants at home and save yourself a trip to the seamstress!