17.03.2025

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

By Lesia

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!