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Hemming Tutorial: How To Hem With Originals using a Sewing Machine!

140K views 233 replies 129 participants last post by  gayan 
#1 ·
Okay folks! I promised I'd make a guide on this when I got a new pair of jeans to hem, and alas, the day has come!

What you'll need:

1. Sewing machine
2. Denim needle loaded on your machine
3. Thread :jumping
4. Measuring tape
5. Pins(optional)


Step 1:
*Measure the inseam of your jeans to determine how much length to take off. You can also put them on, pin them to length you want, then take them off carefully. Mine measured 34" - I need 31". So that means I need to hem them 3". Divide this number in half. 3/2 = 1.5

*Now that you have your number, cuff your jeans that amount, like so:



*Make sure to NOT include the original hem in this measurement. Measure all the way around the cuff every 2-3 inches to make sure it's the same all the way around. Just starting out, you should pin it in place(I don't do this any more as I have a steady hand and good eye)


Step 2:
*Load your jeans under the needle:



*You can use whatever thread color you want for this step - this thread will not be seen. I used white so you could see my stitches.

*Sew as closely as you can to the original thread on the hem without going over it! It's okay if you don't stay completely straight(as you can see, I didn't) as long you don't stitch over the original thread:



*Continue all the way around the cuff, then remove from sewing machine.


Step 3:
*Flip the cuff so that it goes right-side in:





*Repeat on other leg





Final Step!
*Load your machine with thread that closely matches your jeans. For my med-lighter wash jeans I use clear thread.

*Load your jeans back under the needle like so:



*Sew all the way around the cuff, staying as close to the edge of your fold as possible.



*Repeat on other leg. FINISHED!!!

 
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#3 ·
Nice tutorial :) Thanks BabyJ! I gotta try one of these days, I'm scared though, I don't think I can do it perfectly straight since I can't sew at all!
(I bought a machine but it's still in the box :shake)
 
#26 ·
Dear BabyJ,

Courtney - my wife (Lov2Shop) is running around the house like a maniac trying to find every pair of denim that she can hem, because she just did her first pair using your guide, and they turned out perfectly. I think she is in love with you now.

lol
 
#27 ·
I DO love you BabyJ!!! :bowndown I just shortened my SFAM pink crystal sigs that have been sitting in my closet for about a month. (yes I shortened jeans at 2am) They turned out AWESOME!! :yahoo Thank you, Thank you Thank you for taking the time to post this. Now I must get more jeans so I can shorten them.
 
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