Hemming Jeans - Sew News

Sewing Q&A

October 2003 Sewing Q&A Index
From Our October 2003 Issue

Do you know how to re-hem blue jeans so they look like the original hem?
Darlene G.,
Saginaw, MI

Take some cues from the original hem when re-hemming your jeans. Note the hem width, the thread color and stitch length--try to match these on the new hem. Use extra-strong jean thread or a heavy upholstery thread and a jeans needle. Set the machine for a 2 mm stitch length. The directions given below are for a 1/2" doubled hem.

Decide on the length of the jeans. Trim the legs leaving a 1" hem allowance below the new hemline.

Sewing over the bulk at the seams is the main challenge. Cut a 1/2" notch at each seam to remove some of the excess fabric (1). Turn up the hem 1/2", then 1/2" again and pin in place. To help prevent skipped stitches as the presser foot goes up and over the seam hump, pound the seams with a hammer to help flatten the layers.
trimmed and notched

Start sewing about 1" before a seam. Stitch along the inner fold 1/8" from the edge. When the presser foot is on the seam and the needle is right before the seam, stop and place a folded piece of poster board under the back of the presser foot to level it (2). Slowly sew across the seam, then move the cardboard to the front, under the toes, and move it as you sew until you're past the seam and the foot can totally rest on the flat surface of the machine.
Jumping the bulk

The hem will look newer than the rest of the pants. Rub medium-coarse sandpaper along the lower edge to distress it. You can also fold the hem 1/2" to the underside and distress the foldline above the stitching. Don't rub too much or you'll break the threads. The jeans will look worn after normal wear and laundering.

**Instantly Old**
	For the worn-out hem look, create fade lines with Dylon Easy Bleach, available in fabric stores nationwide. Mix a tablespoon of the bleach powder with a small amount of water in a disposable container--don't make it too watery. Refer to the original hem, and paint it on in a similar pattern. After 15 minutes, rinse the hems thoroughly with water. Mix a teaspoon of developing powder with 1 1/2 cups hot water in a bowl. Let the hems soak for 30 minutes and rinse again and dry.

October 2003 Sewing Q&A Index

This information was current when published in the October 2003 issue of Sew News. No guarantee is made regarding availability. Stay up-to-date with current sources by subscribing today!

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