Introduction
Hemming jeans is a handy skill for anyone. It’s a lifesaver (and money-saver) for shorter individuals who struggle to find the right-fitting jeans. No need to shop for specialty jeans or spend money on tailoring! Learning to hem jeans is a valuable skill for everyone, regardless of height. It expands your shopping options for pants and allows you to customize clothing for kids, ensuring a perfect fit without dragging hems.

Common Jeans Leg Style for Hem
1. Straight leg jeans
Straight leg jeans feature a consistent width from knee to hem, encompassing standard straight leg pants and wide-leg styles with a straight cut.
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | SweatyRocks Women's Casual Loose High Waist Solid Straight Wide Leg Jeans Light Wash M | 418 Reviews | $47.99 | Buy on Amazon |
![]() | Lee Women's Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Jean, Bewitched, 12 | 19,271 Reviews | $34.90 | Buy on Amazon |
![]() | Lee Women's Ultra Lux Comfort with Flex Motion Straight Leg Jean Niagara 14 Medium | 5,666 Reviews | $17.31 | Buy on Amazon |
2. Flared jeans
Flared jeans widen from the knee to the hem, creating a wider hemline compared to the knee area.
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | HDLTE Women Wide Leg Jeans Junior High Waist Baggy Jeans Loose Boyfriends Jeans Blue Washed | 2,221 Reviews | $41.99 | Buy on Amazon |
![]() | GRAPENT Women's High Waisted Wide Leg Pants Womens High Waisted Jeans for Women Stretch Bootcut 70s... | 2,130 Reviews | $41.99 | Buy on Amazon |
![]() | WallFlower Women's Luscious Curvy Bootcut Mid-Rise Insta Stretch Juniors Jeans (Standard and Plus),... | 47,970 Reviews | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
3. Tapered jeans
Tapered jeans are the opposite of flared jeans, with pant legs narrowing from the knee to the hem. This results in a narrower hem compared to the knee width. Skinny jeans also fall under this category.
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Gloria Vanderbilt Women's Amanda Classic High Rise Tapered Jean, Black, 14 Regular | 81,653 Reviews | $12.00 | Buy on Amazon |
![]() | Lee Women's Sculpting Fit Slim Leg Pull On Jean, Infinity, 12 Medium | 5,835 Reviews | $34.90 | Buy on Amazon |
![]() | Levi's Women's 711 Skinny Jeans, Soft Black, 26W x 30L | 16,722 Reviews | $37.24 | Buy on Amazon |
Products Needed to Hem Your Jeans

Following are the products that you will need to hem your jeans:
- Pair of jeans that need to be hemmed
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Scissors
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pins
- Iron and ironing board
Steps to Hem Jeans
1. Preparation
Start by trying on the jeans and determining the desired length for the hem. Mark this length with pins or chalk on both legs of the jeans.
2. Cutting
Carefully cut along the marked line on both legs, leaving a small seam allowance of about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
3. Folding
Turn the jeans inside out and fold up the bottom edge to the desired hem length. Press the fold with an iron to create a crisp crease.
4. Sewing
Use a sewing machine or hand-sew a straight stitch along the folded edge of the jeans. Sew in a vertical direction along the entire circumference of both legs, ensuring the stitch is close to the edge to secure the hem in place.
5. Creating the Hem Pattern
Once you’ve completed the vertical stitching, gently pull one of the threads on the outside of the hem (the bobbin thread) to create a gathering effect. This will make the fabric fold slightly and create a subtle decorative pattern.
6. Adjusting the Hem
Pull the thread until the hem pattern is evenly distributed and the length of the jeans is consistent all around. Use the measuring tape to double-check that both legs have the same hem length.
7. Finishing
Press the hem with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles and give it a neat finish.
Note: For Video Tutorial CLICK HERE
Conclusion
Hemming jeans is a valuable skill. It saves money and ensures a perfect fit. It also enhances fashion choices. It empowers you to customize your denim wardrobe effortlessly. This makes it a practical and versatile addition to your sewing repertoire. With this skill, you can confidently transform any pair of jeans to suit your unique style. This helps in creating a personalized and stylish look that stands out in any crowd.