How to Hem Jeans in 9 Easy Steps

Being 5'2" it is rare that I find jeans that don't require hemming. As you can see, these puddled around my ankles because they were 2.75 inches too long.

A sewing machine is definitely recommended since denim is thick, but you can hand stitch the hem if you don't mind a little pain from pushing the needle through. For a more professional look, I recommend using the same color thread as the original stitching.

Watch the video to walk through the steps with me, or scroll down for the step by step written instructions!

Step by Step Instructions:

1. Put your jeans on and fold them up to where you want them to hit your ankle. Place 3 pins horizontally on each leg where you want them to hit your ankle (one pin at the front center, one back center, and one on a side seam).

2. Take your jeans off and measure from the current hem to each pin. If each measurement is different, use the average distance. For example: one pin may be 2 5/8", one may be 2 3/4", and one may be 2 7/8". In this case use 2 3/4" as your measurement. Use this measurement to place pins where the new hem will be.

3. Measure 1 inch down from your pins. Mark this measurement with chalk.

4. Cut along the chalk line.

5. Fold the raw edge (where you just cut) down 1/4".

6. Keeping the raw edge folded under 1/4", fold the remaining material (up to your pin) in half. Pin the material in place vertically on the inside of the jeans.

7. Your horizontal pin (marking where the new hem will be; the turquoise pin in the picture below) should now be at the top of the crease of your fold. Pin all the way around each leg.

8. Turn the jeans inside out.

9. Sew along the top of the material (my stitch was 1/8" away from where I folded the material down). Sew all the way around the leg hole. Sew the other leg the same way.

Hint: Make sure the other side of the hole in the leg is not under the needle as you sew. You will end up with the leg sewn shut if both sides are under the needle at the same time.

Try your jeans on and revel in the fact that you have jeans that are the right length!