How to Hem Jeans by Hand?

What you need

• Strong thread (heavy-duty or denim/topstitch thread; gold matches many jeans)
• A sturdy hand-sewing needle
• Pins
• Scissors
• A measuring tape and marking chalk
• An iron

Step-by-step (basic folded hem)

1. Try on the jeans with the shoes you'll usually wear and fold the hem up to the length you want. Mark it with chalk or pins.
2. Measure and even it out. Take them off, measure the fold, and make sure both legs are folded up the same amount. Add a little for the fold-under.
3. Cut (optional). If there's a lot of excess, trim it, leaving about an inch to fold under. You can skip cutting for a reversible hem.
4. Fold and press. Fold the raw edge under, then fold again to hide it, and press with an iron so the crease holds. Pin in place.
5. Stitch it. Use a slip stitch (blind hem) for an invisible finish: catch just a thread or two of the outer fabric with each stitch so it barely shows on the front. Keep stitches small and even, all the way around.
6. Knot and press. Tie off securely on the inside and give it a final press.

Keep the original hem (euro hem): Fold the excess fabric up on the outside just below the original factory hem, so the original worn edge stays visible, then stitch close to the existing hem and let the folded flap hang inside. This preserves the authentic distressed edge.

Tips: Go slow around the thick side seams — you may need pliers to pull the needle through. Double up thread for durability.

The closest sibling pages are How to Iron On Patches? and How to Sew a Button?.

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