It’s no secret that jeans are a wardrobe staple. They’re comfortable, versatile, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. But what do you do when your jeans start to look a little too short? Instead of throwing them out and buying a new pair, why not try hemming them yourself? With a sewing machine, it’s easy to do and only takes a few minutes.
Things You’ll Need When Hemming Jeans
To hem jeans with a sewing machine, you’ll need the following supplies:
- A sewing machine with a denim needle (it is recommended to use a size 90/14 needle)
- Thread in a color that matches your jeans (it is recommended to use a polyester thread)
- A measuring tape or ruler
- A fabric marking pencil or chalk
- Scissors
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How To Hem Jeans With A Sewing Machine
If you’re one of those people who are always looking for ways to extend the life of your clothes, learning how to hem jeans with a sewing machine is a great skill to have. Not only will it save you money in the long run, but it’s also pretty simple to do. In this complete guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about how to hem jeans with a sewing machine, including what type of thread and needle to use, how to measure and mark the fabric, and finally, how to sew the perfect hem.
If you’re ready to learn how to hem jeans like a pro, let’s get started!
Step 1: Measure the Length of Your Jeans
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Before you start hemming your jeans, you’ll need to know how long you want them to be. To do this, simply measure from the bottom of the leg (where you want the hem to start) up to the point where you want the jeans to end. Once you have your measurement, add 1 inch to account for the hem allowance.
For example, if you want your jeans to be 28 inches long, you would add 1 inch to that measurement, which would give you a total of 29 inches.
Step 2: Mark the Length of Your Jeans on the Fabric
Once you know how long you want your jeans to be, it’s time to mark that measurement on the fabric. To do this, simply fold up the bottom of the leg until it reaches the desired length and uses a marking pencil or chalk to mark a straight line across the fabric.
Step 3: Cut Off the Excess Fabric
Once you’ve marked the desired length of your jeans on the fabric, it’s time to cut off the excess. Using a pair of scissors, carefully cut along the marked line, being sure not to cut into the fabric beyond that point.
Step 4: Fold Up the Hem
Now that you’ve cut off the excess fabric, it’s time to fold up the hem. To do this, simply fold up the bottom of the leg until it reaches the desired length and uses a marking pencil or chalk to mark a straight line across the fabric. Once you’ve marked the fabric, remove the jeans from the sewing machine and cut along the marked line.
Step 5: Sew the Hem
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Now that you’ve cut off the excess fabric and folded up the hem, it’s time to sew it in place. To do this, simply lower the needle into the fabric at the start of the hem and sew along the edge until you reach the end. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure it in place.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully hemmed your jeans with a sewing machine. Wasn’t that easy?
Now that you know how to hem jeans with a sewing machine, put your new skills to the test and see how quickly you can extend the life of your favorite pair of jeans. With a little practice, you’ll be able to hem them in no time at all!
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Tips For Hemming Jeans With A Sewing Machine
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to hem your jeans, then sewing them with a sewing machine is the way to go. Here are some tips to make hemming jeans with a sewing machine easier and faster.
- Use a denim needle. Denim needles are designed to penetrate thick fabrics like denim, so they’ll make sewing your jeans a lot easier.
- Set your sewing machine to a wide zigzag stitch. This will help the stitches grip the fabric better and prevent them from coming undone.
- Sew slowly and carefully. Since you’re working with thick fabric, it’s important to go slow and be careful so you don’t make any mistakes.
- Press the hem after you’re sewed. This will help set the stitches and give your jeans a nice, finished look.
With these tips, sewing your jeans with a sewing machine will be a breeze. Just remember to go slowly and carefully, and you’ll have perfect-looking hems in no time.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to hem jeans with a sewing machine, you can alter any pair of pants to fit your needs. Whether you need to take in the leg or shorten the rise, all it takes is a few simple steps and some straight stitches. With this guide in hand, you’ll be sure to get the perfect fit every time.

My name is Kimberly Mitchell and I am the founder of teamsewing.com. With more than 10 years of experience in the sewing industry, I am dedicated to providing valuable insights into the latest technology, tips and trends in using a sewing machine. Through my blog, I provide practical advice and resources that help sewists take their projects to the next level. I hope to share my knowledge and experience with the sewing community!