Learning how to hem jeans is one of the most practical sewing skills you can master. Bought jeans that are too long? You're not alone. Whether you're short, between sizes, or shopping in the men's section for better pockets, knowing how to hem jeans saves money and gives you the perfect fit every time.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• 3 proven methods to hem jeans (machine, hand-sewing, and no-sew)
• How to preserve the original distressed hem
• Professional tips for hemming thick denim without bulk
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Time needed: 20-45 minutes per pair
Skill level: Beginner-friendly

Quick Comparison: Which Hemming Method Is Right for You?

Before you start learning how to hem jeans, it helps to understand which method works best for your situation:

What You'll Need to Hem Jeans

Essential Supplies:

• ✂️ Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
• 📏 Measuring tape or ruler
• 📍 Pins or fabric clips
• ✏️ Fabric marker or chalk
• 🧵 Thread (color-matched to jeans)
• 👖 The jeans to be hemmed

For Machine Sewing:

• Sewing machine
• Denim/jeans needle (90/14 for medium, 100/16 for heavy denim)
• Heavy-duty thread (optional, for topstitching)

For Hand Sewing:

• Hand-sewing needles (sharps)
• Thimble (recommended for thick denim)

For No-Sew Method:

• Hem tape OR fabric glue
• Iron

Understanding Jean Anatomy (Quick Reference)

Before you learn how to hem jeans, here are the key parts you need to know:

• Inseam: The seam running down the inside of the leg (this is where you measure length - "32-inch inseam")
• Outseam: The seam on the outside of the leg
• Original hem: The factory-finished bottom edge with topstitching and distressing
• Hem allowance: The extra fabric folded under to create the new hem

Choosing the Right Sewing Supplies

Needles Matter!

Choose the right sewing needle - Depending on the denim thickness, choose an appropriate denim/jean needle. Jean needles have an extra-sharp tip for penetrating thick fabric and a bigger eye to accommodate thicker threads. Use a 90/14 needle for light to medium-weight denim and a 100/16 or 110/18 for heavyweight denim. If you don't have any denim needles, universal needles work just fine and achieve neat stitches.

Thread Selection for How to Hem Jeans

Choose strong thread - Heavy-duty thread ensures that the hem is durable and adds detail to topstitching since these types of threads are thicker. Always use regular thread on your bobbin.

Pressing Tips

Press as you go - When pressing denim, use the high temperature cotton setting and apply steam when necessary. Since denim is quite thick, more pressing than usual might be needed.

Method 1: Machine-Sewn Original Hem (Keep the Authentic Look)

Best for: Designer jeans, distressed denim, when you want to preserve the original wash and wear

This is the most popular way to hem jeans while keeping the original hem attached, so your jeans maintain their authentic character.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Try On and Mark

1. Put on the jeans with the shoes you'll typically wear them with
2. Fold up the leg to your desired length
3. Use pins or fabric marker to mark the fold line on the inside
4. Make sure both legs are the same length

Step 2: Lay Flat and Mark Around Leg

1. Lay the marked leg flat, carefully aligning the back and front hems and the side seams
2. Mark around the entire leg at that same height (for example, the distance might be 2.4 inches / 6 cm)
3. Mark a line with removable fabric marker

Step 3: Measure and Mark Cut Lines

1. Measure the depth of the original hem from the very bottom edge to the topstitching line (usually about ½ inch / 13mm)
2. Draw another ½ inch (13mm) line above the first line
3. Make sure these lines are the same on both pant legs; otherwise, you'll end up with uneven hems

Step 4: Fold and Pin

1. Fold the leg UP so the original hem's topstitching aligns with the TOP marked line
2. The original hem should now sit where you want the new finished length
3. Pin in place all around the leg

Step 5: Sew

1. Use regular sewing thread for both upper and bobbin thread
2. Set stitch length to 3-4mm
3. Slide the end of the pant leg under the needle
4. Starting at the inseam, stitch around the leg as close as possible to the original topstitching
5. Using a zipper foot may help keep an even seam
6. Backstitch at start and finish

Step 6: Trim and Finish

1. Press the fold of excess fabric up and away from the hem
2. If the fold is quite wide, trim it down to ⅝ inch (1.5 cm)
3. Finish raw edge with serger or zigzag stitch
4. Give the hem a final press

Step 7: Repeat for Other Leg

Pros and Cons:

✅ Pros:

• Preserves original distressing and wash
• Looks professional
• Perfect for expensive or designer jeans
• Authentic character maintained

❌ Cons:

• Can be bulky with thick denim
• Can't cuff jeans after (visible seam inside)
• More advanced technique
• Creates stiff line around hemline on heavy denim

Note: This method keeps the original hem intact, and the character of the jeans is not lost. However, depending on the denim weight, it can add bulk. Cuffing jeans is not an option anymore since the inside seam will be visible.

Method 2: Traditional Machine-Sewn Hem (Clean New Finish)

Best for: Lightweight-to-medium denim, when you want a clean finish, or when original hem is damaged

This creates a brand new hem that will develop its own character over time. Many people prefer this method when learning how to hem jeans because it's straightforward.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Try On and Mark

1. Put on jeans with appropriate shoes
2. Mark desired finished length with pins or water-soluble pen
3. Check both legs are even

Step 2: Cut to Length

1. Lay jeans flat on a flat surface, aligning seams
2. From marked line, measure down 1 inch (2.5 cm) - this is your seam allowance
3. Mark and cut along this line
4. Repeat for other leg

Step 3: Create Double-Fold Hem

1. Fold raw edge up ½ inch (13mm), press with iron
2. Fold again another ½ inch, enclosing the raw edge
3. Press the double-folded hem and secure with pins in place

Step 4: Sew the Hem

1. Thread the top of the machine with denim thread and use all-purpose thread in the bobbin
2. Use denim needle (90/14 or 100/16)
3. Set stitch length to 3-4mm
4. With the hem on the right side, begin on the inseam with a straight stitch
5. Sew around the hem close to the inner fold edge
6. Backstitch at start and finish

Step 5: Press and Finish

1. Give hem a final press
2. Repeat for other leg

Optional: Distressing Your New Hem

Even though the original hem is lost, if you wash and wear your jeans regularly, the wavy lines and fading will happen naturally, but it may take time. There are ways to distress the hem faster:

• Sandpaper method: Gently rub sandpaper along the hem edge
• Razor blade: Carefully scrape along the fold line (be gentle!)
• Washing: Wash repeatedly with tennis balls in the dryer to create natural wear

Pros and Cons:

✅ Pros:

• Less bulk than original hem method
• Clean, professional finish
• Works on any denim weight
• Can still cuff jeans
• Good for damaged original hems

❌ Cons:

• Loses original distressing (but develops new character over time)
• Requires sewing machine
• New hem won't match original right away

Method 3: Hand-Sewn Hem (No Sewing Machine Needed)

Best for: No machine access, delicate control, learning to sew, or when you're traveling

You can absolutely hem jeans by hand! This method for how to hem jeans just takes a bit more time but gives you complete control.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Try On and Mark

Same as machine methods:

1. Try on with appropriate shoes
2. Mark desired length with pins
3. Ensure both legs are even

Step 2: Cut and Prepare

1. From marked line, measure down 1 inch (2.5 cm) and cut
2. Fold raw edge up ½ inch, press with iron
3. Fold again ½ inch, press and pin securely

Step 3: Thread Needle

1. Use strong hand-sewing thread, doubled for extra durability
2. Knot the end securely
3. Thread color should match your jeans

Step 4: Choose Your Stitch

Option A: Slip Stitch (Nearly Invisible from Outside)

Best for a professional look where stitches barely show:

1. Working from inside the jean leg, slide needle through the folded edge about ¼ inch
2. Pick up just 1-2 threads from the jean fabric (outside layer)
3. Go back into the folded edge and slide needle ¼ inch forward
4. Repeat around entire hem
5. Keep stitches small, even, and relatively loose (too tight will pucker)

Option B: Catch Stitch (More Secure, Slight Stitching Visible)

Best for durability:

1. Working left to right, catch a few threads from the folded edge
2. Move slightly right and catch a few threads from the jean layer
3. Continue creating small X-patterns around the hem
4. Keep stitches loose enough to allow fabric flexibility
5. Space stitches about ¼ inch apart

Step 5: Secure and Finish

1. When you complete the circle, make several small stitches in the same spot
2. Tie off thread securely with a knot
3. Press hem with iron
4. Repeat for other leg

Pros and Cons:

✅ Pros:

• No sewing machine needed
• More control over stitch placement
• Very durable when done correctly
• Portable (can do anywhere)
• Nearly invisible from outside (slip stitch method)

❌ Cons:

• Takes longer (45-60 minutes per leg)
• Hand can get tired with thick denim
• Requires patience
• Not ideal for very heavy denim

Method 4: No-Sew Options (Quick Temporary Fix)

Best for: Rentals, borrowed jeans, quick fixes, temporary alterations, or if you don't sew at all

If you need to know how to hem jeans without sewing, these temporary methods work great.

Option A: Hemming Tape

Instructions:

1. Fold jeans to desired length, press firmly with iron
2. Fold raw edge under ½ inch to create clean finish
3. Insert hem tape between the two layers
4. Press with hot iron (no steam) for 10-15 seconds
5. Let cool completely before wearing
6. Wait 24 hours before washing

Durability: Lasts 10-20 washes if applied correctly

Option B: Fabric Glue

Instructions:

1. Fold hem to desired length, press
2. Apply thin, even line of fabric glue between layers
3. Press layers together firmly
4. Let dry completely (24 hours minimum)
5. Wait 72 hours before first wash

Durability: Less durable than tape, may need reapplication after 5-10 washes

Pros and Cons:

✅ Pros:

• No sewing skills required
• Fastest method (15 minutes or less)
• Reversible (can remove and rehem)
• Perfect for kids' jeans they're growing into

❌ Cons:

• Not as durable as sewn hems
• May come undone after many washes
• Not suitable for jeans you plan to keep long-term

Essential Tips for Perfect Jean Hems Every Time

Now that you understand how to hem jeans, here are some pro tips to ensure perfect results:

Before You Start:

1. Always try on with shoes - The right length changes depending on heel height
2. Wash and dry first - Jeans can shrink up to 1-2 inches. Always hem after the first wash.
3. Check both legs - Use a measuring tape to ensure both legs are identical distance
4. Consider the shoe - Different shoes = different hem lengths needed

While Sewing:

1. Use the right needle - Size 90/14 for medium denim, 100/16 for heavy
2. Lengthen stitch length - Use 3-4mm stitch length for clean stitches
3. Press, press, press - Press after every step for professional results
4. Hammer bulky seams - Use a mallet to flatten thick side seams before sewing
5. Go slow at seams - When crossing thick seams, slow down and use hand wheel if needed

Common Problems When Hemming Jeans & Solutions

Problem: Hem is Puckered/Wavy

Solutions: Loosen upper thread tension by 1-2 numbers, increase stitch length to 3.5-4mm, press hem thoroughly before AND after sewing

Problem: Needle Breaks on Thick Seams

Solutions: Use larger denim needle (100/16 or 110/18), hammer seams flat with mallet before sewing, use hand wheel to manually turn over thick parts, slow down machine speed significantly at seams

Problem: Thread Breaks While Sewing

Solutions: Use fresh, quality thread, change needle, check bobbin is wound correctly, reduce thread tension

When to Use Each Method for Hemming Jeans

Use Original Hem Method When:

• Jeans cost over $100 (designer brands)
• Original hem has unique distressing you love
• Hemming raw/selvedge denim
• Jeans have special details (embroidery, studs)

Use Traditional Hem Method When:

• Original hem is damaged or worn out
• Denim is very thick and you want to avoid bulk
• You want a clean, professional look
• Working with lightweight or stretchy denim

Use Hand-Sewing Method When:

• You don't have access to a sewing machine
• Working with delicate vintage denim
• You want nearly invisible stitching
• You're traveling and need to hem on the go

Use No-Sew Method When:

• It's a temporary situation
• You need a quick fix before an event
• Hemming jeans for growing kids

Ready to Make Your Own Pants?

If you enjoyed learning how to hem jeans and want to take your sewing to the next level, why not try making your own pants from scratch?

Benefits: Perfect fit every time, choose your own fabric, custom pockets, save money long-term, sustainable fashion choice

Women's Pants & Skirts - From casual joggers to tailored trousers

Kids' Pants Patterns - Durable, comfortable pants your kids will love

Beginner-Friendly Patterns - New to sewing? Start here

Browse All Pants Patterns →

When to Take Jeans to a Professional Tailor

Sometimes professional hemming is worth the investment:

Consider a tailor when: Jeans cost over $200 (designer brands), you're extremely nervous about cutting them, jeans have special details you might damage, denim is very heavy weight and you don't have proper equipment

Average Cost: Basic hem $10-15, original hem $15-25

Break-even: If you hem just 3 pairs yourself instead of paying $15 each, you've saved $45!

Final Thoughts on How to Hem Jeans

Learning how to hem jeans is one of the most practical and rewarding sewing skills you can master. Whether you use a machine, hand-sew, or try the no-sew route, being able to adjust the length of your jeans means better fit and style, saving money, shopping freely, extended wardrobe life, and making sustainable choices.

Remember: Start with an old pair you don't love for practice. Once you've successfully hemmed 2-3 pairs, it becomes second nature and takes less than 30 minutes per pair. By your 5th pair, you'll be hemming like a pro!

Now that you know how to hem jeans, you'll never have to pay a tailor again!

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Last Updated: December 2025
Reading Time: 18 minutes

Have you successfully hemmed your jeans using this guide? We'd love to hear about it! Leave a comment below!