Mastering the Art of Hemming: A Foolproof Guide for Faux Leather Pants

AvatarByJill Nammar Hemming

Leather pants have long been a staple in the world of fashion, exuding a sense of edginess and sophistication. However, as much as we love the look of leather, not all of us are able to afford genuine leather pants. This is where faux leather comes in – a more affordable and often more environmentally friendly alternative. But with its rise in popularity, many are left wondering how to properly care for faux leather garments. Specifically, how to hem those pesky faux leather pants that always seem to be too long. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of hemming faux leather pants, ensuring that you can achieve the perfect fit every time without compromising on style or quality. So grab your sewing kit and let’s get started on mastering the art of hemming faux leather pants!

Faux leather pants have become extremely popular in recent years, due to their stylish and edgy look. However, just like genuine leather, they can be tricky to alter and hem. If you’ve found the perfect pair of faux leather pants but they are too long or need some adjusting, don’t worry! In this guide, we will walk you through the process of hemming faux leather pants, providing you with all the tips and tricks you need to achieve a perfect fit.

Gather Your Tools

Before you begin hemming your faux leather pants, it is important to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Hemming faux leather requires some specialized tools that may not be readily available in your sewing kit. You will need sharp scissors or a rotary cutter, sewing pins or clips, a marking tool such as a chalk or fabric pen, a ruler or measuring tape, sewing machine needles for leather or heavier fabrics, and a zipper foot for your sewing machine.

It is important to use the right type of needles when sewing faux leather. Standard needles can easily get stuck and leave visible holes in the fabric. Leather needles are designed specifically for working with thicker materials like faux leather and will ensure smooth stitching.

Measuring and Marking

When hemming any type of pants, accurate measurement is crucial for achieving a polished look. Start by trying on your pants with the shoes you plan on wearing them with. This will help determine how much length needs to be removed from the hem.

Next, turn your pants inside out and lay them flat on a table or ironing board. Use your ruler or measuring tape to measure from the bottom of the pant leg to the desired length. Make sure to measure on both sides of each pant leg as they may not be identical.

Once you have determined your desired length, use pins or clips to mark the new hemline. Make sure to mark in a straight line all the way around the pant leg. Alternatively, you can also use a chalk or fabric pen for marking, just be sure to use a light color that will not bleed through the fabric.

Cutting and Preparing

Now that your pants are marked, it’s time to cut off the excess fabric. Lay your pants flat on your cutting mat and use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to cut along the marked hemline. Be sure to cut evenly and in a straight line for a professional finish.

Before sewing, it is important to prepare the raw edge of the faux leather fabric. Since faux leather does not fray like regular fabric, there is no need for finishing the raw edge with pinking shears or serging. However, you will need to trim away any excess bulk from the seam allowance, especially if your pants have a lining.

Once trimmed, use an iron set to low heat and place a pressing cloth over the raw edge of your hemline. Press gently for about 10 seconds to seal and flatten any rough edges.

Sewing Your Hem

With your pants now prepared, it is time to sew your hemline. Start by folding up the hem along the marked line and pinning or clipping in place. Use your zipper foot on your sewing machine for this step as it will help prevent any slipping or puckering of the fabric while stitching.

Set your stitch length to medium and slowly sew around the entire pant leg, about 1/4 inch from the folded edge of your hemline. Remember to backstitch at both ends for added security.

If you have a lining in your faux leather pants, you may want to hand stitch it down using an invisible ladder stitch so that no stitches are visible on the outside of your pants.

Finishing Touches

After sewing your hem, you may notice some wrinkles or puckering in the faux leather fabric. This is normal and can easily be remedied by gently stretching and flattening the fabric along the hemline. Use your iron on low heat and a pressing cloth to gently press out any remaining wrinkles.

If your pants have a lining, you may want to topstitch around the bottom of your pants for added structure and a finished look. Simply use a matching thread color and stitch along the folded hemline, about 1/8 inch from the edge.

Final Thoughts

Hemming faux leather pants may seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a simple and rewarding task. Remember to take accurate measurements, use proper needles and tools, and prepare your fabric before sewing. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to achieve a perfect hemline on your faux leather pants in no time. So go ahead and confidently rock that new pair of stylish faux leather pants!

Preparation for Hemming Faux Leather Pants

Before embarking on the task of hemming faux leather pants, it is essential to gather all the necessary tools and materials. This will ensure a smooth and successful hemming process. The following are the items you will need:

1. Faux leather pants
2. Measuring tape
3. Sharp scissors
4. Chalk or fabric marker
5. Sewing machine (preferably with a leather needle)
6. Matching thread
7. Seam ripper (in case of any mistakes)

Once you have all these items, you can begin preparing your pants for hemming.

Choosing the Right Hem Length

The first step to hemming faux leather pants is measuring and marking the desired length of the hemline. This may depend on personal preference or the style of your pants.

To determine the ideal length, put on your pants and measure from the waistband to where you want the new hemline to be. Mark this length with a pin or chalk.

If you want to maintain the original hemline, measure from the bottom edge of the original hem instead of the waistband.

Remember to consider any shoes you plan on wearing with your pants when measuring for length.

Preparing and Cutting the Hemline

With your desired length marked, it’s time to prepare and cut the faux leather pants for hemming.

Firstly, turn your pants inside out and lay them flat on a work surface.

Using a sharp pair of scissors, carefully cut along the marked hemline, ensuring that it is even all around.

It is essential to take care when cutting faux leather fabric as it tends to be thicker than other fabrics and can easily dull your scissors if not handled properly.

New Hemline Preparation

After cutting off excess fabric from your pant legs, you will need to prepare the new hemline. This involves folding the fabric up and creating a clean edge that will be stitched in place.

To do this, fold the bottom edge of the fabric up by 1 inch and then again by another inch to create a double-folded hem. Secure the fold with pins or clips along the entire length of the pant leg.

Be sure to take your time with this step as it can be tricky to get an even and straight hemline on faux leather fabric.

Stitching the Hem

With your hemline prepared, it’s time to start stitching. Use a sewing machine with a leather needle and matching thread for best results.

Begin by removing any excess thread from your machine and setting it to a medium stitch length. You may want to practice on a scrap piece of faux leather before sewing on your pants to adjust tension settings if needed.

Start stitching at one of the side seams, backstitching at the beginning and end to secure your stitches. Use a straight stitch about ¼ inch away from the bottom edge of your pants, sewing all around the leg until you reach where you started.

Repeat this process for the second pant leg, making sure both hems are sewn evenly and securely.

Finishing Touches

With your new hemline stitched in place, all that’s left is some final touches. Remove any remaining pins or clips and try on your faux leather pants. Make sure you are happy with the length before cutting off any excess thread.

If there are any visible marks from where you marked your original hemline, simply use a damp cloth or eraser to rub them off gently.

You may also choose to add some topstitching around the hemline for a more professional finish. This is not necessary but can add some extra durability to your new hemline.

Hemming faux leather pants may seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a simple process. Be sure to take your time and follow the steps carefully for the best results.

Once you have mastered hemming faux leather pants, you can apply the same technique to any other faux leather garments, such as skirts or jackets.

Remember to practice on scrap fabric first and adjust tension settings on your sewing machine if needed. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can achieve a perfect hem on your faux leather pants.

1. What tools do I need to hem faux leather pants?
Answer: To hem faux leather pants, you will need a sewing machine with a leather needle, scissors, pins, measuring tape, and an iron.

2. Can I use regular sewing needles to hem faux leather pants?
Answer: No, regular sewing needles are not strong enough to sew through faux leather. It is recommended to use a specialized leather needle that is designed to handle thick and tough materials.

3. How much should I take in when hemming faux leather pants?
Answer: When hemming faux leather pants, it is important to measure and mark the desired length before cutting. It is recommended to leave an extra 1-2 inches of fabric for the hem allowance.

4. Are there any special techniques for sewing hems on faux leather pants?
Answer: Yes, there are a few techniques that can help you achieve neat and professional-looking hems on faux leather pants. One technique is to use clips instead of pins, as pins can leave permanent holes in the fabric. You can also try using a glue stick or double-sided tape to temporarily hold the hem in place while sewing.

5. How do I iron faux leather pants without damaging them?
Answer: Faux leather can melt or deform when exposed to high heat, so it is important to use a low heat setting when ironing these pants. It is also recommended to place a thin cloth over the fabric before ironing to protect it from direct heat.

6. Can I hand-sew hems on faux leather pants?
Answer:Faux leather can be difficult to hand-sew due to its thickness and strength. It is recommended to use a sewing machine for hems, but if you are experienced in hand-sewing, make sure to use a strong and sharp needle designed for leather.

In conclusion, hemming faux leather pants can be done easily and efficiently with the proper tools and techniques. It is important to carefully measure and mark the desired hemline, use a suitable needle and thread, and follow the correct stitching method to achieve a clean and professional look. Moreover, understanding how to work with faux leather fabric is crucial in achieving successful results.

Faux leather pants have become a popular fashion staple for their stylish appearance and affordability. However, they require specific care and attention when it comes to hemming due to their unique material. By following the steps outlined in this guide, anyone can confidently hem their own faux leather pants at home without needing to take them to a professional tailor or seamstress.

It is also important to remember that patience and practice are key in mastering the art of hemming faux leather pants. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t come out perfectly – keep practicing until you feel comfortable with the process. The reward of perfectly fitting pants that have been customized to your liking will make all the effort worth it.

In addition, learning how to hem faux leather pants not only saves time and money but also gives you the freedom to create unique designs that reflect your personal style. With these tips in mind, you can confidently tackle any faux leather

Author Profile

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.