Master the Art of Hemming Blue Jeans: How to Keep That Perfect Original Hem!

Jeans are a staple in everyone’s wardrobe – they’re comfortable, versatile, and always in style. But often, the perfect pair of jeans ends up being too long, leading to trips to the tailor or awkwardly folded cuffs. However, there is a simple solution that will give you the perfect hem while preserving the original look of your jeans: hemming them while keeping the original hem intact. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to hem blue jeans and keep the original hem, so you can have stylish and perfectly fitted jeans without losing any of their unique character.

The Importance of Hemming Blue Jeans

Hemming blue jeans is an essential step in achieving the perfect fit for your favorite pair of denim. Whether you have just purchased new jeans or have a perfectly broken-in pair that needs some touching up, hemming can make a huge difference in how your jeans look and feel on your body.

First and foremost, the hem of your jeans plays a significant role in the overall appearance of your outfit. Ill-fitted hems can make even the most expensive and stylish pair of jeans look sloppy and unpolished. On the other hand, a well-done hem can elevate the entire look and give you the confidence to rock any outfit.

Apart from aesthetics, hemming also serves important functional purposes. When done correctly, hemming can prevent your jeans from fraying or dragging on the ground, extending their lifespan. It also allows for more comfortable movement without worrying about tripping over or getting caught on something.

Whether you have basic sewing skills or need to enlist the help of a professional tailor, learning how to properly hem your blue jeans is a valuable skill that will come in handy for years to come.

The Advantages of Keeping the Original Hem

When considering hemming your blue jeans, one important decision you may face is whether to keep or remove the original hem. While some may argue that removing and replacing the original hem with a new one is necessary for achieving a clean finish, there are several advantages to keeping it intact.

Firstly, keeping the original hem maintains the authentic look and design of the jeans. The designer’s choice of thread color and style is already incorporated into this seam, making it difficult to replicate with a new one. Additionally, preserving the original hem preserves any distressing or fading details that were intentionally placed by the designer.

Moreover, removing and stitching a new hem can sometimes alter the fit and style of the jeans. This is especially true for skinny or flared styles where the width of the hem can affect the overall fit. Keeping the original hem ensures that the jeans maintain their intended style and shape.

Finally, keeping the original hem can be a time-saving and cost-effective option. It eliminates the need to purchase additional materials and ensures that your jeans retain their identity without any unnecessary alterations.

Materials Needed for Hemming Blue Jeans

Before diving into the actual process of hemming blue jeans, it’s important to gather all necessary materials to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.

– A sewing machine with a heavy-duty needle: While hand sewing is always an option, using a machine will provide durability and a cleaner finish.

– Denim needles: These needles are specifically designed for sewing through thick fabrics like denim and will ensure your machine runs smoothly.

– Thread: Choose a sturdy thread that matches the color of your original hem. Cotton or polyester threads are recommended for denim hems as they provide strength and durability.

– Measuring tape or ruler: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving a proper hem length. A measuring tape or ruler will come in handy when determining how much fabric to cut off, as well as marking where to sew.

– Sewing pins or clips: These will help keep the fabric in place while sewing.

– Scissors: A pair of sharp scissors is necessary for cutting off excess fabric during hemming.

Steps for Hemming Blue Jeans

1. Try on your jeans with the shoes you typically wear them with. This will help determine how long or short you want your hem to be.

2. Measure from where you want your new hemline to be down to where you want your jeans to end. Add half an inch (1cm) onto this measurement to account for seam allowance.

3. Lay your jeans on a flat surface with inseam facing up.

4. Carefully remove the existing hem by either using a seam ripper or cutting off the hem with scissors. Be sure to only remove the stitching and not any of the fabric itself.

5. Fold up the jeans at the measured length, making sure both legs are folded evenly and smoothly.

6. Use sewing pins or clips to hold the folded fabric in place.

7. Using a denim needle and thread, sew a straight stitch along the bottom edge of each leg, backstitching at the beginning and end to secure the thread in place.

8. Once both legs are stitched, try on your jeans again to ensure they are at your desired length. If necessary, make any adjustments before cutting off the excess fabric.

9. Trim off any excess fabric, leaving about 1/4 inch (0.5cm) for seam allowance.

10. Use an overcasting stitch or serger along the raw edge of each leg to prevent fraying.

11. Press the new hemline with a hot iron, taking care not to flatten any intentional wrinkles or creases in your jeans.

Expert Tips for Hemming Blue Jeans

– When choosing thread for your hem, opt for a thicker weight than what you would use

Why Hemming Blue Jeans is Important

Hemming blue jeans is an essential skill for any fashion-conscious individual. Not only does it ensure a proper fit, but it also adds a polished and professional touch to your overall appearance. No one wants to be seen with frayed or uneven hemlines on their jeans. So, whether you need to hem your new pair of jeans or want to update the look of your old ones, learning how to hem them properly is key.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

To achieve a flawless hem on your blue jeans, you will need a few essential tools and materials. These include:

– Measuring tape: this will help you determine the correct length for your hem.
– Pins: to securely hold the fabric in place while hemming.
– Fabric pencil or chalk: this will allow you to mark the cutting line on your jeans.
– Fabric scissors: make sure they are sharp enough to cut through denim.
– Sewing machine or needle and thread: depending on your preference and sewing skills.
– Iron and ironing board: for pressing the fabric after hemming.

Step by Step Guide on How to Hem Blue Jeans

1. Measure the desired length – start by wearing your jeans and folding the bottom edge up to where you want the new hemline to be. Make sure both legs are folded evenly, then measure from the folded edge down to where you want the final hemline. Add an extra 1 inch for seam allowance, then mark this measurement with a fabric pencil or chalk.

2. Pin the fabric in place – once you have marked both legs, remove the jeans and lay them flat on a table or floor. Using pins, secure the folded edge in place along the marked line.

3. Cut off excess fabric – using sharp fabric scissors, cut along your marked line to remove the excess fabric. Be careful not to cut through both layers of fabric while doing this.

4. Determine the hem width – now, you need to decide how wide you want your hem to be. Generally, a ½ or 1-inch hem is standard for blue jeans. Use your measuring tape and mark the desired width along the folded edge of the jeans.

5. Press and fold – once your desired hem width is marked, remove the pins and unfold the fabric. Using an iron, press along the marked line to create a crisp fold. Then, refold the fabric along the pressed line and pin it in place.

6. Sew the hem – at this point, you can either use a sewing machine or sew by hand with a needle and thread. Starting at one side seam, sew along the folded edge using a straight stitch. Ensure that your stitches are evenly spaced and secure both ends with backstitching.

7. Finishing touches- trim off any excess thread and give your finished hemline one last press with an iron to ensure a clean and professional look.

Tips for Keeping Original Hem While Hemming

If you want to maintain the original hem on your blue jeans, follow these additional steps:

1. Cut off less fabric- instead of cutting off all of the excess fabric when determining your desired length, leave about 1-2 inches as this will be used to create an underfold for your original hem.

2. Fold and sew underfold- after pressing and folding along your final length mark, unfold one layer of fabric (the top layer). Then fold this layer up again towards your original mark from step 1 creating an extra fold underneath. Sew along this new fold using a straight stitch.

3. Trim excess fabric- trim off any remaining excess fabric from underneath your new underfold.

4.Return original hem- once trimmed, carefully unfold the original hem and tuck it between the two folds of your new underfold. Pin in place.

5. Sew- using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along the original stitching of your hem to secure it in place.

6. Finishing touches- give your jeans a final press with an iron, and you now have successfully hemmed your jeans while maintaining the original hemline.

Hemming blue jeans can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, you can easily achieve professional-looking results. Whether you want to update your old denim or hem a new pair to fit perfectly, following these steps will help you achieve a flawless finish every time. Remember to take your time, measure accurately, and use sharp scissors for clean cuts. With practice, you’ll become an expert at hemming blue jeans while keeping the original hem intact. So go ahead and give it a try! Your wardrobe will thank you for it.

1) What is the benefit of keeping the original hem when hemming blue jeans?
Keeping the original hem maintains the original look and style of the jeans, as well as preserving any distressing or fading that may be present. It also allows for a more seamless and professional looking hem.

2) What materials and tools are needed to hem blue jeans and keep the original hem?
You will need a sewing machine, thread that matches the color of your jeans, scissors or a seam ripper, pins, iron-on adhesive tape (optional), measuring tape, and a denim needle for your sewing machine.

3) How do I determine how much to shorten my jeans without losing the original hem?
To preserve the original hem, it is recommended to only shorten your jeans by 1-2 inches. You can use measuring tape to measure how much you need to shorten by and then use pins or chalk to mark where you will cut.

4) Can I keep the original hem on stretchy or tapered blue jeans?
Yes, it is possible to keep the original hem on stretchy or tapered jeans. However, it may require some extra patience and precision in order to achieve a clean and even finish.

5) Is it necessary to use a denim needle when sewing on denim fabric?
Yes, using a denim needle is important for sewing on any type of denim fabric. These needles are specifically designed with a sharp point and strong shaft to handle thick denim material.

6) Can I use iron-on adhesive tape instead of sewing when preserving the original hem on blue jeans?
Using iron-on adhesive tape can be an easier alternative for those who do not have access to a sewing machine or are not confident in their sewing skills. However, it may not provide as strong or long-lasting hold as sewing.

In conclusion, hemming blue jeans while retaining the original hem is a simple yet essential skill that many individuals may find useful. By following the steps outlined in this guide, anyone can achieve a professionally-looking hem on their blue jeans without losing the unique design of the original hem.

First and foremost, it is crucial to gather all the necessary materials and tools before beginning the hemming process. This includes a sewing machine, thread, scissors, pins, and of course, the pair of blue jeans in need of hemming. Additionally, it is crucial to carefully measure and mark the desired length to ensure an even and precise hem.

Next, implementing an appropriate sewing technique such as using a flat felled or topstitching method will help secure the new hem while keeping it neat and tidy. It is also important to pay attention to details such as thread color and stitch length to maintain a consistent look with the original hem.

Furthermore, incorporating tips such as ironing before pinning can make a significant difference in achieving a professional finish. And finally, one should always remember to try on the newly hemmed jeans before cutting off any excess material to avoid ending up with an undesirable length.

By learning how to properly hem blue jeans while preserving their original hems, individuals can save

Author Profile

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.