Master the Art of Hemming Flared Jeans: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever found the perfect pair of jeans, only to realize they are just a bit too long and have that dreaded “flared” cut at the bottom? Or perhaps your old favorite jeans have lost their hem and now have an unflattering frayed look. This common dilemma can be easily solved with one simple skill: hemming flared jeans. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of hemming those flared jeans to create a clean and polished look. Say goodbye to dragging hems and hello to perfectly fitted flared jeans with our easy-to-follow tips and tricks. Are you ready to learn how to achieve the perfect hem for your favorite jeans? Let’s get started!

Understanding Flared Jeans

Flared jeans have been a popular fashion trend since the 1970s, and they continue to make a comeback today. These jeans feature a wider leg opening, typically starting from the knee and flaring out towards the hem. They offer a unique silhouette that is both flattering and stylish. However, many people struggle with styling and hemming flared jeans. In this guide, we will take an in-depth look at how to hem flared jeans to achieve the perfect fit.

Preparation for Hemming

Before hemming your flared jeans, there are some essential things you should do to prepare. First, wash and dry your jeans according to their care instructions before marking or cutting them. This will ensure that the fabric has shrunk down to its true size so you can get an accurate measurement for the hem.

Next, put on your flared jeans while wearing the shoes you plan to wear with them. This step is crucial because different shoes may affect the length of your jeans. You want to make sure that your hem hits at the right place when you are standing in your shoes.

Types of Hemming Techniques

There are several ways to hem flared jeans depending on personal preference and skill level. The most common methods include using a sewing machine or hand-stitching by hand. Let’s take a closer look at each technique:

Using A Sewing Machine

If you have basic sewing skills and access to a sewing machine, this method is relatively easy and results in a professional-looking finish.

Step 1: Start by trying on your jeans with shoes as mentioned earlier and determine how much length needs to be taken off from the bottom of each leg.

Step 2: Measure and mark this amount evenly around both legs with pins or fabric chalk.

Step 3: Lay your jeans flat with the wrong side out and fold up the hem to your marked line. Pin in place, making sure it is even all the way around.

Step 4: Sew along the pinned line with a straight stitch on your sewing machine or with a needle and thread if using a hand-sewing technique.

Step 5: Trim off the excess fabric, leaving about 1/4 inch seam allowance. You can also serge or zig-zag stitch the raw edge to prevent fraying.

Hand-stitching by Hand

If you are comfortable with hand-sewing, you can also hem your flared jeans this way. It takes a bit more time and patience but results in a clean, invisible finish.

Step 1: Follow steps 1-3 as outlined above for using a sewing machine.

Step 2: Thread a needle with matching thread, tie a knot at one end, and make small stitches along the folded hemline, about ¼ inch apart.

Step 3: When you reach about an inch away from the starting point, pull on the thread to tighten it and tie off with a knot.

Step 4: Trim off any excess thread and fabric and press your new hemline with an iron for a polished look.

Tips for Hemming Flared Jeans

-Hem your flared jeans when they are hemmed already for best results.
-When measuring how much length to take off, remember that denim tends to shrink after washing.
-Consider using contrasting thread or adding decorative stitching for added style.
-You can also opt for professional alteration services if you are not confident in doing it yourself.
-Always try on your jeans after hemming before cutting off any excess fabric to ensure they fit comfortably.
-Take caution when using scissors near delicate fabrics like denim as it is prone to fraying.

Hemming flared jeans can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done easily. Whether you choose to use a sewing machine or hand-sew your hems, following these steps will ensure you have a perfect fit every time. Remember to prepare your jeans before hemming and try them on with shoes before making any adjustments. With these tips in mind, you can confidently rock your flared jeans in style.

Why Hem Flared Jeans?

Hemming your flared jeans may seem like an unnecessary task, but it can make a huge difference in the appearance of your outfit. Flared jeans have been a popular style for decades and are known for their wide leg opening that flares out from the knee down. This style can be incredibly flattering and add some fun movement to your look, but it can also cause some styling challenges.

One of the most common problems with flared jeans is that they are often too long, dragging on the ground and getting dirty or torn. Hemming them to the proper length not only ensures that they look their best, but also prevents any tripping hazards. Additionally, hemming your flared jeans can help balance out your figure by creating a more streamlined silhouette.

Furthermore, by hemming your flared jeans, you have more control over how they fit on your legs. You can choose to slightly crop them if you want to show off a statement shoe or leave them longer for a more classic look. Whatever your preference may be, hemming allows you to customize the fit of your flared jeans and make them truly yours.

Materials Needed

Hemming flared jeans is a relatively simple process that requires minimal materials. However, having the right tools will ensure a successful outcome. Here’s what you’ll need:
– A pair of sharp fabric scissors
– A needle
– Matching thread
– Pins or clips
– Measuring tape or ruler
– Iron and ironing board

Step-by-Step Guide

1) Try on Your Jeans:
Put on your flared jeans and determine how much you want to take them up. It’s important to wear shoes with a similar heel height in which you plan to wear with these jeans so you can get an accurate measurement.

2) Measure and Mark:
Using your measuring tape or ruler, measure the length from the bottom of the leg to where you want the jeans to hit. Mark this spot with a pin or clip on both legs, ensuring they are an equal distance from the bottom of your original hem.

3) Remove Original Hem:
Take off your jeans and lay them flat on a table. Carefully cut off the original hem by following the marked spot. Be sure to cut straight across and avoid making any jagged edges.

4) Iron Your New Hemline:
Using your iron, press down on the new hemline while folding it up towards the wrong side of the fabric. This will create a clean and crisp fold that will make it easier for you to sew.

5) Pin or Clip:
Once your hem is folded, secure it in place by pinning or clipping along the entire circumference of both legs. Be sure to evenly space them out to keep your hem consistent.

6) Sew the Hem:
Thread your needle with matching thread and tie a knot at one end. Start sewing at one side seam, making small stitches to secure your hem in place. Work your way around until you reach the starting point and tie another knot to finish off.

7) Trim Excess Fabric:
Turn your jeans inside out and trim off any excess fabric from inside the leg. This step is crucial for avoiding any bulging or discomfort caused by extra fabric.

8) Press Again:
Lastly, give your new hemline one final press with an iron to ensure it lays flat and looks polished.

Pro Tips

– If you’re not confident in cutting off your original hemline, try using pins or clips as a guide to fold up instead.
– Before sewing, make sure that you have chosen a thread color that matches or blends well with your jeans.
– Try different lengths before committing to one. You can always make adjustments if you are not satisfied with the original measurement.

Styling Tips

– To lengthen the appearance of your legs, opt for a higher-waisted pair of flared jeans and hem them to barely touch the floor. This will create an illusion of longer legs.
– For a more casual look, try hemming your flared jeans to hit just above your ankles and pair them with some trendy sneakers.
– If you have multiple pairs of flared jeans, experiment with different lengths to create a variety of looks. You can even try fraying the bottom for a more bohemian vibe.

Hemming flared jeans doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and some patience, you can easily achieve the perfect length that suits your style. Not only does hemming make your flared jeans more practical, but it also allows you to play around with different lengths and make them uniquely yours. So next time you’re struggling with too-long flared jeans, don’t hesitate to give hemming a try!

Q: What tools do I need to hem flared jeans?
A: To hem flared jeans, you will need a sewing machine, a measuring tape, scissors, pins, and thread that matches the color of your jeans.

Q: How do I measure the desired length for my hem?
A: Measure from the bottom of your jeans to the desired length and add an extra inch for seam allowance. Make sure to try on the jeans with shoes to ensure the correct length.

Q: Can I hem flared jeans without a sewing machine?
A: It is possible to hand-sew a hem on flared jeans, but it may be more time-consuming and difficult to achieve a professional finish.

Q: How do I sew the hem on my flared jeans?
A: To sew the hem on your flared jeans, fold up the excess fabric towards the inside of the leg and use pins to hold it in place. Then, use a straight stitch on your sewing machine or hand-sew with small stitches along the edge of the folded fabric.

Q: Do I need special thread for hemming flared jeans?
A: It is recommended to use threads that are specifically designed for denim or heavier fabrics when hemming flared jeans. These threads are stronger and less likely to break while sewing.

Q: Can I alter the flare of my jeans while hemming?
A: Yes, you can adjust the flare of your jeans while hemming by slightly tapering in or widening out the fabric as you sew. This will result in a more personalized fit for your body type.

In conclusion, learning how to hem flared jeans is a valuable skill that can save you time and money while also giving you the opportunity to customize your wardrobe in a unique and fashionable way. The process may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and techniques, anyone can master it. The key steps involved include measuring and marking, cutting or pinning the excess fabric, sewing a new hemline, and finally ironing for a clean finish. However, it is important to remember that each pair of jeans may require different adjustments depending on the style and fit. It is also essential to take your time and be patient while working on this task in order to achieve the best results.

Hemming flared jeans not only helps in achieving the perfect fit, but it also contributes towards reducing textile waste and promotes more sustainable fashion choices. By learning this skill, we can prolong the lifespan of our clothing items and reduce our carbon footprint on the environment.

Furthermore, by understanding how to hem flared jeans, we are empowered to repurpose old or thrifted denim pieces into current fashion trends without breaking the bank. This not only adds a unique touch to our wardrobes but also encourages us to be more conscious consumers by reducing our reliance on fast fashion.

In essence,

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.