Say Goodbye to Baggy Pants: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Hem Sweatpants

Are your sweatpants always dragging on the ground, causing you to constantly trip and adjust them? Or maybe they’re just a tad too long and you can never seem to find the perfect pair that fits your height. Whatever the case may be, learning how to hem your sweatpants is an essential skill for any comfort-loving individual. Not only will it save you money from constantly buying new pairs, but it will also give you the satisfaction of customizing your sweatpants to fit perfectly. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to hem sweatpants like a pro. So grab your sewing kit and let’s get started!

Sweatpants are a comfortable and versatile clothing item that can be worn for various activities and occasions. However, they sometimes come in a standard length that may not fit everyone perfectly. This is where knowing how to hem sweatpants comes in handy. Whether you have an old pair of sweatpants that need a refresh or a new pair that’s too long for your liking, hemming them allows you to achieve the perfect length and fit. It may seem like a daunting task, but with the right materials and techniques, it can be done easily at home.

Understanding Sweatpants Fabric

Before we dive into the hemming process, it’s important to understand the fabric of sweatpants. Most sweatpants are made from jersey or fleece fabric, which is stretchy and comfortable to wear. This type of fabric can also be prone to shrinking, so it’s essential to follow the proper care instructions when washing and drying your sweatpants.

Tools and Materials Needed

To hem your sweatpants, you will need a few tools and materials. These include:

Fabric scissors
Sewing machine or needle and thread
Pins or clips
Tape measure
Fabric chalk or marker
Sewing gauge (optional)
Iron (optional)

It’s also recommended to have spare fabric in case of any mistakes or mishaps during the hemming process.

Preparation

Start by washing your sweatpants according to the care instructions on the label. This will ensure that any shrinkage happens before you start hemming. Once they are dry, turn them inside out and try them on to determine how much length you would like to take off. Use a tape measure to measure the desired length.

Next, lay your sweatpants on a flat surface and use fabric chalk or a fabric marker to mark the hemline. As an alternative, you can use pins or clips to mark the desired length. Make sure to mark both legs evenly.

Hemming Techniques

There are various techniques for hemming sweatpants, but we will cover two of the most popular methods: using a sewing machine and hand sewing.

Hemming with a Sewing Machine

Firstly, fold the bottom of your sweatpants up to the marked hemline and press it with an iron. This will create a clean and crisp fold line for you to follow when sewing.

Next, using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, sew along the folded hemline. It’s important to backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam for added durability. If you have a serger machine, you can also use it to sew and finish the raw edge of your hem.

Once you have sewn both legs, try on your sweatpants again to ensure that they are at the desired length. If not, you can adjust and re-sew as needed.

Hand Sewing Method

If you don’t have a sewing machine or prefer hand sewing, you can also hem your sweatpants using this method.

Begin by folding the bottom of your pant legs up to the marked hemline and securing it in place with pins or clips. Using a needle and thread, stitch around the folded edge in a running stitch pattern. Be sure to knot off your thread securely before cutting off any excess thread. You can also use this technique if there are any remaining raw edges after using a sewing machine.

Finishing Touches

Once you’ve completed one of these techniques, try on your newly hemmed sweatpants again for any final adjustments. If you’re satisfied with the length, remove any visible pins or clips and give your sweatpants a final press with an iron.

For added durability, you can also topstitch over the seam using a zigzag stitch or using a twin needle on your sewing machine.

Hemming your sweatpants is a simple and cost-effective way to achieve the perfect fit and length. With the right tools and techniques, you can easily do it yourself at home. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods and have fun customizing your sweatpants to fit your personal style. Happy hemming!

What are sweatpants?

Sweatpants are a type of comfortable and casual pants that are typically made from soft, breathable fabric such as cotton or fleece. They often feature an elasticized waistband and cuffs at the ankles, making them easy to pull on and off. Originally designed as athletic wear, sweatpants have become a popular wardrobe staple for lounging around the house, running errands, and even dressing up for athleisure looks.

The benefits of hemming sweatpants

While sweatpants are meant to be comfortable and relaxed, having them properly hemmed can offer several benefits. First, hemming allows you to tailor the length of your sweatpants to your preference, ensuring they fit you just right. This is especially useful for those who may be shorter or taller than average. Hemming also prevents the fabric at the bottom of your sweatpants from dragging on the ground or getting caught on your feet, which can be inconvenient and potentially cause wear and tear on the fabric over time.

Another benefit of hemming sweatpants is that it can give your overall look a more polished and put-together appearance. While they may be traditionally seen as loungewear, styled with a well-fitted top and shoes, hemmed sweatpants can easily pass as a stylish athleisure look that can take you from running errands to meeting friends for brunch.

Tools needed for hemming sweatpants

Before you begin hemming your sweatpants, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools beforehand to ensure a smooth process. The main tool needed is a sewing machine, but if you don’t have one at home, you can also hand-sew using a needle and thread. Other tools that may come in handy include scissors (preferably fabric scissors), pins or clips for holding fabric in place while sewing, measuring tape or ruler, and iron for pressing the fabric.

Step-by-step guide on how to hem sweatpants

Now that you have all the tools needed, it’s time to start hemming your sweatpants. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process:

1. Determine the desired length of your sweatpants by trying them on and marking where you want them to hit on your legs.

2. Measure and mark this length from the bottom of your sweatpants using pins or fabric chalk.

3. If using a sewing machine, fold the bottom of your pants up to meet the marked line and pin or clip in place, making sure the fabric is even all around. If hand-sewing, fold the fabric up twice at the marked line and secure with pins or clips.

4. Using a straight stitch on your sewing machine or a running stitch if hand-sewing, sew around the folded edge of your pants, removing pins or clips as you go.

5. Once you’ve gone all around, trim any excess fabric from inside before turning your pants right-side-out.

6. Press down on the hem with an iron to create a clean and crisp look.

7. For additional reinforcement, you can also sew another line below the first one for added stability.

8. Repeat these steps with the other pant leg, making sure both legs are even in length.

Tips for perfecting your hem

Hemming takes practice and sometimes may require some adjustments to get it just right. Here are some tips that can help you perfect your hem:

– It’s important to measure accurately before sewing to avoid having one pant leg longer than the other.
– If using a sewing machine, make sure to use thread that matches or complements the color of your sweatpants for a seamless look.
– When pinning or clipping fabric in place before sewing, make sure it’s even all around to avoid having a jagged hemline.
– Always press your sweatpants before and after sewing to create a crisp and neat finish.
– If you’re not confident in your sewing skills, consider getting your sweatpants hemmed by a professional tailor for a flawless result.

Hemming sweatpants is a simple task that can make a big difference in the way they look and feel. With the right tools and techniques, you can easily transform your casual loungewear into stylish athleisure attire. Whether you prefer a classic cropped length or something more trendy like an ankle-grazing hem, following these steps will help you achieve the perfect fit for your sweatpants. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different styles to find what works best for you!

1. What tools do I need to hem my sweatpants?
You will need fabric scissors, pins, a sewing machine or needle and thread, measuring tape, and an iron.

2. Can I use regular scissors to cut the hem of my sweatpants?
No, it is recommended to use fabric scissors as they are sharp enough to make clean cuts without fraying the edges of the fabric.

3. How much should I hem off of my sweatpants?
It depends on personal preference, but a standard hem for sweatpants is about 1-2 inches.

4. Should I wash my sweatpants before hemming them?
Yes, it is always best to wash and dry your garment before hemming as some fabrics may shrink in the wash.

5. Is it necessary to iron the new hem before sewing it?
Yes, ironing helps create crisp and straight hems for a professional finish. It also makes it easier to sew along the edge.

6. How do I sew a straight and even hem on my sweatpants?
Start by ironing the fabric, then measure and mark where you want your new hemline to be. Fold the fabric over along the marked line and press with an iron again. Use pins to secure the folded edges in place before sewing along the edge with a straight stitch on your sewing machine or by hand with a backstitch.

In conclusion, knowing how to hem sweatpants is an important skill for anyone who wants to personalize their wardrobe or save money on alterations. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently hem your sweatpants and achieve a professional-looking finish. Remember to carefully measure and mark the desired length, choose the appropriate needle and thread, and use the right stitching techniques to secure your hems. Additionally, consider incorporating personal touches such as decorative stitches or adding elastic for a more customized fit. With practice, you will become more comfortable with hemming and may even discover creative ways to repurpose old sweatpants. Keep these tips in mind and you will be able to create perfectly hemmed sweatpants that are both functional and stylish in no time.

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.