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Hemming jeans can be daunting at first. But, with the right tools and methods, it becomes simple. You need a good sewing machine, like the BERNINA 3 Series, for this job. Make sure to use a Jeans Foot #8 to handle the thick denim layers well. The Straight Stitch Plate also helps keep your sewing neat. Choose special needles like Jeans needles size 90 or Topstitch needles size 100 for the best results.
Marking and cutting correctly are key to hemming jeans. A Height Compensation tool is great for making sure the foot is level on different fabric heights. Using a Sliding Hem Gauge to set your hem allowance to 1 1/8 inch will make your work sharp. Don’t forget to use a Chalk and sharp shears for cutting cleanly and precisely.
Don’t skip the step of pressing your hem. A Sleeve pressing board can help make your hems look really sharp. For the right thread, Isacord embroidery thread works well with the heavy denim thread. But, you can also use Mettler Silk Finish or Metrosene. Isacord offers over 400 colors, so you can find the perfect match for your jeans.
How to Hem Jeans?
Patience and attention to detail are vital for a great jeans hem. By using these techniques, even a beginner can get a pro look. Enjoy the rewarding and budget-friendly aspects of DIY denim altering when you take your time and do it right. There are various ways to hem jeans by the way, the ways are as listed below;
Hemming Jeans by Hand vs. Using a Sewing Machine
Choosing between hand-sewn and machine-sewn jean hemming affects both style and strength. Both methods have their benefits. Knowing these can either make your jeans unique through hand-sewing or perfect by machine.
How to Hem Jeans by Hand?
If you like adding your personal touch, choose hand-sewn hemming. First, wear your jeans with the shoes you’ll use to check the length. Markdown the new hem with chalk or pins. Ensure the jeans are flat and both legs match perfectly. Re-double check and then cut the excess fabric with sharp scissors. The edge looks rough as it adds a unique style to your jeans, so you don’t need to worry for it anyway.
How to Hem Port Jeans with Sewing Machine?
Making hems with a sewing machine gives a clean look. Begin by measuring and securing the length with pins. A Sliding Hem Gauge helps set a proper hem allowance of 1 1/8 inch. Trim off the extra fabric. Double-turn the hem neatly. Use a sewing machine to stitch close to the edge and prevent fraying. When sewing over thick parts, the Height Compensation tool aids in maintaining level stitches.
The Free Hand System can also help handle bulk. For the best results, use a BERNINA Jeans Foot #8D with Dual Feed for smoother stitching. Choose a Size 90 Jeans Needle for thin threads. If your thread is thick, a Topstitch Needle at size 100 works better. Isacord embroidery thread, with over 400 colors, can match your denim perfectly.
Cost Considerations in Hemming Jeans
Looking at jean hemming costs means checking out both pro work and DIY. Nordstrom offers free hemming for high-end brands but charges extra to keep the original hem. Doing it yourself saves money, especially since pros might ask for about $20 just to keep the old hem. This method is not only budget-friendly but also set for a good jean fix.
How much Does it Cost to Hem Jeans?
Getting your pants hemmed by a pro can cost about $8. Yet, jeans are a bit more, especially to keep the original look. Places like Railcar Fine Goods and Norman Porter can do a great job but might charge more, about $15 for extra adjustments. On forums, many people share tips about hemming, like whether to keep the original hem or not, with over 9,000 views and 28 replies by 11 folks.
Depending on a few things, the price of hemming denim varies. For example, making denim shorter can cost $4 – $5 more than other materials. It shows why planning your budget for jean fixes is crucial. Jeans look and feel much better when the hems are just right, whether it’s by a pro or a personal project.
Maintaining the Original Hem Look
Maintaining the original hem of your jeans is vital. It helps them keep their factory appearance. It’s great for jeans with a straight or tapered leg. But, it’s not for flared jeans because they’re wider at the bottom. By saving the original hem, you keep the look of the factory hem. You also get to keep any special worn-out details at the bottom. This is perfect for people who love a well-kept, real look.
People who don’t like the unfinished hem look really like this method. To do it right, you have to follow certain steps. You fold the jeans to the right length and mark where to cut. Then sew the new hem with the same color thread. Cut off the extra fabric, and use a zigzag stitch or a serger to stop fraying. It’s super important to choose a thread color that is just like your jeans. This makes the hem change look unseen and smooth.
Remember not to do a big seam allowance while you’re shortening jeans. Keep it at ½ inch or less. The fold of your new hem is usually 3/8 inch high. Often, about 70-80% of jeans need to be made shorter when you first buy them. This trick is very useful. Also, it’s key to press the hem flat before you sew. This gives your jeans a tidy, expert look. Doing this keeps your jeans looking aged but well-kept. It’s a long-lasting and fashionable fix for jeans.
Advantages of DIY Jean Hemming
Hemming your jeans yourself saves money. But it’s not just about the cash. You become your own expert in changing clothes to make them fit just right. This means you can earn about $30 for each person’s jeans you hem. So, there’s a good reason to get good at this skill, both for practical use and to make some extra money.
Doing your own denim tailoring lets you try new hemming styles. Most jeans use the Original Hem Method, keeping them looking the same. But when it comes to kids’ jeans, the Tuck Method can be better because it leaves extra length for growing kids. This makes your wardrobe more varied and helps keep your favorite jeans in use for longer.
What’s more, hemming jeans by yourself builds your confidence. To make your clothes reflect your personality it’s a coolest way you can go with. Plus, it can open the door to even more sewing projects. You might find yourself creating cool retro looks or vintage styles. This way, you not only look sharp but also enjoy making your own clothes.
Final Thoughts
Learning to hem jeans gives you practical skills too. Special tools, like a marking wheel for denim and some chalk, help you do a good job, even if you’re new to it. There are plenty of guides and videos to help you along the way. Doing this at home is cheaper and faster than visiting a tailor. It makes you more independent and saves you a trip to the store for small fixes.
Nisha Patwa
