Introduction

Hemming your pants is essential to achieve the perfect fit and style. A sewing machine can help you efficiently hem your pants and bring out the professional look you desire. In this article, we will discuss three ways to use a sewing machine for hemming pants, so you can choose the method that suits you best.

Method 1: Straight Stitch Hem

1. Measure and mark: Firstly, put on the pants and fold the excess fabric at the bottom to achieve the desired length. Mark the spot, and then take off the pants and iron the fold flat. Make sure to measure from the edge of the folded material to achieve an even hem all around.

2. Double fold: Create double-fold by folding a quarter-inch (or half-centimeter) of fabric towards the inside, then iron it down. Fold it over another quarter-inch (or half centimeter) again and iron again.

3. Sew straight stitch: Now that you have a double-fold hem, sew around it using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, about 1/8 inch (or a scant 3 millimeters) from the inner folded edge. Make sure to maintain even stitches and apply steady pressure when feeding the fabric.

4. Trim excess: After completing your stitches, trim any excess threads and press your hem flat once more.

Method 2: Blind Hem Stitch

1. Prepare pants: Similar to Method 1, begin by measuring and marking your desired pant length before folding it inwards against itself along that mark.

2. Iron in place: Iron over this fold to create a crisp line at what will become your new pant length.

3. Set up sewing machine: Switch your sewing machine settings to accommodate blind hem stitching and attach a blind hem foot if needed.

4. Sew blind hem stitch: Fold back about half of your previously ironed fold, revealing its raw edge and leaving the ironed seam exposed. Carefully sew a blind hem stitch, securing only a few strands of the pant’s original fabric to ensure the stitching stays hidden when viewed from the outside.

5. Press and finish: After stitching your blind hem, unfold your pants and press the hem well. Trim any excess threads for a clean finish.

Method 3: Rolled Hem

1. Measure and trim excess fabric: Begin by measuring and marking your desired pant length as in previous methods. Then trim off excess fabric, leaving a half-inch (or about 1.27 centimeters) below your mark.

2. Set up sewing machine: Switch your sewing machine settings to accommodate rolled hems, as instructed by your machine’s manual, and attach a rolled hem foot if needed.

3. Start rolling hem: Feed the trimmed edge of the pants leg into the rolled hem foot, guiding it as it rolls your fabric to create a clean, narrow hem.

4. Sew rolled hem: Once you have guided the fabric into the rolled hem foot properly, begin sewing slowly around the pant leg with a straight stitch while maintaining an even pace and tension.

5. Press for neatness: After completing your rolled hem, press it with an iron and trim any excess threads to achieve a crisp finish.

Conclusion

Whether you choose a straight stitch hem, blind hem stitch or a rolled hem, all three methods will provide you with professional-looking results when using a sewing machine to hem pants. Practice each technique to find which suits you best or mix up your styles depending on your preference or type of garment you are adjusting. Happy sewing!