Replies

1. 
   Josefly | Apr 15, 2008 09:34pm | #1

   I've read of a technique - on this forum, I think, where the rough-looking, faded and/or frayed hem is cut off 1/2 inch above the old hem stitching line. Then the legs of the shorts or pants are cut off, leaving a 1/2 inch seam allowance. (In determining the new length of the pants, and where to cut to shorten them, you must remember to include the length of the hem to be added back on.) Then sew the hem back onto the pants-legs, right sides together using a half-inch seam allowance, and your new seam will be right over the old hem seam, so it won't show when you fold the hem down and press the seam allowances, now on the inside, up and out of sight. (You may want to serge the raw edges or zig-zag them to keep them from fraying too much.)

   Obviously, this technique can't be used if the pants are tapered, that is, narrower at the hem than at the place where you want the new hem to be, so measure carefully.

   Hope this helps.

1. 
   durf | Apr 16, 2008 12:27am | #2

   Thank you Josefly. I am going to try this. The jeans are a boot cut so that should be ok but I will check just to make sure that I have enough allowance. Thanks again

   Jan

1. 
   Josefly | Apr 16, 2008 03:42am | #3

   Good luck with it. Another option, I guess, would be to take a hammer and sandpaper to the new hem after you stitch it up.

1. 
   durf | Apr 16, 2008 03:59pm | #6

   I thought about that. My daughter in law suggested that I use a stone and make new freys

   Have a good day

   Blessings, Jan

2. 
   durf | Apr 16, 2008 05:30pm | #7

   Thank you Josefly and Soie fpr the help. I did one hem Soies way and the other Josefly way and they truned out Beautiful. I know what you mean by sewing close to the hem. Thank you ladies. I never realize how wonderful this Gatherings Discussion is and so helpful. Both of you Ladies havae a wondserful day

   Thanks

   Jan

1. 
   soie | Apr 17, 2008 08:19am | #12

   You're very welcome!

2. 
   soie | Apr 16, 2008 09:51am | #4

   I find it is easier to stitch the new jean hem before cutting anything it off.  Try on the jeans, folding the hem to the outside to the correct length, and pin fold in place.  Remove the jeans and measure from side waist to the bottom of the folded hem, which is your desired new finished length.  Write that measurement down.

   Unfold the hem.  Draw a chalkline across the new finished length position. Now fold up the jean hem to the outside again.  Note the width of the jean hem, usually about 1/2-5/8".  Align the original hem stitch line 1/2-5/8" above your chalked line, and pin in place.  (Actually, you could chalk a new line above your "finished hem" line, which would be the amount of your original hem x 2, or, about 1", above your "finished length" chalk line.  This allows for 1/2" seam allowance, and the addition of the original hem length to your new finished hem length.)

    Stitch very close below the original hem stitch line.  Now, turn the excess up into the jean leg, pressing the repositioned original hem downward.  Try on to be sure it's correct, and if there is more than a 1/2" tuck of excess fabric, overlock it off, and press well. 

   Happy Hemming!

1. 
   durf | Apr 16, 2008 03:57pm | #5

   Thank you Soie. I was just getting ready to go in my sewing room and practice on a leg of a pair of jeans that I had cut off. I will try that. Thanks again

   Jan

2. 
   durf | Apr 16, 2008 05:33pm | #8

   Soie thank you I left a message also for you in Josefly reply, not thinking that you would not be notified that you had a message. Thanks I did one hem your way and one josefly and both were beautiful and sewing close to the hem was the trick. Thanks All you ladies are so smart.

   Jan

1. 
   soie | Apr 17, 2008 08:04am | #10

   My costuming co-workers have taught me much of what I know!  Glad it's all working for you, and how fun to have this site to share great information.  Happy sewing!

3. 
   Pattiann42 | Apr 16, 2008 08:14pm | #9

   The method of keeping the original hem is called Euro Hem.

   Here is a visual - http://daciaray.com/?p=38

1. 
   soie | Apr 17, 2008 08:16am | #11

   What a great tutorial!  Thanks for preserviing it for us all.  Loved the tip on bell hems...I've struggled with that in the past and never solved my problem that logically!    Thanks. 

2. 
   durf | Apr 17, 2008 02:46pm | #13

   Thank you so muchfor the "How to!" I made a copy of it

   Thanks again

   Jan

4. 
   BernaWeaves | Apr 17, 2008 06:52pm | #14

   UGH!  Young people these days.  When I was young I had to just let my pants drag on the ground to get them to fray.  But since I had to walk to school uphill both ways, the fraying happened very quickly.

    

   Berna

1. 
   durf | Apr 17, 2008 11:56pm | #15

   You know that when I went to school I didn't even think of the freying. Quite frankly I though when I saw a pair of jeans with holes I thought they were poor or maybe noone knew how to sew on a patch. to this day I see my grandchildren with holes in jeans and I want to patch their holes.  I mentioned it one time about a patch and they said WHAT. However when it get to close to the front  crotch area I do insist. It is so funny they also tear the jeans at the side seam at the bottom so they hang unsewn and drag on the ground. Holy cow what next.  What a hoot

   Jan