Replies

1. 
   lou19 | Sep 15, 2010 05:12pm | #1

   A false hem is the easy option..........unpick, let down hem, press, sew on bias and  top stitch in place

2. 
   HelgaPataki | Oct 27, 2010 10:44pm | #2

   add trims to lengthen your jeans like

   ones with mirror-like plaques sewn into a ribbon, or fringy trims, or even bohemian style edgings.  when you add purchased ribbons, they are firmer and a lot easier to sew.  the style will be more casual/sporty so you wont have to spent a lot of work making your hemline perfect.  you can also buy by the inches-wide and easily adjust your hem-style.  Adding a purchased trim is already evenly cut and will help you predict your end-results. 

3. 
   Teaf5 | Nov 03, 2010 10:19pm | #3

   Longer jeans

   If you need only an inch or so, letting out the original hem and using a facing of fabric or lace works well; if you need more than that, you are creating a whole new look.  It's impossible to add onto jeans without being obvious about it, so use your imagination on how to make the addition look intentional instead of tacked on as an afterthought. 

   For example, you could add a double-faced band of velveteen, then add embroidery up the side seam from the bottom of the band up a few inches onto the denim.  Or echo the fabric of the added band elsewhere on the jeans in appliques, like on the back pocket or just beneath one of the front pockets.

   Your idea of pleather or ultrasuede would work well with a length of lacing up the bottom 8" or so of each leg.  You don't need eyelets to lace denim; just pierce a hole with an awl or sharp needle, and thread a strip of pleather like a shoelace, up from the hem, tying in a bow or knot above the ankle.

   Another way to deal with too-short jeans is to roll up the bottoms and wear them with great boots or socks...