Pant cuffs can create a classic or trendy look, depending on your point of view and preference. They can vary in depth: Classic cuffs are typically 1 1/4 inches to 1 1/2 inches deep, and trendy cuffs can be much deeper.

What the pros do

Many years ago, while working in a menswear shop, I would sew the initial hem with a blind stitch on the machine (before the pant cuffs were formed and pressed). If you’d prefer a couture technique, you would sew the hem by hand before cuffing.

Note: Be sure there is enough fabric beyond the desired finished hem length to create your pant cuffs.

The following technique is done by machine, without sacrificing quality. It has a professional-looking finish, and it saves lots of time.

Measure and mark

1. Lay the pants on a pressing surface so the legs are smooth and flat. Align the inseams and sides seams on each leg, and press as needed. Smooth with your hand as you press a crease in the front and back legs. Do not press higher than the crotch seam. Pants creases do not go to the waist.
2. Place the creased pants on a worksurface. Fold the uppermost leg up toward the waist to see the lower leg’s inseam. Place a tape measure or yardstick along the crotch seam.

Lay it flat to see the inseam measurement you desire. I chose an inseam measurement of 28 inches and made my finished length mark there.

3. Use a ruler as a guide to mark the finished hemline across the pants leg. This mark must also be made on the side seam portion so that the leg circumference is marked all the way around.

4. Measure down 1 1/4 inches (or whatever the desired cuff depth), and mark across the pants leg at this…