10 Easy Steps to Hem Pants Using a Sewing Machine

10 Easy Steps to Hem Pants Using a Sewing Machine

Hemming pants with a stitching machine is an important ability for anybody who sews. A well-hemmed pair of pants could make you look polished {and professional}, and it might probably additionally assist to increase the lifetime of your pants. Nevertheless, hemming pants generally is a bit tough, particularly for those who’re not used to utilizing a stitching machine. On this article, we’ll stroll you thru the steps on the right way to hem pants with a stitching machine, so you may get that good match each time.

Earlier than you begin, you will want to assemble your provides. You may want a pair of pants that have to be hemmed, a stitching machine, thread, a needle, a pair of scissors, and an iron. Upon getting your provides, you may get began!

Step one is to measure the size of your pants. To do that, placed on the pants and arise straight. Measure from the underside of the pant leg to the specified size. Upon getting the measurement, mark the size on the within of the pant leg with a chunk of chalk or a cloth marker. Subsequent, you will must fold up the hem. The width of the hem will rely upon the type of the pants. For the standard hem, fold up the material about 1 inch. Press the fold with an iron to create a crease. Fold up the hem once more, this time to the specified width. Press the fold once more to create a crease.

Making ready the Pants

1. Collect Your Supplies

You have to a stitching machine, thread, a needle, scissors, and a measuring tape or ruler. If you’re hemming denims, you might also want a seam ripper.

2. Flip the Pants Inside Out and Measure the Hem

Placed on the pants and mark the specified size with a pin or a chunk of chalk. Take off the pants and switch them inside out. Measure the gap from the underside of the leg to the pin or chalk mark. That is the size of the hem.

Pant Kind Hem Allowance
Costume pants 1 – 1 1/2 inches
Denims 1/2 – 1 inch
Skirts 1 – 2 inches

3. Add the Hem Allowance

Add the hem allowance to the size of the hem. For instance, in order for you a 1-inch hem and the size of the hem is 6 inches, you’d add 1 inch to six inches, supplying you with a complete hem size of seven inches.

4. Press the Hem

Fold the underside of the pants leg up by the size of the hem allowance. Press the fold with an iron to create a crease. Fold the pants leg up once more by the size of the hem allowance, enclosing the uncooked edge. Press the fold once more to create a crease.

Setting Up the Stitching Machine

Earlier than beginning to hem your pants, it is important to arrange your stitching machine accurately. This is a step-by-step information that can assist you out:

  1. Select the best needle and thread: Choose a needle dimension and thread weight acceptable for the material of your pants. Usually, a dimension 10 or 12 needle and a medium-weight thread will do the job.

  2. Wind the bobbin: Take the empty bobbin and wind it with the thread you have chosen. Be sure that to comply with the directions offered together with your stitching machine.

  3. Insert the bobbin into the machine: Place the bobbin into the bobbin case and thread it via the stress discs. This step varies barely relying on the stitching machine mannequin, so discuss with your person handbook for particular directions.

  4. Thread the needle: Take the opposite finish of the thread and thread it via the needle. Carry the thread ends collectively and pull them via the machine’s rigidity discs.

  5. Regulate the stress settings: The stress settings management the tightness of your stitches. Begin with a medium rigidity setting and regulate it as wanted based mostly on the material you are utilizing.

  6. Choose the sew sort: For hemming pants, a straight sew or a zigzag sew will work effectively. Select the sew that most accurately fits the material and the specified look of your hem.

  7. Observe on a scrap material: Earlier than hemming your precise pants, follow your stitching on a chunk of scrap material. This may assist you to get a really feel for the machine and regulate your settings accordingly.

    Troubleshooting Widespread Hemming Points

    Puckering or Wrinkling

    Puckering or wrinkling happens when the material just isn’t fed evenly via the stitching machine, inflicting the hem to assemble or buckle. To resolve this:

    • Verify the stress settings. Regulate the higher and decrease thread tensions so they’re balanced.
    • Make sure the presser foot just isn’t urgent down too onerous on the material. Regulate the strain accordingly.
    • Use a smaller sew size for extra management over the material.
    • Attempt utilizing a distinct sew sample, such because the zigzag sew.

    Uneven Hem

    An uneven hem outcomes from the material not being folded or pressed evenly earlier than stitching. To appropriate this:

    • Rigorously fold and press the hem to create a crisp crease.
    • Use a measuring tape or ruler to make sure the hem is constant all through.
    • Think about using a hemming foot or information to help with accuracy.

    Unfastened or Droopy Hem

    A unfastened or droopy hem happens when the stitches will not be cosy sufficient. To handle this:

    • Enhance the sew size barely to cut back the variety of stitches per inch.
    • Use a heavier thread for added sturdiness.
    • Think about using a double sew or topstitching for added energy.

    Bulging or Cumbersome Hem

    Bulging or cumbersome hems are attributable to extreme material within the fold. To remove this:

    • Trim any extra material from the hem allowance.
    • Fold and press the hem extra sharply to cut back bulk.
    • Use a lighter-weight material or a thinner lining to forestall heaviness.
    Material Kind Beneficial Hem Width
    Light-weight Materials (e.g., silk, chiffon) 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch
    Medium-Weight Materials (e.g., cotton, linen) 1/2 inch to 1 inch
    Heavyweight Materials (e.g., denim, canvas) 1 inch to 2 inches

    Damaged or Skipped Stitches

    Damaged or skipped stitches point out an issue with the stitching machine or thread. Troubleshooting steps embody:

    • Verify for any thread jams or tangles within the machine.
    • Exchange the needle whether it is bent or broken.
    • Rewind the bobbin and make sure the thread is threaded accurately.
    • Regulate the sew size and rigidity settings as vital.

    Different Hemming Methods

    Along with utilizing a stitching machine, there are a number of different hemming methods accessible. These strategies provide versatility and could also be appropriate for various materials or particular preferences.

    Hand Hemming

    Hand hemming entails folding the material twice over and stitching it by hand. This system gives a neat and invisible end, making it appropriate for formal clothes or delicate materials.

    Iron-On Hemming Tape

    Iron-on hemming tape is a fast and handy option to hem pants. Merely fold up the material and press the tape onto the fold with an iron. The adhesive will bond the material, making a hem.

    Fusible Webbing

    Fusible webbing is just like iron-on hemming tape, but it surely requires a bit extra precision. The webbing is positioned between the folded material and pressed with an iron. The warmth prompts the adhesive, bonding the material collectively.

    Hemming Clips

    Hemming clips are designed to carry the material in place when you sew. They’re particularly helpful for hemming stretchy materials, as they forestall the material from shifting or stretching.

    Blind Hem Sew

    The blind hem sew is a specialised sew that creates an invisible hem. This system is usually used on sheer materials and clothes that require a clear and refined end.

    Fold-Over Hem

    A fold-over hem is created by folding the material twice over the uncooked edge. The primary fold is pressed, and the second fold is stitched in place. This hem is straightforward to do and gives a sturdy end.

    Lace Hem

    Lace will be added to the underside of pants to create an ornamental hem. The lace is sewn onto the folded material, including a female and stylish contact to the garment.

    Horsehair Braid

    Horsehair braid is a skinny, stiff braid that may be sewn into the hem so as to add quantity and form. This system is usually used on formal pants and skirts to create a flared or bell-bottom impact.

    Hemming Method Issue Suitability
    Hand Hemming Average Formal clothes, delicate materials
    Iron-On Hemming Tape Straightforward Fast and handy
    Fusible Webbing Average Exact end
    Hemming Clips Straightforward Stretchy materials
    Blind Hem Sew Superior Invisible end
    Fold-Over Hem Straightforward Sturdy end
    Lace Hem Average Ornamental contact
    Horsehair Braid Average Quantity and form

    Ideas for a Skilled Hem

    1. Measure and Mark

    Measure the specified hem size and mark it with a cloth pen or tailor’s chalk. Use a measuring tape or ruler for accuracy.

    2. Fold and Crease

    Fold the pants leg as much as the marked line and crease it firmly with an iron.

    3. Pin the Hem

    Pin the hem in place perpendicular to the pants leg. Begin on the heart and work your method out, spacing the pins evenly.

    4. Sew the Hem

    Use a stitching machine with a straight sew and matching thread to stitch the hem. Sew near the folded edge, ensuring to catch each layers of material.

    5. Trim the Extra Material

    Trim any extra material near the stitching line.

    6. Press the Hem

    Press the hem to seal the stitches and create a clear end.

    7. Use a Blind-Sew Hem

    For a much less seen hem, use a blind-stitch machine or hand-sew the hem utilizing a blind sew.

    8. Hem Size Desk

    Seek advice from the desk beneath for really helpful hem lengths based mostly on pant type:

    Pant Fashion Hem Size
    Costume Pants 1-2 inches
    Informal Pants 1-1.5 inches
    Denims 1-2 inches
    Costume Skirts 1-1.5 inches

    9. Contemplate the Material

    The thickness and weight of the material will have an effect on the hemming approach. For heavier materials, use a stronger thread and wider sew size. For delicate materials, use a lighter thread and narrower sew size.

    Methods to Hem Pants with a Stitching Machine

    Hemming pants is a good way to customise their size and match. Hemming entails folding up the underside fringe of the pants and stitching it in place. With a stitching machine, hemming pants is a comparatively fast and straightforward course of. Listed here are the steps on the right way to hem pants with a stitching machine:

    1.

    Put together the pants. Flip the pants inside out and fold up the underside edge by about 1 inch. Press the fold with an iron.

    2.

    Pin the hem. Align the uncooked fringe of the hem with the folded edge and pin it in place. Ensure that the pins are perpendicular to the hem in order that they do not get caught within the stitching machine.

    3.

    Sew the hem. Utilizing a stitching machine, sew a straight sew alongside the pinned fringe of the hem. Use a sew size of about 2.5 mm. Begin and cease stitching about 1/2 inch from the facet seams.

    4.

    Press the hem. Flip the pants proper facet out and press the hem with an iron. This may assist to set the stitches and provides the hem an expert end.

    Folks Additionally Ask About Methods to Hem Pants with a Stitching Machine

    Can I hem pants and not using a stitching machine?

    Sure, you’ll be able to hem pants and not using a stitching machine. Nevertheless, it would take longer and will not be as sturdy as a hem that’s sewn. There are a number of other ways to hem pants and not using a stitching machine, similar to utilizing material glue, iron-on hem tape, or a needle and thread.

    What sew ought to I take advantage of to hem pants?

    A straight sew is the commonest sew used to hem pants. It’s a sturdy and sturdy sew that may maintain up effectively to put on and tear. You may as well use a zigzag sew to hem pants, however it isn’t as sturdy as a straight sew.

    How extensive ought to the hem be?

    The width of the hem will rely upon the type of the pants. A slender hem of about 1/2 inch is widespread for costume pants and different formal pants. A wider hem of about 1 inch is extra widespread for informal pants and denims.

    How do I hem pants in order that they’re even?

    To hem pants in order that they’re even, it’s essential measure the size of the pants from the waistband to the specified size. Then, fold up the underside fringe of the pants by the specified hem width and press the fold with an iron. Pin the hem in place, beginning on the facet seams and dealing your option to the middle. Sew the hem in place utilizing a straight sew, beginning and stopping about 1/2 inch from the facet seams. Press the hem once more to set the stitches and provides it an expert end.