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How to Hem Pants

By Lorain Blanken, About.com

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Sewing it Up

How-To Hem Pants

See the difference that hemming makes.

If hand sewing: You should have selected a color of thread that matches or comes close to the original thread used on the pants. It is a good idea to use a piece of thread that is about 3 feet in length. You can always re-thread if you run out, but you won’t want a string that is too long to manage. Thread a medium-sized needle. Begin stitching 1/8 inch from the top of the hem and go all the way round. Do not sew around the bottom of the hem.

If machine sewing: Load your bobbin and top spool with the same color of thread. The thread should come close or match the original thread used on the pants. Set your machine for a small to medium straight stitch. Begin stitching 1/8 inch from the top of the hem and go all the way round. Be sure to tie off all thread ends on the inside of the pants.

If sewing isn't your thing, try the no-sew method.

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