Even with the large needle, I have to be cautious when sewing over the jeans' side seams. I turn the "hand wheel" by hand over the seams. Slow and careful. I have to hem jeans for both my husband and I. I really do not like doing it, but that's how it goes
When our neighbor started asking me to do hemming for him and his lady friend, I easily said no. Although I have sewn quite a few buttons on shirts for him, not completely hard hearted! Good luck with your hemming.