mike'sgirl

I'm getting a bit aggravated. I was asked by a friend at church to hem several pairs of jeans. Well like most of you, I don't sew clothes, just quilts. I've made some curtains, as a matter of fact, that's what I was doing when he asked me. Hemming curtains for the youth room. Anyway, I said yes, much to my frustration now.
I'm about ready to give them back to him and tell him I just can't get it done. I'm having trouble getting them even and both legs the same. I want them to look nice and do an excellent job. I'm just not sure I'm skilled enough.
Does anyone have any advice or tips for me? I would so appreciate some. Thanks, Gina

Peckish

There is a way of hemming jeans that leaves the original hem intact, and the new seam is practically invisible. You have to have a good, heavy-duty machine to do it though, because it has to sew through the side seams. This is how I've been hemming my family's jeans for the last few years.

A written tute I found: http://www.daciaray.com/?p=38

And here's a video tute, might be easier to follow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giOkJUcc2wg

I use my serger.

Tartan

When heming pants, I mark a cutting line on each leg from the bottom edge. You know the original hem is correct so just remove the same amount from each side. Make sure you have figured out how much you are turning up the hem into the amount you are cutting off.

clem55

Gina, I've hemmed many a pair of jeans, I have three sons and three grandsons. I didn't worry about perfection. I just measured from the bottom of the leg , whatever I needed to shorten, marked and allowed for the double fold hem, and cut and sewed. I did buy a gold color jeans thread for the hemming. My thought was the jeans should have been hemmed by the manufacturer evenly, so I was following their measurements. Don't stress over it!! I've had too many favors asked of me over the years by friends who don't sew, and they think I should be glad to help. I learned early on not to say yes all the time .

KalamaQuilts

maybe not perfect is the result this person needs to see.

We are in the middle of nowhere and the town seamstress charges $10.00 a pair to hem pants. Which is fair, you can't do them in 5 minutes after all.
No one can take advantage of you without your permission..I'm sorry I can't is a perfectly acceptable answer to that kind of request.

dgeskine

All sound advice given above, relax and do what you can do; obviously that is more than the person who asked you can do for themselves.

ptquilts

"Oh, dear, the last time I tried hemming pants they came out just TERRIBLE!!! you had better find someone else to ask!"

Makes it sound like you are being UNselfish in not doing it. I agree, jeans are awful to work on. I have to say, it is kind of nervy to ask you to do several pairs, without offering to pay for it.

Kimkankwilt

Maybe he would prefer cut-offs.....

Doggramma

I like what PTQUILTS would say. That's a good one for next time! And I have a hard time saying no myself.

I hate hemming pants for the same reason. If I can't just "turn them up" without cutting first, forget it.

Jackie Spencer

Why do people think because we make quilts, we do mending? I can't tell you how many time I have been asked to hem something or put in a new zipper etc. as soon as they find out I sew. I used to make clothing but not anymore, unless it's a CQ vest. I just very politely say No I don't have the time.