Jean hemming - when you can't use original hem
 

Anyone have any ideas/hints? I went looking for ideas or tutes on the internet and found that my pathetic ripped jeans seam to be "in". Here's a link to make your new jeans look like mine:

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-fray-jeans.html

Anyways, there was a lovely link to how to hem new jeans, and since I'm short I could have used it when the jeans were new. I have the jeans (orange) thread, the heavy duty needle, a couple a older machines that like challenges - anyone hemmed jeans to make a new hem to look like original hems?

Opps - never mind - at the bottom of the article there is a link to the answer to my question. Just ignore this - or visit the link if you are curious about blue jean alteration.

Here's how I've always done it -

Mark where you want the bottom of the hem to be and run a basting thread along that line. Cut fabric about 1" below line. Fold raw edge to line, then fold again, resulting in a double fold with raw edge encased. Basting thread should now be at bottom of the new leg. Press the heck out of the hem, until it's as flat as possible. Sew with a longer stitch, then remove basting thread.

Thanks Tartan - I'll try the treadle. It seems to be able to go through anything and has great control.

Thanks deplaylady for asking this question, I just bought 2 new pair that need hemming and now I know how to hem them.