This method keeps the original hem intact. This method takes less than 30 minutes. Read ALL THE WAY through instructions FIRST.


Hems should fall just below the bottom of your ankle. If you generally wear higher heels, or a certain height of heel, you might want your hem a bit longer - it should fall an inch to a half inch above the floor AT your heel.

Step 1: Decide how much length you would like to take off. Divide that number in half.
Step 2: Cuff the jeans. I wanted to take three inches off my jeans, so I measured one and a half inches up from TOP of the original hem line and pinned.

Step 3: Pin around the rest of the cuff, measuring each time you pin.

Make sure that the stitching lines up at each seam.

Step 4: Place your needle beside the original hem. Stitch on the right side of the hem, the side furthest from the bottom of the jean. Sew all the way around the cuff.


You can either cut the excess off, leaving only about 1/8 inch that will fray INSIDE the hem, or you can press the leftover neatly. I cut mine. Such a tiny line of fray it doesn't hurt and they wear forever.

Turn the leg right side out and press the new seam flat, revealing the old hem.

This method ensures that your hem will look original.


1) This trick works just as well with jean skirts and other denim items.
2) If you have already cut your hem off and still have it, you can still follow these directions. After you have decided on a length, do NOT divide in half as Step 1 suggests.

Thanks 2K, directions printed and waiting for my grandson's jeans! :thumbup:

Saw this post and I'm chiming in...this works great! I'm 5' and was thrilled to find a way to hem jeans and keep the intended "look". Really easy, too!

Thank you. I saved a copy for me and sent a copy to my sister.

Copying and paste-ing now. Wish there was a picture to go along with it - but maybe it will make sense when I get out a pair of my DH's too long jeans.

It's either too late in the day or I need pictures or both! :)

I think I need pictures too, thanks

I don't use Photobucket anymore. Maybe someone on here that does could post some pics. Maybe mollymct?

I need a pic tute....... sounds great though!

Ditto! LOL