Hem without a sewing machine?

So I got a new pair of jeans yesterday and of course they're way too long (I'm about 5 foot NOTHING and these jeans have a day long worth of extra material).
Sadly I'm no seamstress with very basic sewing knowledge, and I was wondering if I could hem these without a sewing machine?

I asked some of my friends today, but with graduation coming up tomorrow, everyone's pretty busy for the next few days and don't want to take them (which I completely understand ^_^).

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7 replies since 2nd June 2011 • Last reply 2nd June 2011

Reply #1:

Sure, of course you can hem without a sewing machine c: Just cut off the pants to about 1 inch longer than your desired length. Once you do that, just grab a needle and thread, fold over your raw edge so that way the ugly frayed part is tucked underneath and do a simple line of stitches along the whole folded edge. And BAM! New hemmed pants c: The stitches obviously won't be as strong as they would be with a sewing machine- but hey, it's still very possible. I used to do this all the time before I got a sewing machine (I too am 5' 0'' >_<)

Gooooooooodluck c:

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Reply #2:

Wash and dry them first in case they shrink.
Perfect how to there Roslast.

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Reply #3:

Good how to, but I would iron the fold prior to sewing, it helps me to sew a straight line at least Happy

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Reply #4:

I have seen a tute somewhere online that enables you to still have the original hem.
Try this one : www.daciaray.com

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Reply #5:

Thank you all :3

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Reply #6:

I would wash,dry, then iron the fold before hemming. jeans are supposed to be thick and tough, good luck hand sewing! (my grandma broke a needle on her machine trying to hem jeans for my short mother :S )

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Reply #7:

If you are reaaaly desperate, you can do something simmilar to above

Cut to about 1/2in. under desired length, fold under, and tape. No, not normal tape, but pacaging tape, ductape, electrical tape or something hardcore like so.

I dont really suggest that, though.

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