How To Shorten The Hem Of Pants With A Cuff

To shorten the hem of pants with a cuff is easy when you follow these instructions:

First try on the pants to determine how much you need to shorten them. Measure both legs as one may be different from the other.

Write down that number. Example: 3 inches.

Then, measure the depth of the pant cuff and write down that number. Example: 1-1/4 inches.

Next, release the stitching on each side of the cuff to drop it down.

Now, measure the depth of the total hem with the cuff turned down. Example: 2-1/4 inches. Write that down.

Remove the hem stitching and press the pants well with steam.

Note: White vinegar is great to set or remove a crease. Just paint it right on the crease and press with steam. It will clear your sinuses, too. Don't worry, you won't smell like a salad when you wear your pants.

Now, cut off the amount you determined that you needed to shorten the pants. The example was 3 inches.

Finish the new raw edge to keep from fraying. You can either serge or zigzag the edge, whipstitch it or bind it with seam tape.

Then, press up your new hem the same amount as the original hem. The example was 2-1/4 inches

Stitch the hem in place and press well.

Turn back the cuff the same amount as the original cuff. The example was 1-1/4 inches. Press well.

Tack the cuff in place at the inseam and outseam of the pants.

Enjoy your shortened cuffed pants.

Try it! It just makes sense!