Finding a pair of pants that fit perfectly at the waist and hips with a hemline that hits at just the right length can seem like an impossible task. You may need some serious sewing skills to adjust the fit of a pair of pants, but to adjust the hem to the perfect length takes no sewing skills at all.
Hem Pants With Iron-On Hem Tape
Put on the pants and fold up the leg on the inside to the length you want your pants to be and pin in place. Remove the pants and place them on your work surface.
Turn your pants inside out. Measure from the original hem to where you have folded the pants hem up and adjust the cuff, repinning if necessary, to make sure it is even all the way around the pant leg.
Set your iron to the temperature required for whatever fabric your pants are made out of. Press the new hem into the fabric and remove the pins.
Place the iron-on hem tape into the crease of the hem. Lay your damp pressing cloth on the section of hem you're going to iron and press and hold your iron there for 3 to 5 seconds. Continue working your way around the hem of the pant leg, ironing and pressing until the hem is secure. Repeat on the other pant leg.
Hem Pants With Fabric Glue
Put on the pants and fold up the leg on the inside to the length you want your pants to be and pin in place. Remove the pants and place them on your work surface.
Turn your pants inside out. Measure from the original hem to where you have folded the pants hem up and adjust the cuff, repinning if necessary, to make sure it is even all the way around the pant leg.
Set your iron to the temperature required for whatever fabric your pants are made out of. Press the new hem into the fabric and remove the pins.
Squeeze a line of glue into the hem crease and press the fabric together. If necessary, use pins to hold the fabric together until the glue is set. Drying times differ by manufacturer, but most take between 2 to 4 hours to set and require at least 48 hours before washing.