If you've bought the perfect pair of jeans that need taking up, or you'd like to turn your skirt into a mini, here's how to save money getting them adjusted. Hemming is easy if you know how...
Hemming by hand
For skirts and trousers, first of all pop them on to measure where you want your hem, then use pins to fix it in place. Take them off again, then simply sew where you placed the pins, starting on the inside so the stitches won't show. Don't let your thread slacken to stop little knots from forming. Once you've finished, iron the garment over your hemline.
Tip. Only use one piece of thread for the hem to keep it discreet.
Hint: when you choose the length of your hem, be aware that it may shrink when you first wash it, especially if it's made of linen or cotton. Trousers that stop at your heels may no longer cover your ankles! Leave a small margin of error.
Another danger:
Before buying your dream trousers, check you have enough fabric to adjust them. If you want to take them down by 3cm, for example, the existing hem must be at least 5cm as you need to allow for a margin of 2 to 3cm.
Hemming with a sewing machine
Use a machine for pieces like jeans which need very small stitches you can't see. Take care that your thread is not too loose to avoid unsightly stitches.
Express hemming
If you don’t have the time to get sewing, simply use bands you can glue to the hem. Mark where you want your hem (around 3 to 5cm wide), chop, coat a band with resin-based glue, place the band inside the turn-up and then iron over the hem. It will come out in the wash. Bands are machine washable and can be re-used.
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