12 Stitches To Use For Hemming Pants By Hand

Are you interested to learn about different stitches to use for hemming pants by hand? A hand-stitched hem is the right way to go and is worth the effort.

If you want to have a fine and polished look, picking the right stitch and doing it with hands will be the best possible choice. Hemming pants by hand is easy and can save you a few bucks.

Read through this guide to know about the different stitches that you can use to hem pants.

What Stitch To Use For Hemming Pants By Hand?

Stitch To Use For Hemming Pants By Hand

It’s true; hemming pants by hand takes time and needs a bit of patience compared to a machine-made hem. But do it carefully and increase the speed and you can finish soon.

Hand-made hemming stitches require a single strand of thread. In that way, it will be invisible after the stitches get done. However, all the things that we have enclosed in this post stand true.

Be with us to know about the different types of stitches to use for hemming pants by hand.

1. Blind Hem

Step 1: It is an invisible hem stitching, and small stitches are made on the surface of the pants by folding the edges.

Step 2: The process is done using a single thread width stitch and showing up on one side.

Step 3: First, you have to press the hem allowance and make it a double folded one. The folding needs to be done on the right side of the pants so the finished edge sticks by 1/8” out.

Step 4: Here, you have to work from your right to the left, picking a small amount of fabric every time. You have to sew through one layer and make it as small as possible.

Step 5: The stitches will be visible from the right side and continue till you reach the end.

2. Couch Stitch

Couch Stitch

Step 1: Vertical stitches are done on the pants, and here the needle catches two or single thread from the right side.

Step 2: After that, it goes below the fold while making a straight one on the fold.

3. Slip Stitch Hem

Step 1: When sewing lightweight, thin or sheer fabric pants, it is the perfect form of stitch you can prefer.

Step 2: The stitch is done by slipping the needle inside the fold of the pant edge between stitches.

Step 3: After that, it will go to catch a single thread from the edge where the fold is present with the right side of the fabric.

4. Bar Tacked Hem

Step 1: When the fabric of the pants is heavy, or if you do not wish to have a line of hem stitches on the right, barring the hem by hand can be great. It is a process where several stitches are made closely.

Step 2: With that, it forms a thick straight bar, and it can be done to the seam allowances after certain intervals and for extra strength, “stitch in the ditch” on every side seam. It will anchor the hem firmly.

5. Blanket Stitched Hem

Step 1: It is used in the edges to complete stitching the pants. On the right side of the pant, the stitches will show up as straight stitches.

Step 2: One more thing that you can try is something given to the back of the hem. It uses graded blanket stitches, where the thread passes through folds of the turned under edge in between stitches.

6. Herringbone Stitch

Herringbone Stitch

Step 1: To catch the hem and pants, you can use a herringbone stitch. It gives some flexibility and stretch to the hem.

Step 2: It is a great stitch, and you can easily do it by hand by folding the edges.

7. Anchoring And Tying

Step 1: Here, you have to work with an arm length of thread, following which it needs to be tied off.

Step 2: To start stitching, you have to sew twice in the same place. But ensure that you must not fill the thread all the way.

Step 3: Pass the needle inside the loop two times, and then you have to pull till it tightens.

Step 4: The entire process should be continued for the hem till you reach the end.

Step 5: After it’s done, you have to hide the tail, and for that, pass the needle through the pant. Get it out after a couple of inches from the knot.

Step 6: Cut the thread, and the tail is no longer visible as it is hidden between the layers.

Step 7: For hand stitching, if there’s a difficulty in maintaining even stitches, you can make markings using a disappearing fabric pen.

Step 8: After the sewing is done, you can present the pant to get a crisp and neat surface.

8. Fell Stitch

Step 1: It is visible from beneath the other side of the fabric. Nonetheless, for bulkier clothes, you can hide it by passing through a small section of the thickness of the fabric.

Step 2: Start working from right to left by passing the needle through the pants and stitching approximately 1/4” to 1/2” long.

Step 3: Through the top of the folded hem, get the needle and place it back from behind to make another stitch.

Step 4: Repeat the entire process till the end, and on the other side, you will see stitches in diagonal shapes.

9. Catch Stitch

Catch Stitch

Step 1: It is a bit of elasticity, and the crisscrossing thread offers more strength. First of all, put the thread on the needle and start stitching, pointing towards your left hand.

Step 2: Take a small bit of the pants above the fold of the hem, and make your stitches small. It should be done in a way that the stitches are visible from the right side.

Step 3: After putting the thread, pull the needle, move to the right and continue with the same process again.

Step 4: The stitches will look like little “XS”.

10. Felling Stitch

Step 1: This stitch can also be used on any fabric, and to start with, put the thread in the needle and tie a knot. Put the needle onto the fold and take it out between the layers.

Step 2: Remember to check the knot has anchored the thread. Take a bit of fabric with the needle and proceed to the left by ?” to ?”.

Step 3: In spite of moving, take a bit of cloth right above the stitch. Move to the left and continue by grabbing the folded hem.

Step 4: Repeat the entire procedure to complete stitching the hem.

11. Crochet Edged Hem

Step 1: Crocheting the edges creates a beautiful hem, and you can do it using a blanket stitch.

Step 2: If you do not know anything about crochet, you can also use a crochet edge hem. It is different from all other stitches and makes your pants look unique.

12. Pin Hem

Pin Hem

Step 1: In this process, you have to make small holes along the hem using a thick needle. After that, thread two strands in the needle and fold the edge two times towards the inside direction.

Step 2: Take a stitch to the left three to four threads below the fold. Return through the same hole, and it will complete a stitch. Tighten the thread slightly and continue the process under the fold.

Step 3: Once you are done, your pants are ready, and now you can try it out.

Hopefully, how you can decide which stitch you want to use for hemming pants. The process is not at all difficult, and by doing it once or twice, you can learn quickly.

In a way, you do not need a sewing machine to hem your pants now.

Why Are Hand Stitches Better For Hemming Hand?

Why Are Hand Stitches Better For Hemming Hand

Hand stitching allows you to try out different types of stitches, and you can apply your creativity. After doing a few stitches, if you do not like it, you can open it and go for a different one.

Hand stitches also worth the effort as it gives a crispy look to the pants. You may take some time, but the end product will be good.

What Kind Of Stitch Do You Recommend For Any Pants?

There is no particular stitch that you must use as you have the feasibility to use anything that you prefer. It’s up to you how you want your pants to look. Depending on that, you can choose the stitches and go for them.

Hand stitching is cost-efficient as you do not have to buy a sewing machine. You need a needle and thread, following which you can start stitching the hems.

Jessica

Jessica

I'm Jessica Flores, a professional fashion designer and an expert seamstress. Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years. I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills. It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.

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