Tips for Hemming Jeans: Keep Hem From Flipping

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NSC Question

Because my daughter and I are both short, I have been hemming jeans for decades. Nowadays we are wearing jeans that have stretch. I am finding that after they are hemmed, the hem tends to flip up instead of laying flat. It is especially noticeable with the bootcut style of jeans. What do I need to do differently? I have tried using my press to press it out after it is hemmed, but that does not help. With my old machine I used a jean-a-ma-jig to evenly go over the seams. My new machine adjusts to different thicknesses, so I do not think that is a factor. Someone suggested topstitching, but I have a pair of jeans that are dressier and not topstitched. Thank you in advance for the answer to my dilemma.

Submitted via email


NSC Answer

I believe the hem is flipping up rather than laying flat because the fabric is getting stretched slightly while you are sewing. A couple things to combat that would be to either use a walking foot or lessen your presser foot pressure (if your machine has that option). You can also use some fusible hem tape to hold the hem in place. This can be used to help keep the fabric from stretching (in combination with the above mentioned tips) and can also be used on the dressier pair where you are not wanting to see the stitching.

Hope this helps!

Ashley


Learn more:
How to Hem Jeans
Top 5 Tips for Hemming Pants

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10 Responses to “Tips for Hemming Jeans: Keep Hem From Flipping”

  1. Vicki Glasscock

    Thank you for the tip! I will use this in many ways other than just jeans.

  2. Pennie Stafford

    I don’t find it as useful at this time.

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  4. Kathleen. Edwards I

    I want to spend free time for the children in Africa but know what to sew. Also we’re to send.

  5. Linda

    I had the same problem with my husbands jeans, now I stitch in the ditch on the side and middle seams. Carefully done you can’t see it

  6. Regina Leidy

    I have finished a wedding ring quilt and chose a curved edge. A lady who worked at the sewing machine store where I bought my machine was going to help me with the binding.The store closed-lost help. Where could I find these instructions? Thank you a lot, Regina Leidy

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    Some cutting foam boards for Sm, med, large amounts of fabric. Thank you

  9. Bonnie Nedza

    How can I finish a seam on a pillow cover, if I don't have a serger?

  10. Donna Steward

    After quilting & binding a table runner I found where a sticker had left a sticky residue. Unfortunately, I ironed this sticky area not knowing it was there. Is there any way to remove the sticky residue (1.5" area) without destroying this quilt?