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So, you’ve found the perfect pair of trousers. The fabric’s great. The fit’s great. The price was really great. There’s just one tiny problem: they’re about three inches too long and puddling around your ankles. No worries. We’ve got you. Learning how to hem trousers by hand might sound like the kind of thing best left to a tailor—but trust us, it’s simple, satisfying, and a game-changer for your wardrobe. You don’t need a sewing machine or fancy tools—just a needle, some thread, and a bit of patience. Let’s get those trousers off the floor and onto your legs (where they belong).
What You'll Need
- Pins
- Thread (that matches your trousers)
- A thin hand-sewing needle
- Scissors
- An iron (optional, but helpful)
This technique works beautifully on straight-leg trousers made from woven fabrics—think suiting, cotton, linen, and the like. It also works on skirts, dresses, and even blazers, once you get the hang of it.
Step 1: Try Them On and Pin
Put your trousers on with the shoes you’ll usually wear with them (this is key). Fold the hem up to your ideal length and pop a pin in to secure the fold. Check both legs, adjust as needed, and once you’re happy, take them off—carefully!—and add a few more pins all the way around the fold. You want that new edge secure and sitting flat. You’re essentially prepping the fabric to create an invisible fold along which to sew.
Step 2: Thread and Knot
Thread your needle with about 16 inches of thread, and tie a small knot at the end. Not sure how? A simple double knot will do. No need to overthink it.
Step 3: Start at the Seam
Turn your trousers inside out (with the pins in place). Begin at one of the inner seams of the trousers. This spot is discreet and perfect for starting (and hiding) your stitches.
Push the needle up through the fold of the hem, and then back down into the trouser fabric—just catching a few threads on the inside so the stitch doesn’t show on the outside. Tie a tiny anchoring stitch here to secure your thread.
Step 4: Start Stitching
Here comes the fun bit: the invisible hem stitch.
Move your needle about 5mm to 1cm to the left. Catch just a few threads of the main trouser fabric (not going all the way through), then dip your needle into the folded hem, pull it through, and repeat.
This stitch is basically a tiny "hop" between the trouser fabric and the hem fold. The trick is to keep the stitches small and even, so they’re almost invisible from the outside.
TOP TIP: You can use a thread that’s a close colour match to the trousers so that if you happen to grab a bit too much fabric, it won’t be visible.
Step 5: Keep Going Around
Keep stitching around the hem, spacing your stitches evenly and keeping your tension gentle—not too tight, not too loose. It’s like a calm little rhythm: up, across, dip, pull through. If you run out of thread half way through - don’t worry. Just tie a knot (like you did at the start of the stitch) and rethread.
Rinse and repeat until you’ve circled all the way back to your starting point.
Step 6: Knot and Snip
When you reach your first stitch, tie a small knot between the two fabric layers to secure your thread. Weave the tail back into the hem for a neat finish and snip off any extra.
Step 7: A Final Press
To give your trousers the perfect finish, grab your iron and ironing board (or any heat-resistant surface) and lay your trousers down. Place a cloth or towel over your trousers where your newly stitched hem is and begin pressing down with your iron a few times.
That’s It — You Did It!
Look at that: a freshly hemmed pair of trousers, done entirely by you. No machines. No tailoring bills. No waste.
By making small, thoughtful repairs and adjustments like this, you’re not just extending the life of your clothes—you’re actively reducing fashion waste, one stitch at a time. It’s circular fashion in action, and it’s something to be proud of.
So go on. Wear your handmade hem with pride. Your trousers never looked better.
You can find hundreds of pre-loved clothes that have been lovingly restored, and sometimes even lovingly repaired, not that you’d notice, over on our website.