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Jeans are built to last—but sometimes they’re just a little too long. Instead of letting them drag, fray, or sit unworn at the back of your wardrobe, you can shorten them yourself. Here’s how to take up your jeans by hand, keeping the original hem intact so they still look neat and professional. No sewing machine required. (Note: this technique is for straight cut jeans - sorry to all the flare lovers).
What You’ll Need
- Tape measure
- Tailor’s chalk
- Large scissors
- Pins
- Needle threader
- Strong, sharp needle
- Thick, strong thread (ideally matching your denim)
- Iron
- Standard sewing needle
- Normal sewing thread
Step 1: Mark Your Length
Lay your jeans flat and decide how much you want to take off – for this example we’re shortening them by 2 inches. Use your tape measure and chalk to mark a cutting line all the way around both legs.
Top Tip: Make sure you measure from the same point on both legs so your jeans end up even.
Step 2: Measure the Hem
Measure the depth of your current hem (the folded part at the bottom). Mark that same amount above the current hem. You should now have two chalk lines going around the bottom of your jean leg.
Step 3: Cut & Position the Hem
Cut along both chalk lines. Then, take the original hem you’ve just cut off, flip it inside out and upside down, and slide it back over the bottom of the leg. Match up the seams and pin in place all the way around.
Step 4: Stitch the Hem in Place
Thread your needle with the strong thread. Stitch the hem to the jeans just above the fold so that when you turn it over, the join is barely visible. Use small stitches (about 4mm) for strength, and make them even smaller and closer together at the side seams where the fabric is thicker.
Once finished, trim away any fraying edges.
Step 5: Secure with an ‘Overlock’ Stitch
To stop your new edge from fraying, finish with a simple hand-sewn overlock stitch:
- Cut about 20 inches of sewing thread and thread your needle with both ends, so you’re stitching with a double strand.
- To start the stitch, insert the needle from back to front, leaving a small loop at the end.
- Now, insert the needle front to back, catching the back loop and hooking it into the front loop, pulling taut.
- Continue stitching front to back around the edge, catching just one strand of thread each time to create a neat, continuous loop.
- When you reach the start, tie a knot to secure.
Step 6: Press the Hem
Turn your jeans inside out and press the seam flat with a hot iron. Then press again from the outside for a crisp finish. For really thick seams, use a hammer (yes, really!) to gently tap them flat before pressing again – this will help your jeans sit neatly at the new length.
And you’re done!
And there you have it – perfectly shortened jeans, all done by hand. We know this tutorial might feel a little more complicated than some of our previous ones, but don’t worry – we’ve also created a video tutorial to make it easier to follow along step by step.
By taking the time to repair and adjust instead of buying new, you’ve given your denim a longer life (and kept it out of landfill).
Wear them with pride – because every stitch is a small step towards more mindful, sustainable fashion.
Looking for some ‘new-to-you’ pieces to add to your wardrobe? Explore our collection of pre‑loved clothing that has had some TLC and is ready for a new home.