Skip to main content

Free Shipping on Domestic Orders $75+

How to Hem Sweatpants

What you need

    1. How to Hem Sweatpants, How to Hem Sweatpants: step 1, image 1 of 2 How to Hem Sweatpants, How to Hem Sweatpants: step 1, image 2 of 2
      • Use the seam ripper to remove the seams along the hem of the bottom of the pants.

      Ask FixBot

      Add Comment

    2. How to Hem Sweatpants: step 2, image 1 of 1
      • Remove the elastic band from the pants. Keep the elastic for later.

      Ask FixBot

      Add Comment

    3. How to Hem Sweatpants: step 3, image 1 of 1
      • Place pins where you want the pants to end.

      Ask FixBot

      Add Comment

    4. How to Hem Sweatpants: step 4, image 1 of 3 How to Hem Sweatpants: step 4, image 2 of 3 How to Hem Sweatpants: step 4, image 3 of 3
      • Measure the length of the cuff.

      • Measure how long the pants need to be cut.

      • Keeping in mind a small length below the pins for the new cuff, mark where you want to cut with your washable marker.

      Ask FixBot

      Add Comment

    5. How to Hem Sweatpants: step 5, image 1 of 1
      • Using the fabric scissors, cut along the line you marked, making sure to keep a straight and steady line.

      Ask FixBot

      Add Comment

    6. How to Hem Sweatpants: step 6, image 1 of 1
      • Fold the new end of the pants outward, at a minimum of double the length of the elastic band.

      Ask FixBot

      Add Comment

    7. How to Hem Sweatpants: step 7, image 1 of 2 How to Hem Sweatpants: step 7, image 2 of 2
      • Place the elastic band on top of the fold from the previous step.

      • Place the top of the elastic along the pin line.

      • Using the needle and thread, sew both ends of the elastic band to the seam running vertically up and down the pant leg.

      Ask FixBot

      Add Comment

    8. How to Hem Sweatpants: step 8, image 1 of 2 How to Hem Sweatpants: step 8, image 2 of 2
      • Fold the top of the folded fabric section back over the elastic, using the pins as the top line.

      • Place pins along the bottom of the new fold to keep the fabric in place.

      Ask FixBot

      Add Comment

    9. How to Hem Sweatpants: step 9, image 1 of 3 How to Hem Sweatpants: step 9, image 2 of 3 How to Hem Sweatpants: step 9, image 3 of 3
      • Sew a new hem along the line created by the new pins. You can either hand-sew or use a sewing machine.

      • Sew ONLY along the new pins placed in the previous step. Do not sew along the first row of pins created at the beginning.

      • Once the sewing is complete, remove all the pins and undo the first fold.

      • The last photo provides a sample of the finished product.

      Ask FixBot

      Add Comment

Finish Line

Cancel: I did not complete this guide.

One other person completed this guide.

1 Guide Comment

Thanks very much for this tutorial because at 5’ I have to shorten everything. Now I can alter sweatpants that are made for 6’ tall people.

Ruthann45 - Reply Share

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 8

Past 7 Days: 31

Past 30 Days: 110

All Time: 15,708