Question:
Any way to adjust clothes for a non-sewer?

I have a sewing machine, but never knew how to use it. I found some jeans for $1.00, but they are extremely long on me. They have to be rolled up 4 - 6 times. I am only 5 feet tall. I need to know if there is an easy way to cut the hem off the pant leg and hand sew them or something so they will not fray and become destroyed. Any ideas or suggestions?    — Heather M. (posted on October 11, 2003)

October 11, 2003
Heather, wow, pants for a buck, that's great! This is what I would do to hem them. Mark where you want the bottom of the leg to be and add about an inch and a half. Then cut off the excess. Fold over about a half inch and pin it. Iron it so the fold is set and remove pins. Then fold over again to where you marked the bottom hem to fall and re-pin. Then you can either hand-sew or machine sew the hem and the bottom won't fray because it's hidden inside the inside fold. Happy sewing! Lisa
   — LisaHillsinger

October 11, 2003
Since you got such a good deal on them, I'd take them into a place that does alterations. Actually, sewing a hem is really easy, but denim is not. Do you have any friends that sew? There is stuff you can buy at a fabric store that is like a glue that you put on edges to keep them from fraying. Another idea is to take the pants to the fabric store and ask the workers how to do it. Most of them are experienced sewers and volunteer that kind of info easily.
   — bethybb

October 11, 2003
You don't need to know how to use a sewing machine to hem pants.Get some Stitch Witchery,all you need are scissors,a damp cloth and an iron.I hem all my pants,skirts and jeans with it.In fact my bedroom curtins are hemmed with it.It's much easier than useing a sewing machine!!
   — Gussie

October 11, 2003
I was going to suggest Stitch Witchery also. Its a fusible material that "glues" the fabric together. But because denim is so heavy and you generally wash jeans a lot it might not last too long. . . .Ask a friend to hem them. . . .Lean to use your sewing machine (I LOVE mine). . . .find Alteration shop. . . .cut off an inch longer than you want them and wash, trim off the ratty fray leaving a white beard, wash again, trim again, then they shouldn't fray any more, you'll just have the white beard edge. . . . .Sure wish I could find $1 jeans.
   — Marrilee M.