How To DIY A Hem

As a vertically challenged 5'3" human, I can tell you that the struggle of buying clothes that aren't several inches too long for me is really real. Hemming is a must for most purchases, especially pants, but going to a tailor on the regs definitely adds up. So if you're thinking it might be time to learn how to DIY a hem, I've got you covered with hemming hacks to do at home. Get ready to show off your sewing skills.

Having to get your clothing hemmed is seriously inconvenient. Not only do you have to find the time to take it to a tailor and wait a week to get the item back, but you basically have to tack on an extra $20, $30, or more to the item's price. Pants cost $75? Nope. That would be $100. Scored a dress for $50? Haha, think again. You might be more willing to spend the money reasoning that you don't trust yourself with a needle and thread (I hear ya), but hemming isn't as difficult as it sounds, and if you just learn how, you can actually DIY a hem yourself at home pretty easily. And there are some hacks that don't even require you to bust out a needle! Think of all the guac you can get at Chipotle with the money you'll save...

Check out these eight hacks to help you hem your clothing at home.

1. Try On Pants With The Shoes You Plan To Wear Them With

If you plan to wear them with heels, you don't want to try them on with flats.

2. Find Your Perfect Length And Pin

Once you've got the length you want, stick a pin (or mark with chalk) where you want the hem to fall.

3. Measure Carefully

Take your pants off and measure the distance from the original hem to the mark or pin with a ruler, then measure on the opposite leg to make sure your marks are equal and pin that side, too.

4. Chop And Fold

Cut off all the hem except for a half inch below the new hem.

5. Use A Liquid Plastic

Fray Block, $4, J oann

Apply fray block or fray check, a liquid plastic, to prevent fabric from fraying where you cut it.

6. Sew Using A Blind Hem Stitch

It sounds intimidating, but it isn't that bad. You want to use a blind hem stitch so the knot is hidden. This tutorial will walk you throw it.

7. When All Else Fails, Use Fabric Tape

Iron-On Hem Tape, $2, Joann

If you don't trust yourself with a needle, you can tape your hem up with fabric tape. Note: There's two different types — iron-on and regular. The regular can be removed whenever you want, but the iron-on is more permanent (and looks more professional).

8. Safety Pins Work, Too

Safety Pins, $1, Joann

If you need a hem done super quick, you can pin it up with safety pins, but they definitely aren't as effective as tape and are more difficult to get an even hemline with.

Images: Joann