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Member since 11/16/03
Posts: 136
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Posted on: 5/28/05 6:59 AM ET
I saw a "tip" in a fashion magazine where they suggested that if your RTW jeans are too long, you take them to a tailor/alterations person and have the hem "raised". I got the impression that somehow the original aged hem is kept. Since I sew, I'm sure I can do it myself but I can't imagine what the heck I'm supposed to do!! The only thing I can think of is literally cutting off the hem (with a little extra for a seam allowance), cutting off the excess length, and then reattaching the hem. And ending up with a horizontal seam right above the hem. And. somehow, I have a sneaking suspicion that this will look really stupid.

I tried rehemming a pair of Levi's and even with matching "jean" thread, it's still real obvious because my hems don't twist like the RTW ones do and there's no aging. But my new pair cost substantially more than Levi's and fits like a dream, so I'd like the hems to be right. So if anybody has a clue what this "raising the hem" is, I'd really appreciate it....
  
Member since 10/31/04
Posts: 998
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Re: hemming jeans (posted on 5/28/05 7:12 AM ET)
I hope this works.
https://www.jammfactory.net/zc/hem-like-a-pro.aspx?ref=none
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Penny

Fabric Mart Bundle Fabric sewn- 10.5 yds
  
Member since 11/16/03
Posts: 136
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Re: That's It! (posted on 5/28/05 8:32 AM ET)
In reply to Nickle
Wow! That's it! That's what I was thinking only it's much easier to make the tuck first and trim next. I just couldn't believe that it would work and not show. I think I'll try it on a pair of cheaper jeans first, then try the nice ones. Thanks!!
  
Member since 8/12/02
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Re: Jeans Hemming (posted on 5/28/05 9:51 AM ET)
In reply to sewbusy
This is SO GREAT!!! I have this one bookmarked. Thanks so much for digging it up.

-Ann
  
Member since 1/31/05
Posts: 1168
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Re: Very cool!!! (posted on 5/28/05 11:25 AM ET)
That is soooo cool!!! My RTW jeans are always too long, and I've never known how to hem them without giving them the "homemade" look! This is going to work wonderfully!!! Thanks!
-- Edited on 5/28/05 12:27 PM --
  
Member since 10/6/04
Posts: 556
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Re: raising jeans hems (posted on 5/28/05 1:05 PM ET)
In reply to keric
I have used this method and it works great!!! Much easier than cutting off hem and re hemming. Now I am not as reluctant to buy jeans that are too long since I know there is an easier way to hem.
  
Member since 3/2/04
Posts: 2073
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Posted on: 5/28/05 6:17 PM ET
That method does look pretty good...but, it would only work on perfectly straight legs, and then only if you didn't have to remove very much. If the circumference size changed in the leg even a little, this method wouldn't work.

I've been meaning to post a tip on this subject...anyone interested, see Sewing Tips & Techniques [in the left column].
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Ardis

the lefthanded daughter of a lefthanded mother
  
Member since 8/12/02
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Re: Jeans Hemming (posted on 5/28/05 6:20 PM ET)
In reply to SewVeryTall
Actually, Ardis, the Italian lady who does the alterations at my friend's boutique uses this method on all manner of jeans, including flared ones. I showed the article to her today, and she said "That's how I do it. That's right." She showed me a jeans hem she did using the method, and it was a flared pair of MU jeans, and they turned out great.

-Ann
  
Member since 3/2/04
Posts: 2073
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Posted on: 5/28/05 6:46 PM ET
Ann...there has to be a way to change the circumference of the hem then, that's not shown in the above link.

I posted the tip that tells how Nordstrom's alteration department does it without that extra seam.
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Ardis

the lefthanded daughter of a lefthanded mother
  
Member since 3/19/05
Posts: 103
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Re: I've just tried this (posted on 5/29/05 2:57 AM ET)
I had a pair of jeans for my 10 yr old that I bought 2nd hand for a couple of dollars so it didn't matter if it didn't work. But it worked really well - you can't tell when he is wearing them unless you look really closely. Had a few minor hiccups sewing over the seams but oitherwise it was all done in 15 minutes flat! I think that it would also be great for temporary shortening as well. Thanks for the site
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Kathy
New Plymouth, New Zealand
  
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