Introduction
Bell bottoms have made a comeback in recent years, and it’s no wonder why. The flared silhouette adds a touch of retro charm to any outfit. However, if you’re on the shorter side, you may find that your bell bottoms are a little too long for your liking. The good news is that you can easily hem your bell bottoms without losing the flare. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step by step.
Gather the Necessary Supplies
Before you begin hemming your bell bottoms, make sure you have the following supplies:
- A pair of sharp fabric scissors
- A measuring tape
- A sewing machine or needle and thread
- Pins
Step 1: Try On the Bell Bottoms
Start by trying on the bell bottoms to determine the desired length. Stand in front of a full-length mirror and fold the excess fabric up to the desired length. Take note of the hemline you want to achieve.
Step 2: Mark the Hemline
Using a fabric marker or chalk, mark the hemline you determined in the previous step. Make sure to mark it evenly around both pant legs to ensure a symmetrical finish.
Step 3: Measure and Pin
Measure the distance between the bottom edge of the pant leg and the marked hemline. This measurement will be your hem allowance. Fold the excess fabric up to this measurement and pin it in place. Repeat this process for both pant legs.
Step 4: Cut the Excess Fabric
With the pants still inside out, use your fabric scissors to carefully cut off the excess fabric above the pinned hemline. Be sure to cut straight and follow the marked line.
Step 5: Sew the Hem
If you have a sewing machine, set it up with a matching thread and select a straight stitch. Sew along the pinned hemline, removing the pins as you go. If you’re hand-sewing, use a needle and thread to sew a straight stitch along the hemline.
Step 6: Press the Hem
After sewing the hem, turn the bell bottoms right side out and press the hemline using a hot iron. This will give your hem a crisp and professional finish.
Step 7: Try On the Hemmed Bell Bottoms
Once the hem is pressed, try on the bell bottoms again to ensure the length is to your liking. Make any necessary adjustments if needed.
Step 8: Trim Excess Threads
Take a moment to carefully trim any excess threads from the hemline and any other areas where you made cuts during the hemming process.
Step 9: Give it a Final Press
Lastly, give your hemmed bell bottoms a final press with a hot iron to set the stitches and make the fabric look neat and polished.
Conclusion
Hemming your bell bottoms without losing the flare is a simple process that can be done at home with the right tools and a little bit of patience. Now that you know how to achieve the perfect hemline, you can confidently rock your favorite flared pants in style.