Sewing Hem Pants
Whats the best, reasonably price, easy to use sewing machine that i can use to hem pants (denims)?
brand, model and price
Thanks a lot.
It’s the needle and the technique more than the machine in hemming denim. Use a “sharp” or “Jeans” needle, fairly large, 14/90 possibly, but most likely 16/100. Keep the presser foot horizontal when crossing lumpy seams — use a “hump jumper” or similar shim to level the foot. An electronic rather than a mechanical machine may be of interest, because you get the full punching force of the needle at any speed.
Otherwise, here’s my best advice for beginner’s machines:
If the budget stretches far enough:
http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm
What I want for beginners in sewing:
- a machine that doesn’t scare you
- a machine that isn’t balky (cheap new machines are often very
balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable —
just too frustrating to learn on!)
- very good straight stitch
- good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)
- a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you
- adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric
handling issues)
- accessory presser feet that don’t cost an arm and a leg
(machines that use a “short shank foot” typically handle
generic presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use
proprietary or very expensive presser feet)
If the budget stretches far enough:
- blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches
- triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)
- a couple of decorative stitches (you won’t use them nearly as
much as you think)
- electronic machine because of the needle position control and
because the stepper motors give you full “punching force” at
slow sewing speeds — mechanical machines often will stall at
slow speeds.
Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them
to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used
machines you can afford. You’ll get a far better machine buying
used than new, and a good dealer is worth their weight in sewing
machine needles when you get a machine problem — often they can
talk you through the problem over the phone. While you’re trying
things out, try a couple of machines (sewing only, not combo
sewing-embroidery) over your price limit, just so you can see
what the difference in stitch quality and ease of use might be.
You may find you want to go for the used Cadillac. Or you might
want the new basic Chevy. Might as well try both out.
Suggested reading: John Giordano’s The Sewing Machine Book
(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles’ Fine Machine Sewing
(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg
Hazen’s Owner’s Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting
Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public
library.
Used brands I’d particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,
Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota
New “bargain brand” I’d probably pick: Janome (who also does
Kenmore).
Shortening and Hemming Pants – Marking Hem Line (Free Sample)
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16X Hemming My Way Style Adhesive Jeans Pants Hem Snaps without Sewing $0.99 |
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2″ Wide White Elastic Knit for Waist Pant Hem Sew 1)Yd $1.25 |
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16pcs My Style Adhesive Jeans Pants Trousers Dress Hem Snaps without Sewing $3.69 |
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Sew Pattern B4238 Loose TOP Shaped Hem PANTS Pull-on Straight Easy 20 22 24 OOP $3.99 |
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16pcs Hemming My Way Style Adhesive Jeans Pants Hem Snaps without Sewing $4.38 |
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16 Hemming MY WAY Adhesive Style Jeans & Pants Snaps Hem Without Sewing $4.85 |
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Butterick 6892 SEW PATTERN 28W-32W EASY JACKET, 3-NECKLINE TOP, HEM VENT PANTS $4.89 |
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Misses Tunic Skirt Straight Pant Sewing Pattern Contrast Overlay Shaped Hem 4093 $6.07 |
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Girls Shirt Lined Vest Pants Skirt Sewing Pattern Elastic Waist Shaped Hem 7724 $6.74 |
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Girls Shirt Lined Vest Pants Skirt Sewing Pattern Elastic Waist Shaped Hem 7724 $6.74 |
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Childs Girls Top Skirt Shorts Pants Sewing Pattern Straps Shaped Front Hem 3147 $6.74 |
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Childs Girls Knit Top Skirt Pants Sewing Pattern Elastic Waist Hem Ruffle 3674 $6.74 |
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Childs Girls Knit Top Skirt Pants Sewing Pattern Elastic Waist Hem Ruffle 3674 $6.74 |
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Childs Jacket Jumper Mock Wrap Skirt Pants Sewing Pattern Shaped Hem Fringe 8368 $6.74 |
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Childs Robe Gown Pajama Top Pant Bloomers Sewing Pattern Ruffled Shaped Hem 5111 $6.74 |
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Childs Robe Gown Pajama Top Pant Bloomers Sewing Pattern Ruffled Shaped Hem 5111 $6.74 |
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Childs Pullover Top Pants Hat Sewing Pattern Shaped Hem Elastic Waist Easy 6281 $6.74 |
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Misses Unlined Jacket Sleeveless Top Pant Skirt Sewing Pattern V Hem Option 3098 $7.14 |
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Womens Tunic Skirt Pants Sewing Pattern Cowl Neck Asymmetrical Hem Elastic 4722 $7.14 |
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Womens Tunic Skirt Pants Sewing Pattern Cowl Neck Asymmetrical Hem Elastic 4722 $7.14 |
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Misses Tunic Skirt Straight Pant Sewing Pattern Contrast Overlay Shaped Hem 4093 $7.14 |
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Misses Tunic Skirt Straight Pant Sewing Pattern Contrast Overlay Shaped Hem 4093 $7.14 |
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Misses Boxy Top Skirt Pants Sewing Pattern Front Button Shirttail Hem 8061 Easy $7.14 |
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Misses Boxy Top Skirt Pants Sewing Pattern Front Button Shirttail Hem 8061 Easy $7.14 |
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Junior Top Low Rise Pants Sewing Pattern Darts Shaped Hem Ruffles NY Jr 3879 $7.14 |
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Junior Top Tank Poncho Pants Skirt Scarf Sewing Pattern Shaped Hem Straps 9194 $7.14 |
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Misses Pajama Top Pants Shorts Tank Sewing Pattern Hem Variations Elastic 3017 $7.14 |
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Misses Pajama Top Pants Shorts Tank Sewing Pattern Hem Variations Elastic 3017 $7.14 |
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Womens Unlined Jacket Top Skirt Pants Sewing Pattern Shaped Hem Raised Neck 3979 $7.14 |
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Misses Boxy Top Skirt Pants Sewing Pattern Shirttail Hem Elastic Casing 8061 $7.14 |
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Misses Boxy Top Skirt Pants Sewing Pattern Shirttail Hem Elastic Casing 8061 $7.14 |
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Misses Pants Shorts Pullover Top Sewing Pattern Kimono Sleeve Shaped Hem 9518 $7.93 |
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Misses Pants Shorts Pullover Top Sewing Pattern Kimono Sleeve Shaped Hem 9518 $7.93 |
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Misses Lined Jacket Vest Skirt Pants Sewing Pattern Shaped Hem Waistband 6711 $7.93 |
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Misses Lined Jacket Vest Skirt Pants Sewing Pattern Shaped Hem Waistband 6711 $7.93 |
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Misses Shirt Pants Sewing Pattern Dropped Shoulders Shaped Hem Elastic 3759 $7.93 |
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Misses Shirt Pants Sewing Pattern Dropped Shoulders Shaped Hem Elastic 3759 $7.93 |
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Girls Halter Dress Top Shirt Boot Leg Pants Sewing Pattern Rounded Hem Easy 2569 $7.93 |
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Misses Unlined Jacket Top Straight Pants Sewing Pattern Shaped Hem Pleats 4202 $7.93 |
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Misses Unlined Jacket Top Straight Pants Sewing Pattern Shaped Hem Pleats 4202 $7.93 |
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Misses Unlined Jacket Top Straight Pants Sewing Pattern Shaped Hem Pleats 4202 $7.93 |
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Childs Girls Jacket Vest A Line Skirt Pants Sewing Pattern Hood Hem Band 5647 $7.93 |
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Childs Girls Jacket Vest A Line Skirt Pants Sewing Pattern Hood Hem Band 5647 $7.93 |
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Womens Shirt Pants Capris Knit Top Sewing Pattern Yoke Shaped Hem Raglan 9134 $7.93 |
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Misses Lined Jacket Vest Straight Skirt Pants Sewing Pattern Hem Flounce 5280 $7.93 |
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Boys Shirt Lined Vest Pants Shorts Sewing Pattern Shirttail Hem Cuff Fly 7224 $7.93 |
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Butterick 5472 Top Skirt Pants, Pointed Hem Jacket, Sewing Pattern B5472 $7.99 |
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Butterick 5472 Top Skirt Pants, Pointed Hem Jacket, Sewing Pattern B5472 $7.99 |
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32pcs Hem My Way Style Adhesive Jeans Pants Snap Hemming without Sewing Snaps $7.99 |
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Vogue 7673 Semi-fit Jacket w/Shaped Hem, Straight Skirt & Pants Sewing Pattern $9.99 |
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Vogue 7673 Semi-fit Jacket w/Shaped Hem, Straight Skirt & Pants Sewing Pattern $9.99 |
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Vogue 7673 Semi-fit Jacket w/Shaped Hem, Straight Skirt & Pants Sewing Pattern $9.99 |
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Vogue Sewing Pattern Misses Size 16 18 20 22 Plus Size Full Figure Your Choice $10.99 |
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Vintage Greist Blind Stitch Hemmer Sewing Machine Attachment Hem Pant Leg $25.00 |
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Handy Trends Snap & Hem No Sew Quick Hem Tool (48 pcs) $5.00 Handy Trends Snap & Hem No Sew Quick Hem Tool (48 pcs) The no sew quick hem tool. Make your jeans work with every shoe in your closet. All these years we have had to settle for one hemline. One that is either too short for heels, or too long for flats. It’s time we had two hems at the same time. Snap & Hem uses a revolutionary adhesive backing that allows you to snap under your long hem for fla… |
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Adjust A Button for Denim: Removable instant fix fashion button for tight or gaping waistbands for a perfect fit on jeans (No iron, sew, tailor) $16.50 Finally, a movable button that alters waistbands in a flash! Adding or reducing up to 1.5 inches is as easy as inserting a pin. Simply poke through on outside of existing button to tighten, move to inside to loosen. Strong spring back clasp locks button in place yet quickly releases for repeated use. Don’t sacrifice comfort, customize your fit with Adjust-a-Button…. |
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Temporary Hem Tape $7.95 Instant tailoring on-the-go! No ironing, no sewing, no commitment! No ironing, no sewing, no commitment! Secret No. 20 is revealed: Hollywood Temporary Hem Tape. Now you can wear the same pair of pants with stilettos, flats, sandals, sneakers and boots! These specially-sized, fabric-friendly 3M tape pieces are ideal for temporary hemming of jeans, jacket cuffs, dress pants, skirts and dresses. P… |
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Double-Stick No Iron No Sew Fashion Hem Tape for Denim (Jeans, Pants, Skirt, Short) $12.00 No time to hit the tailor? Use Hem Tape for Denim, a durable double-stick tape specially designed to alter the length of jeans quickly and easily. Wear newly purchased supermodel length jeans in an instant. Test run a new length before taking a scissor to those designer duds by temporarily altering jeans with Hem Tape for Denim. Whether skinny, straight, boot-cut or flared, Hem Tape quickly adjus… |
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Double-Stick Fashion Tape to Hem Jeans. No Iron! (Shorten Denim) Your problem? Frayed hems! Wrong length! Jeans too long for flats but great with heals. By holding your hem firmly in place at the desired length, this disposable adhesive strong enough for denim will solve your problem with a clean appearance. Economical & great for travel when packing light. One pack has 24 strips and this stuff sticks to your jeans like a fly on honey…. |
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High Fashion Sewing Secrets from the World’s Best Designers: A Step-By-Step Guide to Sewing Stylish Seams, Buttonholes, Pockets, Collars, Hems, And More (Rodale Sewing Book) $7.97 If you want your notched collars to lie smoothly like Ellen Tracy’s, your pants zippers to be as invisibly fused with the inseam pocket as Giorgio Armani’s, and your topstitched facings to have the impeccable look of Chanel, this is the book to have. Home sewers need and want exactly the kind of painstaking construction tips that Claire B. Shaeffer provides. She not only tells you how to add … |
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Cath Kidston Mending Kit $24.95 This handy kit includes everything necessary to accomplish basic household-mending projects, from replacing buttonsto hemming pants. Inside the lovely padded sewing organizer is a 32-page fully illustrated, step-by-step sewing instructionbooklet covering all the sewing basics, plus a complete sewing kit.Includes: – Seam-ripper- Hem measurer- Tape measure- Pinwheel with 40 pins- Scissors- Built-in … |
