shortening length of jeans?

Question

hey,
I just bought this pair of jeans, but they're a couple of inches too long....so I was wondering whether there's any way to shorten it?

I don't really like folding it up, and I thought of cutting it, but it's a bootleg and I'm worried it would ruin the shape...would it though?? because I think that's my only choice~ if anyone knows how to properly cut and sew the legs, could you please tell me? I know tailors do that stuff but I just want a quick fix thanks...

buying jeans is annoying b/c they're either too long or they don't fit my butt:P so yeah, thnx for any help!

Answer 1

Yes,they can be hemmed. Yes cutting them off can change the shape at the bottom but shouldn't too much if you only need to raise them up the 2". Remember if they need to be turned up 2" cut them off allowing about 3/4" longer for turning under and the thickness of the jeans as it is turned. You are only cutting off about 3/4" to turn them up to 2".
about 1/2" for turning up the rough edge
about 3/16" for the thickness of the fabric when turned
and these 2 measurements are 1/16" less than 3/4" so go with the 3/4" as a cut off amount. Fold up press and hem them. If the amount you have measured is already in the stitched hem, then you have to remove those stitches to get the proper amount for the hem to be right. I have to do that for most of my Husbands jeans. (He is short and picky)
May I suggest if you have to wear them before you can get them properly hemmed by the dry cleaners, or a Seamstress, that u just tape them up the desired amount and only lightly press the lower edge of the new hem avoiding the TAPE. This way they can be done right. If you are the one to sew them be sure you are cutting them off accurately. You will need to roll under the cut off part about 1/2" then turn that up to hide the rough edge. Then go ahead and stitch in the hem. I presume you are hand sewing and not machine sewing. I would recommend you measure yourself from the crotch to the desired length with a tape measure, or get another pair of you fav pair of pants for the right length. Lay them out one on top of the other. Long ones on the bottom folded as if they had front creases and back creases down the legs, making sure the inseams are lined up perfectly and the outter leg seam is also lined up on top of each other. Smooth out all wrinkles so the pants are laying perfect as if you were going to iron them. Then decide where to cut them. Remembering that higher end slacks or pants have a natural swing in the hem to offset the shape of the butt and the hang of the fabric. Usually the back from the side seam to the center back of the hem is slightly longer, maybe by a 1/4 to 1/3 of an inch. Be Careful as grave mistakes are made in the cutting. Turn up the hem and stitch up. Press them and enjoy.

Answer 2

Simple... turn your jeans inside out. Take a ruler/measuring tape, measure from the bottom up how many centimeters/inches you'd like to take off. Mark it with a pencil or w/e. Do this all around the ankle of the jeans take your scissors and cut them off. You should have a nice straight line all the way around and shouldn't be too noticeable.