Shop Your Closet: Cut your jeans to have cropped frayed hems
It took me awhile to build up the guts to cut jeans. (Let’s just say I sucked in sewing class in middle school! I was even bad at making a pillow…no joke.) But once I did it, I wondered what took me so long! It’s easy. I mean REALLY easy. With a few tools and a half hour, you can do it yourself.
Some situations where you may want to break out the scissors:
You’re shorter and jeans often are too long. This saves on tailoring costs!
You’re tall and jeans are often not long enough. Now you can cut them to an on-trend cropped style.
A pair is a little older with a slightly outdated hem, but you want to get some more life out of those $200 jeans.
You simply want a different look to add a new style to your wardrobe.
Follow these quick steps to a new pair of jeans. Happy cutting!
STEP 1
Figure out your desired length.
With Caryn, we desired two lengths. On the right: where we wanted the leg to hit when it was down. This would be great for her when wearing sneakers or high tops. On the left, the desired length (rolled up) for when she is wearing booties. Put a safety pin or mark with a fabric marker where you’ve folded the jeans.
STEP 2
Take off carefully and flatten on a hard surface.
Make sure the jeans are completely flat and legs are aligned. You’ll want a hard surface like a counter or even the floor. Caryn is using her ironing board.
STEP 3
Cut with a good quality pair of sewing scissors.
Since raggedy hems are in, some people use a regular pair of scissors to achieve a more unfinished look. I prefer to use a sharp pair of sewing scissors for a clean line. They are easier to control as well, and you don’t run the risk of messing up as much!
STEP 5
Measure inseam to ensure both legs are even.
Caryn measured from the crotch to the bottom of each cut leg to ensure the length was even on both sides. In her case, she did it perfectly! But if they are slightly off, you can fix it.
STEP 6
Using a pair of tweezers and a coarse pumice stone, fray the hem.
If you want a little distress, use tweezers to pull some of the strings out. I find using a pumice stone first roughens it up and makes it easier. You can have fun with this. Do a little for a subtle look. Do a lot for a almost fringe look.
STEP 7
Try on your new jeans!
Voila! A new pair of jeans. Caryn is petite, so these lengths are perfect. When wearing shoes, a little of her ankle will show, elongating her legs.
WHAT YOU CAN USE
