Do you have yoga pants that are too long? Want to shorten yoga pants so they fit just right? You can easily do this at home. You might wonder how to cut yoga pants for hemming. It’s simple: you measure where you want the new bottom edge, add extra fabric for the hem, and cut carefully across the leg. This guide will show you all the best ways to hem your favorite stretchy pants.
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Why Hem Your Yoga Pants?
Yoga pants should fit well. Pants that are too long can trip you. They can also look messy. Hemming them gives you a clean, custom fit. It makes your pants safer and look better. You can turn old long pants into a favorite pair again with a simple hem. This is a great diy yoga pant hemming project. It saves money too!
What You Need To Get Started
Gathering your tools before you start makes everything easier. You will need a few things.
- Your yoga pants: The ones you want to shorten.
- Measuring tape: To find the right length.
- Fabric marker or tailor’s chalk: To mark where to cut and fold.
- Sharp fabric scissors: Cutting stretchy fabric needs good scissors. Dull scissors can stretch and ruin the edge.
- Pins: To hold the hem in place.
- Iron and ironing board: To press the hem flat before sewing or gluing. This makes it easier to work with.
- Thread: Match the color of your pants as closely as you can. Use polyester thread. It has some stretch, which is good for stretchy fabric.
- Sewing machine (optional): Needed for sewing machine hem yoga pants. Make sure it has a stretch stitch setting.
- Sewing needles (optional): If using a machine, get needles made for stretchy fabric (like a ballpoint or stretch needle). If you hand sew yoga pants hem, use a sharp hand sewing needle.
- Hem tape (optional): Needed for no sew hem yoga pants or using hem tape on yoga pants. Get a type made for stretchy fabric.
- Seam ripper (optional): If you want to use the original hem technique.
Getting the Right Measurement
Accurate measuring is key to a good hem. Take your time on this step.
- Put the pants on: Wear the shoes you would usually wear with these pants. This helps you see the true length needed.
- Fold up the hem: Fold the bottom of one pant leg up to the length you want.
- Pin in place: Use pins to hold the folded hem. Put pins around the leg. Check the length from different angles. Make sure both legs are the same length.
- Mark the new hemline: While wearing the pants, use your fabric marker or chalk to put small marks just above the fold line. Mark all around the leg. This is your finished hemline.
- Take the pants off: Lay the pants flat. Use the measuring tape to check the distance from the marked hemline to the raw edge (the original bottom). Write this number down. Do this for both legs to double-check.
Marking the Cut Line
Now you need to mark where to cut. This mark will be lower than your finished hemline.
- Measure the hem allowance: You need extra fabric below the finished hemline to fold under. For most yoga pants, a hem allowance of 1 inch to 1.5 inches (2.5 cm to 4 cm) works well. Let’s use 1.25 inches (3 cm) as an example.
- Mark the cut line: Measure down from the marked finished hemline. Mark 1.25 inches (3 cm) below the first marks. Make marks all around the leg. These marks show you where to cut yoga pants for hemming.
- Connect the marks: Use a ruler or straight edge and your fabric marker to draw a line connecting the marks. This is your cutting line. Draw it clearly.
- Repeat for the other leg: Make sure the cutting line is the same distance from the finished hemline mark on both legs. Also, double-check the length against the other leg before cutting.
How To Cut Yoga Pants For Hemming
Cutting is a simple step, but it needs care. Remember you already marked the cut line.
- Lay the pants flat: Make sure the pant leg is flat and smooth.
- Cut along the line: Use sharp fabric scissors. Cut carefully along the marked cutting line. Try to make one smooth cut around the leg. Do not stretch the fabric as you cut. Cut evenly. This gives you a nice edge to work with.
- Repeat for the other leg: Cut the second pant leg the same way.
Now your pants are the right length, ready for hemming!
Getting the Fabric Ready
Before you sew or glue, prepare the fabric.
- Press the hem allowance: Lay the pant leg flat, inside out. Fold the fabric up along the marked finished hemline. This is the first fold of your hem allowance. The raw edge should now be 1.25 inches (3 cm) from this fold. Press this fold flat with your iron.
- Fold again: Fold the raw edge under so it meets the first fold line you just pressed. This hides the raw edge inside the hem. The folded edge is now your new bottom hemline. Press this second fold well. This double fold makes a clean, strong hem.
This prepared hem is now ready for sewing or using hem tape.
Method 1: Sewing Machine Hem Yoga Pants
Using a sewing machine is often the fastest and most durable way to hem stretchy fabric like yoga pants or hem athletic leggings.
Setting Up Your Machine
Sewing stretchy material needs special care on a machine.
- Needle: Use a ballpoint or stretch needle. These needles have a rounded tip that pushes the fabric fibers aside instead of piercing them. This prevents skipped stitches and holes.
- Thread: Use good quality polyester thread. It has flexibility.
- Stitch Type: This is very important for hem stretchy fabric.
- Stretch Stitch: Many machines have a stitch that looks like a small zigzag or a lightning bolt. This stitch stretches with the fabric. It’s the best choice.
- Zigzag Stitch: If you don’t have a stretch stitch, a narrow zigzag stitch (low width, normal length) works. It allows the seam to stretch.
- Twin Needle: You can also use a twin needle with a straight stitch. A twin needle makes two parallel lines of stitches on the top and a zigzag on the bottom. This looks like a ready-to-wear hem and is very stretchy. You need two spools of thread and a machine that allows a twin needle.
Sewing the Hem
- Pin the hem: Your hem should already be folded and pressed. Use pins to hold the double fold in place all around the leg. Put pins every few inches.
- Start sewing: Place the pant leg under the presser foot. Start sewing near a side seam.
- Use the right stitch: Set your machine to the chosen stretch stitch, narrow zigzag, or use your twin needle setup.
- Guide the fabric: Sew slowly. Guide the fabric so the needle is close to the inner folded edge of the hem allowance. You want to catch this inner edge in your stitch to secure the hem. Avoid stretching the fabric as you sew.
- Sew all around: Continue sewing around the pant leg until you reach where you started. Overlap your stitches for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) to secure the seam.
- Tie off threads: Cut your threads, leaving tails. Pull the top thread tails to the inside of the pants. Tie the top and bobbin threads together in a knot. Trim the extra thread.
- Repeat for the other leg: Sew the hem on the second pant leg the same way.
- Press: Press the finished hem flat.
Using a sewing machine hem yoga pants gives a professional and durable finish.
Method 2: Hand Sew Yoga Pants Hem
Don’t have a machine? You can still hand sew yoga pants hem. This takes longer but gives you control.
What You Need
- Hand sewing needle (sharp)
- Polyester thread
- Pins
- Scissors
- Thimble (helpful)
Sewing the Hem by Hand
- Prepare the hem: Fold and press the double hem as you did for the machine method. Pin the hem in place.
- Thread the needle: Use a single or double strand of polyester thread. A double strand is stronger. Knot the end.
- Start sewing: Start inside the pant leg, near a side seam. Hide your knot inside the folded hem.
- Use a stretch stitch: The best hand stitch for hem stretchy fabric is a catchstitch or a loose blind hem stitch.
- Catchstitch: Work from left to right (if right-handed). Take a tiny stitch in the main fabric, then a larger diagonal stitch in the hem allowance. Repeat. This makes criss-cross stitches inside the hem that are flexible.
- Blind Hem Stitch: This stitch is meant to be nearly invisible from the outside. It involves picking up just one or two threads from the main fabric, then stitching into the folded hem allowance.
- Keep stitches even: Take small, even stitches. Don’t pull the thread too tight, as this can make the hem pucker and lose its stretch.
- Sew all around: Continue stitching around the pant leg.
- Finish the seam: When you get back to the start, make a few small stitches in the same spot to secure the thread. Tie a knot close to the fabric and trim the thread.
- Repeat for the other leg: Hem the second pant leg.
- Press: Gently press the finished hand-sewn hem.
Hand sewing allows you to hem your pants anywhere, but it might not be as strong as a machine stitch for active wear.
Method 3: No Sew Hem Yoga Pants
What if you don’t want to sew at all? You can use hem tape on yoga pants for a no-sew solution. This is great for a quick fix or if you have no sewing skills. It’s a simple way for diy yoga pant hemming.
What You Need
- Hem tape (fusible webbing) made for fabric
- Iron and ironing board
- Scissors
Using Hem Tape On Yoga Pants
- Prepare the hem: Fold and press the double hem as you did for the sewing methods. Pin the hem in place if needed, but pressing usually holds it.
- Cut the hem tape: Cut pieces of hem tape to fit inside the folded hem. Cut them slightly shorter than the distance around the leg so they don’t overlap too much.
- Place the tape: Open up the outer fold of the hem slightly. Place the hem tape inside the fold, along the raw edge. Make sure the tape is between the two layers of the hem fabric.
- Fuse with iron: Follow the instructions for your specific hem tape. Usually, you lay the fabric flat, cover the hem with a damp cloth, and press firmly with a hot iron for 10-15 seconds in each spot. The heat and steam melt the glue on the tape, sticking the fabric layers together.
- Let it cool: Let the hem cool completely before handling it. This lets the glue set.
- Repeat for the other leg: Apply hem tape to the second leg.
No sew hem yoga pants using hem tape is very fast. However, the bond might weaken over time or with many washes, especially with stretchy fabric. It’s a good temporary or easy fix.
The Original Hem Technique
Want your hem to look exactly like it did before you cut it? This is possible! This method uses the original hem edge. This is especially good for hem athletic leggings which often have a specific type of stitch or binding.
What You Need
- Seam ripper
- Sewing machine with a stretch stitch or twin needle
- Regular sewing supplies (thread, needles, scissors)
Steps for the Original Hem Technique
- Carefully remove the original hem: Use a seam ripper to gently remove the stitches from the original hem. Take your time not to cut the fabric. You want to free the stitched edge but keep the hem fabric circle whole.
- Determine the new length: Try on the pants and fold up the bottom edge (the raw cut edge) to the length you want. Mark this line.
- Prepare the original hem: Open up the original hem circle you removed. You’ll reattach this piece.
- Pin the original hem to the leg: Turn the pants inside out. Take the original hem circle. Line up the raw edge of the pant leg with the raw edge of the original hem piece. The right side of the original hem fabric should be against the wrong side of the pant leg fabric. Pin them together all around the leg opening. Make sure the side seams of the original hem line up with the side seams of the pant leg.
- Attach with a stretch stitch: Using your sewing machine and a stretch stitch or twin needle, sew the original hem piece to the pant leg. Sew just above the line where the original hem was folded. Keep the fabric flat as you sew.
- Press the seam: Press the seam allowance upwards, towards the pant leg.
- Fold the original hem up: Fold the original hem piece up and to the outside, enclosing the seam allowance. This should make the original folded hemline appear at the bottom of the pant leg, right at your marked finished length.
- Stitch the original hem down: On the right side of the pant leg, topstitch along the top edge of the original hem piece, just like the original stitching was. Use a stretch stitch or twin needle for this final step. This secures the original hem in its new position.
This method is more complex but results in a hem that looks exactly like the one that came with the pants. It requires careful work and a sewing machine capable of handling stretch fabric.
Tips for a Perfect Hem on Stretchy Fabric
Hemming stretchy fabric like yoga pants or hem athletic leggings can be tricky. Here are tips to help:
- Use the right needle: As mentioned, a ballpoint or stretch needle is essential for sewing stretchy fabric.
- Use the right thread: Polyester thread is best.
- Use a stretch stitch: Always use a stitch that can stretch with the fabric (stretch stitch, narrow zigzag, or twin needle with straight stitch). A straight stitch will break when the fabric stretches.
- Don’t stretch the fabric while sewing: Let the machine feed the fabric. Pulling or pushing can cause wavy or stretched seams. Some machines have a walking foot which helps feed fabric evenly.
- Press, don’t iron back and forth: When pressing seams or hems, lift and place the iron instead of sliding it. Sliding can stretch the fabric out of shape.
- Practice first: If you’re unsure, practice sewing on a scrap piece of the cut-off pant leg fabric.
- Check your pins: Remove pins before you sew over them. Sewing over pins can break your needle.
- Start near a seam: This helps hide the start and end point of your stitching.
Caring for Your Newly Hemmed Pants
Once your pants are hemmed, care for them as usual.
- Follow the washing instructions on the care label.
- If you used a sewn hem, it should be durable for machine washing and drying.
- If you used hem tape, consider washing on a gentler cycle or hang drying to help the bond last longer.
Summary of Hemming Methods
| Method | Skill Level | Time | Durability | Look | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sewing Machine | Medium | Medium | High | Clean, durable stitch | Yoga pants, leggings |
| Hand Sewing | Basic | Long | Medium | Flexible, less visible | Small hems, occasional use |
| No-Sew (Hem Tape) | Beginner | Short | Lower | Simple bond, no stitches | Quick fix, non-stretchier knits |
| Original Hem Tech | Advanced | Medium-Long | High | Looks like original hem | Athletic leggings with specific hems |
This table helps you choose the best method for your needs and skills when you want to shorten yoga pants or hem athletic leggings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hemming Yoga Pants
What kind of thread should I use?
Use polyester thread. It is strong and has some stretch, which is perfect for stretchy fabric like yoga pants.
Can I use a regular sewing machine needle?
It’s best not to. A regular needle can damage knit fabric and cause skipped stitches. Use a ballpoint or stretch needle.
How much fabric should I leave for the hem?
For yoga pants, 1 inch to 1.5 inches (2.5 cm to 4 cm) is usually enough for a double-folded hem. This means you cut 1 inch to 1.5 inches below your desired finished length.
Will using hem tape last a long time?
Hem tape is convenient for no sew hem yoga pants, but it might not be as durable as sewing, especially with constant stretching and washing. It can be a great temporary fix or for pants that don’t stretch much at the hem.
Is the original hem technique hard?
It is more advanced than a simple folded hem. It requires careful seam ripping and precise machine sewing to reattach the original edge. But it gives the most professional look.
Can I hem athletic leggings the same way?
Yes, these methods work for hem athletic leggings too. Pay extra attention to using a stretch stitch and the right needle, as athletic fabrics are often very stretchy. The original hem technique is popular for leggings.
How do I avoid a wavy hem?
Don’t stretch the fabric while you sew! Let the sewing machine feed the fabric. Pressing your folds well before sewing also helps keep the hem flat.
What if my yoga pants are very thin or slippery?
Pin more often and sew slowly. Using a walking foot on your sewing machine can really help with slippery fabrics.
Final Thoughts on Hemming
Hemming your yoga pants is a simple skill that makes a big difference in how your clothes fit. Whether you choose to sewing machine hem yoga pants, hand sew yoga pants hem, or try a no sew hem yoga pants with hem tape, you can get a great result. Taking the time to measure correctly, cut neatly how to cut yoga pants for hemming, and use the right tools for hem stretchy fabric will help you shorten yoga pants successfully. This diy yoga pant hemming project is totally doable for anyone! Enjoy your perfectly fitting pants!