How to Hand Stitch Pants

Use the straight stitch to neatly hem a pair of pants. Begin by preparing the pant legs by ironing to keep the fabric flat while you work. Measure for the proper length while wearing the pants. Use safety pins to hold the hem while you check for proper length. When cutting the pants, leave a 1-inch seam allowance. Use pinking shears to prevent the cut fabric from fraying.

Choose a standard sewing needle with a small eye. The needle size depends on the thickness of the fabric. For example, a size 12 needle is shorter and finer, while a number one needle is longer and thicker. Use a number 10 for pants made of fabrics such as lightweight cotton or polyester.

Begin by making a slipknot in the thread. You do this by running the thread through a small section of the fabric and then putting the needle through the slipknot hole. This secures the thread in the fabric.

Ensure the thread is knotted to the fabric and then weave the needle in and out in a straight line to make a straight stitch. Try to make consistent stitches either short or long depending on how you want the finished garment to look.

Decide if you want the stitches to show or be invisible. By using a whip stitch, you can accomplish either task. For an invisible stitch, stitch on the wrong side of the fabric. If you are hemming pants, you should fold, iron and pin the hem with straight pins the way you want it sewn. When the stitching is completely, tie off the thread using another slipknot. Trim away any excess thread using scissors.