What's the best way to take up jeans?

[LowLevelWhingeing]

My legs are so stupidly short that I even have to take up petite length jeans, but they always look rubbish.

I've tried wundaweb, so called invisible hemming and this method where you cut off the bottom bit with the visible jeans-looking seam, and reattach it a bit shorter.

The first two methods look fine at first but after a couple of washes, them hem becomes visible on the other side. The last method is fine in theory - a bit of a faff to get the seams lined up properly as they're too thick to fit under the heel of my sewing machine. They also need constant adjustment when I'm wearing them as they hem flicks up all the time.

This is the only sewing I know how to do, so can anyone offer any tips or advice please?

ba da bump

Lots of the online tutorials seem obsessed with trying to get the hem looking like the original. Personally, I think life is too short for this kind of perfectionism - it's the hem of a pair of jeans for goodness sake!

I just hem as usual: cut off the bottom to the length I want plus 2 x hem depth. Then fold up hem depth twice and topstitch. You can use topstitching thread which is thicker for a better match to the original, but I don't bother. You need a fairly robust needle, especially going over the side seams.

My top tip though is to remember to wash the jeans before you cut - they nearly always shrink in the first wash, and I've lost count of the number of times I've ended up with a pair of jeans a little too short...

Thanks skiffler, and that's a good point about life being too short - I tend to agree! And I hadn't thought to wash them first, another good point.

Is topstitching just sewing as normal with the machine so I would be creating a hem like the one I'll cut off? (if that makes sense)

Yes - top stitching is just "sewing as normal" but you might want to use a thicker thread and longer stitch length to get a more "jeans-like" finish. I have an excellent little gadget which helps with going over thick seams. It is invaluable. I'll see if I can find a link to one...

Found one

hump jumper

but I think the jean-a-ma-jig does the same job. It just keeps the presser foot level and stops it jamming.

Ah thanks PF, I'll look for one of those - looks just the thing.

I use a method a bit like the one you linked to in your OP, but after sewing the fold you then top-stitch next to the seam you've just created. Gives a more finished look. See the link below as I haven't explained it very well.

I haven't had any problem with the hem flicking up or anything and I've had to shorten my jeans by 2".

Here's a link to the tutorial...link

Aah, thanks Em, hadn't thought of that, not being a very good sewer and all! The extra stitching would hold it in position better.

If making a new hem on jeans I usually cut away the extra thickness on the seams but just where its folded for the hem. I unpick the stitches and cut away the inside layers. Not so bulky and easier to sew.

That's a good idea, thanks S6F.