As a complete novice, could I shorten some wide leg trousers?

[Mydoghealsmyheart]

I bought two pairs of lightweight wide leg trousers which are about 3 inches too long. They are meant to be a shorter size already so I had hoped to avoid this situation. My lovely dm would usually shorten them for me but she’s really poorly so I don’t want to ask her. As I want to start wearing them, I’m thinking of trying to shorten them myself but have no idea how to start. I can borrow a sewing machine but, beyond that step, I’m stumped.

I'd use some Wunda Web.

If they're light-weight it'll be ideal.

Just iron it on.

Yes it's not hard. Work out the finished length you want by pinning up. Make the same type/size of hem as existing: likely folded twice and machined with a straight stitch. Or it might be single fold with an invisible hem.

Add the length needed for the hem below your line, cut off neatly, press up and stitch.

Iron the new seam in, and use a big tacking stitch. If it’s off, you can pull it out, dampen the fabric to remove the crease and start again.

Yes you can do this and I would recommend not cutting any fabric off but turning up by three inches, press into place. Hand stitch.

when your mum feels better, ask her to help or check your work.

lots of help on you tube and insta

Wondaweb bonds to your fabric with hot glue, hard to get off if you make a mistake. Stitches can be pulled out easily and redone

3” is far too much to fold up, it will be too bulky and wide legs might taper from the hem which is the widest point.You need to unpick the hem, trim off at least an inch, fold up the raw edge 1/2” and press. Then turn up approx 2” and stitch. press before you machine or hand sew and tack in place first. try on for length with shoes.

I had to shorten a wide legged jumpsuit last year. I used wundaweb and when I was happy with it I used small stitches to make sure it didn’t undo. It’s not brilliant but you’d have to look very closely to see!

Watch videos on YouTube. You can always unpack if you don't like it.

....just to add, be careful they're not too short as wide-legged are meant to cover quite a lot of shoe (without trailing in the puddles!)

I’m so, so grateful to everyone who has given advice. Thank you. I’m definitely going to give it a try and see how I get on. And if I shorten them too much, are Bermuda shorts in fashion this year? 😉