Should You Hem Pants Inside Out?

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Does Hemming Pants Inside Out Mean?

Hemming pants inside out involves turning the pants inside out before folding and sewing the hem. The raw edge of the fabric is folded up and stitched on the inside, so the finished side of the fabric faces outward. This technique keeps the seams and stitches hidden from view when you wear the pants, giving them a polished, professional look. When you flip the pants back to their normal position, only the smooth fabric shows, without any visible thread or bunching.

This approach differs from hemming the pants right side out, where the stitching might be visible on the outside. Sewing hems inside out is standard for most pants because it preserves the garment’s style and keeps the hem neat. If you want your pants to look sharp and last longer, hemming inside out is typically the best choice.

How Does Hemming Pants Inside Out Work? (With an Example)

To understand how hemming pants inside out works, consider this example: suppose you have a pair of jeans that are too long by 3 inches. You decide to hem them yourself using the inside-out method.

1. Turn the jeans inside out so the fabric’s inner side is facing you.
2. Fold the bottom edge of each pant leg up by 3 inches, making sure the fold is even all around.
3. Pin the fold in place to keep the fabric steady.
4. Sew around the fold close to the edge, stitching the fabric layers together.
5. Once sewn, turn the jeans right side out again.

Now, the jeans look professionally hemmed with the seam hidden on the inside. The outside fabric is smooth, and the hemline looks clean without any stitching showing, preserving the style and making the jeans comfortable to wear.

Why Does Hemming Pants Inside Out Matter?

Hemming pants inside out matters because it affects how neat and durable the hem looks and feels. When the stitches are on the inside, they are protected from wear and tear, friction, and exposure to dirt. This helps the hem last longer without fraying or unraveling. Also, visible stitching on the outside can look unprofessional or messy, especially on dress pants or nicer fabrics.

For anyone who wants their clothes to look well-maintained and clean, hemming inside out is the way to go. It gives a polished finish that suits both casual and formal pants. For people new to sewing, learning this method is a useful skill because it results in a better outcome and is the standard practice in garment construction.

What Are Common Terms Confused with Hemming Inside Out?

People often confuse hemming pants inside out with other sewing terms:

• Hemming right side out: Sewing the hem with the pants turned right side out, which can leave visible stitches.
• Blind hemming: A hemming technique that hides stitches even further on the outside by catching only tiny threads, often done with a special machine or stitch.
• Overlocking or serging: A method to finish raw edges to prevent fraying, sometimes done before hemming but not the same as hemming itself.
• Cuffing: Folding the pant leg up at the bottom without sewing, which is a styling choice, not a hem.

Knowing these differences helps decide which method fits your needs and fabric type.

Should You Hem Pants Inside Out Before or After Washing?

It’s usually best to hem pants after washing them at least once. Washing first allows the fabric to shrink if it will, so you don’t end up with pants that are too short after hemming. If you hem before washing, the fabric might shrink later, ruining the hem length and requiring redoing the work. For more detail on timing your hemming with washing, see the guide on Should You Hem Pants Before Washing?.

How to Hem Pants Inside Out: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the pants: Wash and dry your pants as you plan to wear them.
2. Turn pants inside out: Lay them flat with the inner side facing up.
3. Measure and fold: Determine how much length to remove and fold the hem up evenly.
4. Pin the fold: Secure the fold with pins or fabric clips.
5. Sew the hem: Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, stitch close to the fold edge.
6. Press the hem: Iron the hem flat to set the crease.
7. Check your work: Turn the pants right side out and inspect the hem for neatness.

These steps create a clean, durable hem with no visible stitches on the outside. For more techniques, see Various Ways to Hem Pants.

What Should You Do Next If You Want to Hem Your Pants?

If you decide to hem your pants inside out:

• Gather a sewing kit, pins, and an iron.
• Decide if you want to sew by hand or use a machine. Hand hemming is slower but possible without a machine.
• Measure carefully to avoid cutting off too much fabric.
• Practice on an old pair of pants or fabric scrap.
• Follow detailed tutorials or videos to build confidence.
• For delicate or expensive pants, consider going to a tailor.

If you want to keep the original hem style or need special fabric handling, check out How to Hem Pants and Keep the Original Hem.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hem pants inside out without a sewing machine?

Yes, you can hand sew the hem inside out using a needle and thread, making small, neat stitches along the fold. It takes longer but still hides the seam inside for a clean look.

Will hemming pants inside out affect the fit?

Hemming inside out only changes the pant length, not the overall fit. However, be sure to measure carefully so the new length suits your height and style.

How do I know how much to fold when hemming inside out?

Measure your desired pant length while wearing them or with help. Mark the fold line, adding a small extra allowance for the hem seam.

Is hemming inside out better for all pant fabrics?

Most fabrics benefit from inside-out hemming because it hides seams and protects stitches. However, very thick or specialty fabrics might require different techniques.

Can I iron pants after hemming inside out?

Yes, ironing the hem after sewing helps set the crease and gives a sharp finish. Use the appropriate iron setting for the fabric type.