How to Hem Yoga Pants

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Hem yoga pants to achieve the perfect fit.

Hem yoga pants to tailor the length or to convert long pants to capri length. Because yoga pants are usually made of a stretch knit fabric, they should be hemmed using a stretch machine stitch, as a straight or hand sewn stitch may break when the fabric stretches. Use a machine with a built-in stretch stitch or use a narrow zigzag stitch to neatly and sturdily hem yoga pants.

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Things You'll Need

  • Yoga pants

  • Seam ripper

  • Ruler or flexible measuring tape

  • Straight pins

  • Scissors

  • Sewing machine fitted with a ball point needle

  • Sewing thread to match pant fabric

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Step 1

Remove the existing hem stitches with a seam ripper, taking care not to rip the fabric.

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Step 2

Measure the new hem from the floor using the ruler or measuring tape. Mark the new hem length with a straight pin.

Step 3

Cut the fabric 3/4-inch below the new hem.

Step 4

Stitch along the edge of the cut fabric using a zigzag stitch to prevent fraying and support the fabric.

Step 5

Turn the pants inside out and fold up the hem to the pinned marker. Pin up the hem using straight pins.

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Step 6

Stitch the hem 1/4-inch below the finished edge using a stretch stitch or a short zigzag stitch, removing the straight pins as they are passed. Clip thread ends.

Tip

A ball point needle is necessary when sewing stretch fabrics to prevent snags and tears. To ensure an even hem, have a friend measure and pin the pants to the desired length, or estimate the desired length, turn the cuff up and pin in place, and then try the pants on again to check the fit.

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