Fashion

[okiebug]

For everything but jeans or heavy pants it's easier to do the hems by hand especially if you have to get the sewing machine out every time. If you only need to take pants up by 1-1 1/2" you can just turn up that much, measuring every few inches and pin. You don't need to cut off the original hem. Just use a thread that is close to the color, take a small stitch at the top of the hem and then a small stitch just above the hem on the pant. Make the stitches between 1/4 and 1/2" apart. Take the pins out and press the new hem. Done.

If you need to take off more than that, pin the pants where you want them to be, measure 1 1/2" from the new hemline and cut the excess off. Press 1/2" under so you don't have the raw edge of the material showing, and stitch by hand.

You can do it the same way with a sewing machine - just stitch close to the top of the hem.

As for measuring, find a pair of pants that is the same style - trouser, slim leg, etc. and match them at the side seams. Pin and try on. If they rest at the same place at your waist the side seam will be the same length when the inseam might change.