If the trousers are for yourself, then turn the new trousers inside out, and fold in half. This means you lay them flat on a table and fold them over so that one leg is on top of the other. Then using a pair of trousers of your own that you are happy with the length. Turn those inside out and fold in half also!
Lay your own trousers on top (still folded) of the new trousers, and these will act as a pattern/template!
Note where the hem of your own trousers come to on the new trousers, then using a tape measure, measure two inches from the hem of your own trousers (on to the new trousers).
This is because you will require one inch for the hem and one inch to turn under. Mark with dressmaker crayon where both the inches are, and draw a line along the lowest measurement. You can then cut this part at the bottom of your new trousers off.
With an iron gently press (on the wrong side of the trousers using a tea towel) a one inch hem, in other words, measure one inch from the bottom of the new trouser leg, and turn it up and iron it when that is done turn it and do the same again. This will give you your new hem length. You can then sew the hem by hand or you can machine it. By hand is by far the best way with invisible stitching (if you know how). Good Luck x
Heather Thomas, June 2009
