Alter the length of your jeans but keep the original hem - a tutorial

I have had this pair of boot cut jeans that never fitted me right, it's too long and because of the cut, it will go under my shoes when I walk but I have kept it nonetheless. I have worn it on and off, at times folding/tucking/stepping on the hem.
After like 'forever' of doing that, today I decided to do something about it *roll eyes*

Here's a few simple steps on how to shorten your jeans length while keeping the original hem (and not breaking any needles in the process)

 

step 1: Wear your jeans and measure the length you want, it is best to measure with your shoes on (I didn't bother as I am always wearing flats)

step 2: Divide the measurement you took in half and pin all around (3"/2= 1.5")  

 

step 3: I used walking foot and size 14 needle and sew as close to the original hem. It makes sewing easy if you use the free arm on your sewing machine to insert the jeans leg 

step 4: Try it on, if it seems fine move to step 5, if you are not happy with the length (repeat step 1-3) 

*note: I would rather throw the jeans away than repeat step1-3, so better do it right the first time around.. 

but hey.. that's just me..

 

 step 5: Cut excess, zigzag or serge to avoid fraying

 

step 6: Press original seam down, you can topstitch all around above the new seam or leave it be as I done

 

And you are done.. 

The best part of this is, you can do it in a very short time, on your portable machine and the end result does not make it obvious like you have shortened it 

Further reading on shortening jeans while keeping the original hem: here, here and a video tutorial here 
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