How To Shorten Slacks Without Sewing

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As an individual who is passionate about fashion and consistently strives to present themselves in the best possible manner, I frequently encounter small challenges with my wardrobe. A frequent problem I encounter involves purchasing trousers that end up being slightly too long. Although the straightforward fix would be to hem them, sometimes I lack both the equipment, like a sewing machine, and the manual dexterity required for sewing. However, there’s no need to worry! I’ve stumbled upon several methods for shortening trousers without the need to sew, and I am eager to share these techniques with you!

1. Use Hem Tape

Hem tape is a handy tool that allows you to create a temporary bond between fabric layers. It’s perfect for quick fixes and alterations. To shorten your slacks using hem tape:

  1. Turn your slacks inside out and fold the excess fabric up to your desired length.
  2. Place a strip of hem tape along the folded edge, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
  3. Use a hot iron to activate the adhesive in the tape, pressing down firmly for a few seconds on each section.
  4. Let the slacks cool down before wearing them.

2. Fabric Glue

If you don’t have hem tape handy, fabric glue can be a great alternative. Here’s how to use fabric glue to shorten your slacks:

  1. Turn your slacks inside out and fold up the excess fabric.
  2. Apply a thin line of fabric glue along the folded edge.
  3. Press the folded edge down firmly to secure it in place.
  4. Let the fabric glue dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before wearing your slacks.

While fabric glue is a convenient option, it’s important to note that it may not be as durable as sewing or hem tape. It’s always a good idea to reapply fabric glue if it starts to loosen over time.

3. Double-Sided Adhesive Tape

This method is ideal for temporary alterations and quick fixes. Double-sided adhesive tape is often used in fashion emergencies to secure hems or keep garments in place. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Turn your slacks inside out and fold up the excess fabric.
  2. Cut double-sided adhesive tape into small strips.
  3. Place the adhesive tape along the folded edge of your slacks, spacing the strips evenly.
  4. Press the folded edge down firmly to secure it.

4. Adjustable Hemming Tape

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution without sewing, adjustable hemming tape can be a lifesaver. This type of tape allows you to easily adjust the length of your slacks whenever you want. Here’s how it works:

  1. Turn your slacks inside out and fold up the excess fabric.
  2. Place the adjustable hemming tape along the folded edge, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. Using a hot iron, press the folded edge down firmly to activate the adhesive in the tape.
  4. Let the slacks cool down before wearing them.

Adjustable hemming tape is a fantastic solution if you want to have the flexibility to switch between different lengths for your slacks.

Conclusion

Shortening slacks without sewing doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a perfect fit in no time. Whether you opt for hem tape, fabric glue, double-sided adhesive tape, or adjustable hemming tape, each method offers its own advantages. Remember to always follow the instructions provided by the product manufacturers for the best results.

Now you can confidently buy slacks that may be a little too long, knowing that you have the skills to shorten them without sewing. Happy styling!