How Do I Create a Raw Hem on My Jeans?
DIYS /
January 2025
How do you make a raw hem?
Are your trousers too long, or do you want to change the look of your jeans? Why not make a raw hem yourself? Whether you're after personal satisfaction or a DIY challenge and wearing a unique pair of jeans, we've got just the tutorial for you.
Our talented seamstress Jen Sharkey is back with a guide showing you how to give your favourite jeans a raw hem. The great thing about this tutorial is that all the materials used are household items you'll find in your own home!
WHAT IS A RAW HEM?
A raw hem is a very simple, untucked hem on the inside or outside of jeans or any other garment (such as a jacket or skirt). If you cut directly through denim, it will leave a subtle frayed effect at the cut.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED
To create a rough hem on your jeans, place all the materials you need on a table. For this tutorial, you'll need the following items:
• A pair of jeans
• White chalk
• A pair of scissors
• A needle
• Thread (the same colour as your jeans)
• A ruler
- SHOP MENS JEANS
- SHOP WOMENS JEANS
METHOD
To create this raw hem, take the time to read each step carefully before you start to familiarise yourself with the steps involved.
Step 1 – Marking up
Put on your jeans to find the best place to make the raw hem. That way you avoid cutting your jeans too short. An old pair of jeans or a pair of light denim jeans will do.
Use the chalk to mark where you want to cut your jeans.
Step 2 – Cutting
After taking off your jeans, use a ruler to mark the hem line following the line you previously made with the chalk. Trim the bottom of your jeans using your scissors. If in doubt, don't hesitate to roll up your jeans and check that you like the length before cutting.
Step 3 – The other leg
Measure the inseam of the first trouser leg. Use this measurement as a reference to draw the cutting line on the other leg with the chalk. Feel free to put your jeans back on to see if the second line is at the same level as the first cut.
Repeat step 2 on the second leg of your trousers, marking the line to be cut with your chalk. Cut off the bottom of the second leg of your jeans.
Step 4 – The raw hem
Turn the jeans inside out and add a few stitches at the outer seam to prevent the threads from fraying on both legs. Use a thread in the same colour as your jeans to ensure the stitches blend in.
Give this hem a distressed look by rolling the bottom of your trousers between your hands. You'll get a slight fray at the bottom of the hem.
THE RESULT
And there you have it: a DIY raw hem in no time! Now you can add raw hems to all your favourite jeans! From straight jeans and bootcut jeans to the latest lightweight denim jeans, now you can give them a unique natural look.
Remember that you can also add raw hems to denim skirts, dresses and jackets, so why not try this tutorial on other Levi's garments? Time to get creative!
- SHOP MENS
- SHOP WOMENS
Looking for more ways to personalise your clothes? Why not head over to one of our tailor shops for endless customisation!