How to DIY Step-Hem Jeans

As you already know, jeans are one of my most important wardrobe staples. I love skirts and dresses, but I’m a denim girl at heart. Because I’m petite, I primarily wear skinny jeans and boyfriend jeans, but I also have a soft spot for flares and overalls. These cuts are all pretty standard and have been around for years, but there’s often little “updates” to keep them fresh and exciting. Within the last season or two, there’s been a shift towards embroidered denim, as well as jeans with a stem-hem.

If you’re not sure what step-hem jeans are, it’s a term that’s used to describe denim that has an asymmetrical hemline. Typically, the edges are unfinished and raw. As you may have noticed, I wore a pair of step-hem jeans in my last post. Are you curious where you can get your hands on a pair of jeans like those? Well, you can buy them…or you can DIY them like I did!

If you’re wondering how to DIY step-hem jeans, scroll through for the details.

How to DIY Step-Hem Jeans:

What you need:

• A pair of skinny or straight leg jeans
• Pins
• Sharpie marker
• Fabric Scissors
• Ruler

Directions:

1. Find a pair of jeans to cut – I used a pair of old jeans I had in my closet. I love how they fit, but I’ve always hated the pattern on the bottom. If you don’t have old jeans that you’re willing to cut, you can always buy a pair of an inexpensive jeans at a store like Old Navy or Joe Fresh.
2. Determine how short you want them – Try the jeans on and fold them to the appropriate length. While they’re folded, take them off and secure the length with pins.
3. Mark your jeans so you know where to cut – Using your ruler and Sharpie marker, draw a line on your jeans. The pins are a great guideline, but they can get in the way when you cut the jeans.
4. Cut your jeans – Make sure to cut just above the line.
5. Make the front portion shorter – Depending on how dramatic you want your step-hem to be, cut the front portion of your jeans an additional inch or so. Don’t forget to use your ruler and marker again.
6. BONUS – Wash your jeans – The hem will look pretty raw at first, but if you wash the jeans once or twice, it will fray. I rarely wash my jeans, so I’ll admit, I haven’t done this step yet.

That’s it! Super easy, right?

See also: How to Clean Hunter Rain Boots and How to Wear an Off-The-Shoulder Top