https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/knot-no-hem-pants • Posted by Madison @ Crafty Critique
I call these pants my "Knot No-Hem Pants" because there's not no hem on them! Get it?! (Laaame.) But, seriously, instead of hemming the bottom of the pants I added a length of coordinating fabric to create a cute knotted tie. These super-cute, super-easy pants can be made into shorts, bermudas or capris and are easy to make for children OR adults! You also have the option of making your pants from scratch with your own pattern, or simply cutting length off an old pair of pants and refashioning them into something new and cute! So many options and all so simple! So let's get started.
I call these pants my "Knot No-Hem Pants" because there's not no hem on them! Get it?! (Laaame.) But, seriously, instead of hemming the bottom of the pants I added a length of coordinating fabric to create a cute knotted tie. These super-cute, super-easy pants can be made into shorts, bermudas or capris and are easy to make for children OR adults! You also have the option of making your pants from scratch with your own pattern, or simply cutting length off an old pair of pants and refashioning them into something new and cute! So many options and all so simple! So let's get started.
Start with a pair of unhemmed pants, cut about 2-3 inches shorter than you want your finished pants to be. You can either make your pants using a pattern and leave them unhemmed, or you can upcycle an old pair of pants by cutting off some length. Your choice, but the second option is definitely easier! :)
Use a serger or zig-zag stitch to finish the edges at the opening of each pant leg.
Now let's get ready to add our knotted hem! We're going to cut two rectangles of our coordinating fabric, one for the hem of each leg. To find out the dimensions you need to cut your fabric, start by measuring around the circumference of your pant leg. Multiply the measurement by two to get your length. For instance, my pant leg was 11.5 inches, so my length was 23 inches (11.5" x 2 = 23").
For your width, determine how many inches of length you want to add to your pants, then double that number. So, for instance, I wanted to add about 3 inches of length to my pants, so I doubled that number and got 6 inches.
Cut two rectangles in your dimensions (one for each leg).
Now we're going to take our rectangles and make a tube. Take your rectangles of coordinating fabric and fold them in half along their length with right sides facing together. Pin in place and iron to create a crease.
Use scissors to cut both ends of your fabric at a slight angle. To make sure all my angles are the same, I like to lay all the ends of the fabric on top of each other and cut at one time.
Now sew down the edge and one end of your fabric to create a tube. Be sure to leave one end open so you can flip the tube right side out. Which brings us to our next step...
Flip your tube and iron
While ironing, fold under the unsewn, angled end of your tube, press and pin in place.
Now sew the open end on your tube (the part you just ironed under) shut.
After you've sewn the open end shut, top-stitch over the other end to make them both match.
Repeat steps 6-12 on the other rectangle of coordinating fabric.
Now it's time to attach the coordinating fabric to the bottom of our pants to create the knot. To do this, take the tube you just made and pin it to the bottom of your pant leg. It may seem contradictory, but you'll want to pin it so that it lays on top of the pant leg and does not add any additional length. (See picture if this doesn't make sense.) In a minute we'll flip it down and iron the seam.
It's also important to note that when placing your tube on your pants, you want equal amounts of length to extend from the outside of the pant leg. This will be your tie. Make sense? I hope so!
Sew all the way around the opening of the pant leg.
Flip the coordinating fabric down and iron the seam.
Voila! You have your knotted hem. Now repeat steps 14-17 on the other leg.
Once you're finished you should have this! Congratulations! You made your super cute pair of Knot No-Hem Pants! Now wear them around town and show them off! :) Thanks for using my tutorial! :)