Hemming Calculator
Calculate hem allowance and fabric to cut when shortening garments.
Supports inches and centimeters.
Hemming Measurements
Hemming involves folding fabric under to create a clean finished edge. The hem allowance is the extra fabric below the desired finished length.
Fabric to Cut Off = Current Length − Desired Length − Hem Allowance
Hem Allowance = Fold-under + Turn-under
Unit conversions:
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm
- 1 cm = 0.3937 inches
Standard hem allowances by garment type:
- Pants/Trousers: 1.5" (3.8 cm) — double fold
- Jeans: 1" (2.5 cm) — single fold with topstitch
- Skirts: 1.5–2" (3.8–5 cm)
- Dresses: 1.5–2" (3.8–5 cm)
- T-shirts: 1" (2.5 cm) — double fold
- Curtains: 3–4" (7.6–10 cm) — double fold for weight
Hem types:
- Single fold: Fold once, stitch. For thick or non-fraying fabrics.
- Double fold: Fold edge in, fold again, stitch. Clean finish, prevents fraying.
- Blind hem: Invisible from the outside. Best for dress pants and formal wear.
- Rolled hem: Very narrow, used on lightweight fabrics.
Tip: Always press the hem with an iron before stitching for a crisp, professional finish.