If you want your cut-offs to last for many summers, you’ll want to sew a quick hem. This simple step—just one line of stitching—is one that even beginners can manage and will keep the fraying where you want it and not beyond. It’s the easiest way to stop the frays and keep your modesty (and jeans) intact.

How to Hem Cut-Off Jeans

Spending an hour (or less) with scissors and your sewing machine will result in great-looking pair of cut-off jeans. Simply follow these steps to properly hem your cut-off jeans to prevent fraying:

Tips and Tricks

This project is easy enough, but a few extra tips will help your cut-offs look amazing.

You’ll notice a lot of cut-offs that taper up on the thighs and the seam tends to stick out. That’s because they were cut at what appeared to be straight across when laid flat. To avoid that, measure from the floor as you mark all the way around each leg to create a truly straight hem.It’s always best to cut your jeans a little longer at first. You can always cut more off but you can’t sew fabric back on and get the original look you were going for.Denim thread may be perfect for this sewing task, depending on the color of your jeans. There are a few different shades from various manufacturers, but it doesn’t have to be an exact match to blend in well.There are a variety of gold-colored threads meant to match the most common colors of stitching found on jeans. If you’re confident in your sewing, this can be a quick way to add a little embellishment and make your hem part of the style.