If you’re short and petite like me, then you’ve probably often wondered how to cut your jeans to get them to the correct length for you. I know I have.
But I have always been too scared to actually cut them and try it. I always figured I would ruin them or mess them up someway. However, I got brave this summer and decided to just go ahead and go for it.
And I am so glad I did because it actually didn’t end up being too bad! I thought it would be fun to share the whole process here with you too!
I am going to Haven Conference this year which is a conference for bloggers and influencers. If you’re going to a conference like Haven too, be sure to check out all my tips on what to bring to a blogging conference as well! And for the last night, they are doing a 90s dance party. So I needed a 90s outfit for it.
I found these specific jeans which I thought looked 90s related and thought I should just go for it and try it out. Keep on reading to see how it turned out for me!
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Materials Needed to Cut Jeans:
- Pair of Jeans that are too long
- Sharp fabric scissors
- Bobby Pins
- Ruler
First Steps Before Cutting
The pair of jeans I got were a 90s style loose fitting distressed jean with a raw hem edge. I figured this was the perfect pair to try this idea out on since it already had a distressed edge.
I haven’t tried to cut any jeans with a hemmed edge yet so this was a great starting point for me. And I am only 5’1″ (as I mentioned in my previous post, What to Pack for the Beach). So this makes getting any jeans to fit me just right a challenge. Especially if there aren’t any petite sizes available.
These jeans only came in a regular size too so they were a great deal too long on me. The first thing I did before cutting my jeans were to just try them on in front of a full length mirror.
And then, looking in the mirror, I rolled the jeans up to the desired length. I just kind of eyeballed this.
After I rolled them up to the desired length, I placed bobby pins on either side of the seam to secure it. I didn’t want them to roll back down as I was taking them off to cut them.
Cutting the Jeans
I carefully peeled the jeans off, being sure not to move the bobby pins around while doing so. After, I laid them out so I could see if they were even or not.
I measured using a ruler to make sure each side of the jean was even.
The first side was exactly 4 inches and the second side was slightly under. So I just readjusted the bobby pins on the second side to make it exactly 4 inches like the first side.
After making sure both sides are even, I used a pair of SHARP fabric scissors to cut. I actually ordered a new pair of scissors for this. I wanted to make sure they were super sharp since jeans can be pretty thick.
Then, I cut right above the fold and continued to go across as evenly as I could. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect, you can go back after the initial cut and trim everything to make it even on both the front and back side of the jean.
Once you’ve cut both sides of the jeans, now you can distress the bottom edge to them even more. I just used the blade of the scissors and ran it back and forth along the hem line of the jeans.
Then, I used my fingers to gently pull a little more of the fabric apart. I wanted it to look like the hem of the original jeans. And I think I did a pretty good job! Especially for my first time!
Well, what do you guys think of how they turned out?! I am pleasantly surprised seeing as how nervous I was to cut them originally.
They aren’t perfect, but you can’t really tell honestly. And I think the more I do this, the more comfortable I will become with it.
Let me know what you think about this and if you’ve ever had to cut your jeans before too! Tell me I’m not the only shortie around here too!
Well done! I love your thorough instructions and before and after photos. .Being 5 foot 7 I don’t have the issue of jeans being too long (sometime too short) but I have when I was younger made cut-off shorts out of jeans.
Lol I wish I didn’t have this problem, but I am glad I was able to cut these to the correct length for me too!
They look great. I’ve never had a too long issue (other than intentionally). I usually find I need a little longer than regular in most shops, but the long is too long.
Yeah I understand that. It’s always so hard to find jeans that fit perfectly!
These look great, you did such a good job! I’m 5 foot 5 and I’ve never had this problem before but this is such a great way to overcome it! Thank you so much for sharing x
This was very good. I’ve found many pairs of long jeans in the petite and junior section. My petite friends and I just roll them up. Other times we just avoid the boot-cut jeans or purchase capris. But this does make it easier and more affordable instead of taking the pants to the seamstress. Excellent post.
Thank you! I do everything I can to avoid going to the seamstress since it is usually a lot and I don’t want an extra expense to deal with lol
Awe thank you so much! I wish I didn’t have this problem to deal with, but oh well! There are worse things than just being short lol
These look great! Such bright photos, with clear and detailed instructions. Well done lovely!
Awe thank you so much. I am so glad you enjoyed it!
So useful! I’m 5’4 with short legs and jeans are always too long (unless I can find petite length ones in my size — pretty rare). Thanks!
Thank you! I know it so so rare to actually find petite length jeans. I don’t know why they make it so hard to find!
Cool, it turns out great after the cutting. My gf looking for new ways to be creative with her clothes. I’m sure she will be interested in reading this. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much. I am so glad you think so as well
Great tutorial! I bet a lot of petit girls will find this really helpful. I’ve thankfully never had to cut mine!
Thank you. You are definitely lucky then! It is always so hard for me to find some jeans that actually fit right lol
Your jeans look amazing, what a brilliant tutorial! I normally have the opposite problem, sometimes mine are too short :/ x
Lol thank you, although I am not too sure how to help you on that since I definitely don’t have that problem!
What a brilliant tutorial for cutting jeans perfectly! I’ll save this post in case I need to do this with jeans soon x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you so much. Yes, it may come in handy one day!
They turned out great! I am taller (5’7″) so typically I would have the opposite problem with finding jeans that aren’t as long as I would like them to be, especially when I’m wearing boots with a heel. Sometimes when my jeans go out of style for the bottoms I like to cut them into capris or shorts. Thanks for the tips!
No problem at all. Glad you enjoyed it, even though it wasn’t super useful for you!
I plan on getting back into sewing soon so this is really inspiring me! Wee hint: If you want to make them look more distressed, use sandpaper. Put cardboard inside in the spots you want to create holes, sandpaper them and then cut with a razor blade to make the fraying look more natural.
That’s a great idea too! I may have to go back and distress them even more!
The blogging and influencer event sounds so interesting, so I will be hoping to see a post about it in the future!
I have this issue with jeans and leggings too, as I am short as well. Leggings are pretty uncuttable but jeans can be adjusted a la your post. 🙂
Thank you so much. I just got back from it on Sunday and plan to share all about it soon, so stay tuned!
Hi, thank you so much for this tutorial. It’s very informative as well as to the point making it an easy , interesting read. I am short as well and I almost never find a pair of jeans that fit in length. I can’t wait to try this with all my jeans.
Awe yay! I am so glad you found it to be useful then. Let me know how it goes for you!
The jeans look adorable on you! Nicely done, thanks for the tips.
Awe thank you so much. I really appreciate that!
The jeans look great! I bought some jeans that were too long before, but I didn’t dare cut them. It’s great to see that yours turned out well!
I hope you have fun at the Haven Conference!
Thank you so much! I just got back on Sunday and had such a blast and I learned so much from it! Can’t wait to implement it all!