How to Cut Jeans and Prevent Fraying

How to cut very long jeans may seem easy, but it was one of the top reader requests here last year!

I wanted to collect my tips in a pinable blog post and share it quickly. step by step video. You can find the anti-wear product shown at the end at most craft or sewing stores. or on Amazon.

Also, see my blog post at ways to style straight-leg jeans!

I usually recommend starting with jeans that have been machine washed and dried in case they get shorter. But it doesn’t matter if you don’t – you can always cut it discreetly to start and shorten it again if needed.

Follow steps 1 to 3 to cut the hem on the first pant leg:

1. Fold under the jeans and safety pin if necessary to temporarily test the length. Be sure to try them on with different shoes you will be wearing, namely flats and heels.
2. Once you’re happy with the length, mark it with fabric chalk or a pin. If you have never machine washed or dried the jeans before, be aware that the length may shrink a little.
3. Lay the jeans flat and use a pair of good scissors to cut straight through one of the legs you marked.

Follow steps 4 to 6 to cut the second pant leg:

4. Fold the jeans in half to match both hems.

5. Use the first cut foot as a guide to cut the second leg to the same length.

6. Cut straight.

To get perfectly frayed edges:

Throw your jeans in the washer and dryer to get a fluffier frayed edge, and then trim any very long strands if needed. As an optional step to prevent further wear, a anti-wear product along the edges and allow to air dry.

I followed this process for my beloved Levi’s wedgie jeans:

Hope this helped!