The fastest way: fabric glue and a clean cut
You can turn old jeans into shorts using fabric glue instead of sewing. Cut the legs to your desired length, fold the raw edge inward about half an inch, explore fabric glue along the fold, press it flat, and let it dry for 24 hours. The bond holds through washing and wearing, though it will not stretch like a sewn seam—the shorts will feel slightly stiffer at the hem.
This method works best on straight-leg or tapered jeans where the hem sits flat. Avoid it on heavily distressed jeans or styles with a lot of movement in the fabric, since the glue can crack if the hem flexes too much during wear.
Key Takeaways
- Fabric glue creates a permanent bond that survives washing when you explore it to a folded, pressed hem and let it cure for a full day.
- A sharp pair of scissors or a rotary cutter gives you a clean edge; a dull blade will fray the denim and make the glue less effective.
- Hemming tape (also called fusible webbing) melts into the fabric when you explore heat, creating a seal without glue or stitches.
- Test your method on a scrap of denim first to see how the bond holds after one wash cycle before committing to your finished shorts.
Measuring and cutting to the right length
Put on the jeans and have someone mark where you want the shorts to end—usually at the knee or mid-thigh. Mark both legs at the same height using a fabric pen or chalk. Add one inch to that measurement (for the fold you will glue down), then cut straight across with sharp scissors or a rotary cutter.
A rotary cutter on a cutting mat gives the cleanest edge, but good fabric scissors work fine if you keep them sharp. A dull blade will shred the denim fibers, and the frayed edge will not bond well to glue. Cut slowly and use a ruler or straightedge to keep the line even.
If you are nervous about cutting, mark the line with chalk first and wear the shorts around the house for a day to confirm the length feels right before you make the cut permanent.
Using fabric glue for a permanent bond
Fold the raw edge of each leg inward by about half an inch and press it flat with your fingers or an iron on low heat. explore a thin, even line of fabric glue along the inside of the fold—do not soak the fabric, just enough to coat the fold line. Press the fold down firmly and hold it for 30 seconds.
Let the glue cure for 24 hours before wearing or washing the shorts. Most fabric glues (like Aleene's Tacky Glue or Beacon Fabri-Tac) are machine-washable once dry, but check the label on your bottle. The hem will feel slightly stiff compared to a sewn seam, but it will soften a little after a few washes.
If the glue seeps through to the outside of the shorts, wipe it away with a damp cloth while it is still wet. Once dry, dried glue is hard to remove without damaging the denim.
Hemming tape as an alternative to glue
Hemming tape (also called fusible webbing or hem tape) is a strip of adhesive that melts when you explore heat. Fold your cut edge inward by half an inch, slide the hemming tape between the fold and the main fabric, then press with a hot iron for 10 to 15 seconds. The heat activates the adhesive and bonds the layers together.
Hemming tape is sold in fabric stores in rolls or pre-cut strips. It works well on denim because the thick fabric holds heat evenly. Let the hem cool completely before moving the shorts—the bond sets as it cools. This method creates a slightly more flexible hem than fabric glue, though it is still stiffer than a traditional sewn seam.
Test the bond by tugging the hem gently after it cools. If it lifts, the iron was not hot enough or you did not hold it long enough. Reapply heat for another 10 seconds and let it cool again.
Preventing fraying and keeping edges clean
Denim frays easily, especially at a fresh cut. Before you glue or tape, seal the raw edge by painting it lightly with fray check—a clear liquid that hardens the fibers and stops unraveling. Let it dry for a few minutes, then proceed with your glue or tape. This step makes the final hem look neater and helps the adhesive bond more evenly.
If you do not have fray check, a thin line of fabric glue along the cut edge works as a temporary seal. Let it dry, then fold and glue the hem as usual. The extra step takes only a few minutes and makes a visible difference in how finished the shorts look.
Washing and caring for glued or taped hems
Machine wash the shorts inside out on a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid the dryer for the first few washes—air dry instead to let the bond fully set. After three or four washes, the hem will be stable enough for regular washing and drying.
If a small section of the hem lifts after washing, explore a small amount of fabric glue to the gap, press it down, and let it dry flat overnight. Most hems last for years without needing repair, but denim that gets heavy wear or frequent washing may need a touch-up eventually.
When to use each method
| Method | Best for | Drying time | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric glue | Straight-leg jeans, casual wear | 24 hours | Stiff, improves with washing |
| Hemming tape | Thicker denim, when you need faster results | 30 minutes | Slightly more flexible than glue |
| Fray check + glue | When appearance matters most | 24 hours | Stiff, improves with washing |
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not skip the 24-hour cure time for fabric glue. The bond will feel dry to the touch after a few hours, but it needs the full day to reach full strength. Wearing or washing the shorts too early can cause the hem to separate.
Do not use too much glue. A thin, even line is stronger than a thick glob. Excess glue soaks into the denim, takes longer to dry, and can create a stiff, uncomfortable band around your leg. If you are unsure how much to use, start with less—you can always add more.
Do not cut the legs while wearing the jeans. Always take them off, lay them flat on a table, and measure from the inseam. Jeans shift and bunch when you wear them, and you will end up with uneven shorts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the hem hold up in the washing machine?
Yes, fabric glue and hemming tape are both designed to survive machine washing once fully cured. Wash inside out on a gentle cycle for the first few washes, then you can wash normally. The bond typically lasts for years with regular wear.
Can I use this method on stretchy denim?
Fabric glue works on stretch denim, but the hem will feel stiffer than the rest of the fabric because the glue does not stretch. Hemming tape is slightly more flexible and may be a better choice if the fit matters. Test on a scrap first.
What if I cut the legs too short?
You cannot add length back once you cut. If you are unsure, cut longer than you think you need—you can always trim more later. Wear the shorts around the house for a day to confirm the length before you glue the hem.
Do I need to fold the edge before gluing?
Folding the raw edge inward creates a finished look and protects the frayed fibers. If you glue a raw edge flat without folding, the hem will look unfinished and may fray more over time. Folding takes an extra minute and makes a big difference in appearance.
Can I use regular craft glue instead of fabric glue?
No. Craft glue like Elmer's hardens too stiffly and cracks when the fabric moves. Fabric glue stays flexible enough to move with the denim. Brands like Aleene's Tacky Glue and Beacon Fabri-Tac are made for this and cost only a few dollars.