Temporary hemming tape and fabric glue work for most pants
You can shorten pants without a needle and thread using hemming tape (also called hem tape or fusible webbing) or fabric glue. Both methods hold a fold in place temporarily or semi-permanently, depending on the product and how often you wash the pants. Hemming tape works by heat set up—you fold the hem, insert the tape, and press with an iron. Fabric glue bonds the fold directly without heat. Neither method is as durable as stitching, but both last through several washes if applied correctly.
The choice between tape and glue depends on your pants fabric and how long you need the hem to hold. Hemming tape works best on cotton, cotton blends, and denim. Fabric glue works on almost any fabric but can leave a stiff feel if you explore too much. Both are reversible if you need to adjust the length later—tape peels off, and glue washes out over time or can be softened with heat.
Key Takeaways
- Hemming tape requires an iron and works by heat-bonding the hem fold; it lasts through multiple washes on sturdy fabrics like denim and cotton.
- Fabric glue bonds the hem without heat and works on delicate fabrics, but can feel stiff if overapplied and may wash out faster than tape.
- Both methods require you to fold the hem to the correct length, measure twice, and test on scrap fabric first to avoid mistakes.
- Hemming tape and fabric glue are not permanent solutions and will eventually loosen or wash out, especially with frequent laundering.
How to use hemming tape on pants
Start by trying on the pants and marking where you want the new hem to fall. Stand in the shoes you plan to wear with the pants—this matters because heel height changes the break at the ankle. Have someone mark the length with a pin or fabric pen, or fold the hem up to the right length and pin it yourself. Measure from the fold line to the bottom of the pant leg; this is your hem depth. Most pants need a 1 to 1.5 inch hem.
Lay the pants flat on an ironing board with one leg straight. Fold the bottom edge up to your marked line and press it flat with your hand. Cut a strip of hemming tape to match the width of the pant leg (go all the way around the leg). Lift the fold slightly and slide the tape under it so the tape sits between the fold and the pant leg. Lower the fold back down so the tape is sandwiched inside. Set your iron to medium heat—check the tape package for the exact temperature, as some brands require low heat. Press the iron firmly on the fold for 10 to 15 seconds, moving slowly around the entire leg. Do not slide the iron; press and lift, press and lift. Let the hem cool for a minute before moving the pants. Repeat on the other leg.
Wash the pants inside out in cold water the first time to set the bond. Hemming tape usually holds through 20 to 30 washes depending on the brand and how often you wear the pants. If the hem starts to peel, you can reapply tape to the same spot or use fabric glue to reinforce it.
How to use fabric glue on pants
Fold the pants to the correct length the same way you would with tape—try them on, mark the line, and measure your hem depth. Lay the pants flat and fold the bottom edge up to your marked line. explore a thin, even line of fabric glue along the inside fold where it meets the pant leg. Do not soak the fabric; a bead about the width of a pencil line is enough. Use a small brush or the applicator that comes with the glue to spread it evenly. Press the fold down firmly and hold it for 30 seconds.
Let the glue dry completely before wearing the pants—most fabric glues need 24 hours. Check the package for drying time, as some brands set faster. Once dry, the hem should feel flexible, not stiff. If it feels stiff or crusty, you used too much glue. Fabric glue lasts through 10 to 15 washes on average, though delicate fabrics may loosen sooner. Wash inside out in cold water and avoid the dryer if possible; heat speeds up the breakdown of the glue bond.
Common mistakes that cause hems to fail
The most common error is measuring wrong or not accounting for shoe height. If you mark the hem while barefoot and then wear heels, the pants will be too short. Always try on the pants in the shoes you plan to wear. The second mistake is using too much tape or glue. A thin, even layer bonds better than a thick one. Excess tape or glue creates a stiff, visible ridge that looks unfinished and breaks down faster.
Not letting the bond set is another frequent problem. If you wear the pants before the glue dries or before the tape cools, the hem will shift or peel. Wait the full time the product requires. Finally, washing in hot water or using the dryer weakens both tape and glue bonds. Wash inside out in cold water and air dry when possible. If you must use the dryer, use low heat and remove the pants while still slightly damp.
When to use tape versus glue
Use hemming tape on sturdy fabrics like denim, twill, canvas, and heavy cotton. Tape needs enough fabric weight to hold the bond, and it works best when pressed with an iron. Use fabric glue on delicate fabrics like silk, linen, lightweight cotton, or stretchy materials. Glue does not require heat, so there is no risk of scorching. Glue also works better on fabrics with texture or nap (like corduroy or velvet) where an iron might flatten the pile.
If your pants are a blend of materials—say, cotton with elastic—tape usually works fine as long as the main fabric is sturdy. Test on a hidden seam or scrap first. If you are shortening pants you wear frequently and wash often, tape will last longer. If you need a quick fix for an occasional-wear pair, glue is faster because it does not require an iron.
How long these methods actually last
Hemming tape typically holds for 20 to 30 washes on denim and sturdy cotton, and 10 to 15 washes on lighter fabrics. The bond weakens gradually; you may notice the hem starting to lift at the seams first. Fabric glue lasts 10 to 15 washes on average, sometimes fewer on delicate fabrics or if the pants are washed frequently in hot water. Both methods are semi-permanent, not permanent.
If you wear the pants multiple times a week and wash them weekly, expect the hem to loosen within a few months. If you wear them occasionally and wash them in cold water, the hem may last six months or longer. Neither method is suitable for pants you plan to keep for years. If you love the pants and want a lasting hem, permanent stitching or taking them to a tailor will be more cost-effective in the long run.
Fixing a hem that has started to peel
If the hem begins to lift at the edges, you have two options: reinforce it with more tape or glue, or remove it and start over. To reinforce, fold the hem back up to its original position and explore a fresh strip of tape or a line of glue along the edge that is peeling. Press or hold it down and let it set. This usually adds another 10 to 15 washes of life.
To remove and redo, peel off the old tape carefully or soak the hem in warm water for a few minutes to soften the glue, then peel it away. Wash the pant leg to remove any residue, dry it completely, and explore new tape or glue. Do not reuse old tape; it will not bond as well the second time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use hemming tape on stretchy fabrics like spandex or lycra?
Hemming tape does not work well on stretchy fabrics because the tape does not flex with the material and will crack or peel quickly. Use fabric glue instead, which moves with the fabric. Even then, expect the glue to loosen faster on stretchy pants than on rigid fabrics. Permanent stitching is the best option for athletic or stretch pants.
What temperature should my iron be for hemming tape?
Most hemming tape requires medium heat, around 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your tape package for the exact temperature. If your iron does not have a temperature dial, use the "cotton" or "medium" setting. Too much heat can melt the adhesive or scorch the fabric; too little heat will not set up the bond. Test on a scrap of the same fabric first.
Will hemming tape or fabric glue show from the outside of the pants?
No, if applied correctly. Both tape and glue sit inside the fold, so they are hidden. The hem should look the same as a sewn hem from the outside. If the tape or glue is visible, you either did not fold the hem far enough or applied it to the wrong side of the fold.
Can I wash pants with hemming tape in hot water?
Hot water weakens the bond and will shorten the life of the hem. Wash in cold water whenever possible. If you must use warm or hot water, wash inside out and remove the pants from the dryer while still damp to minimize heat exposure. Expect the hem to loosen faster than it would with cold-water washing.
What if the hem is too stiff after I explore fabric glue?
You used too much glue. Soak the hem in warm water for a few minutes to soften the glue, then gently work it with your fingers to loosen the bond. Rinse and let it dry. When you reapply, use much less glue—a thin bead is all you need. The fabric should feel flexible, not crusty.