Re: How to shorten trouser

Neil A. wrote:
> Can anyone explain to me or point to a website which shows how to
> shorten trousers.  I can give $16 to the local rip-off korean
> laundry/altering shop who use a machine and do a butchering job... but
> I would like to know how I can do it myself or buy some machine (maybe
> a hand held sewing gizmos) that might help me do that?

The hand-held sewing machine whereof you speak is called a needle. You'll
need a packet of them, and some decent-quality thread to match your trousers
(Gutterman or Mettler are good brands) plus a packet of pins, a ruler and
some scissors.

Turn the hem of the trousers to the inside by the amount you need to shorten
them and stitch round using hem stitch or herringbone stitch, seen here:
http://www.alternative-windows.com/stitches.htm. You could put
    "how to sew" hem
into Google and come up with diagrams.

Do NOT buy "a hand held sewing gizmo" as they're useless or worse. A good
sewing machine will set you back anything from $10 (from a charity shop, if
you know what you're looking for) to £2000.

The Korean place has made the investment in sewing machine, thread, pins etc
and they know how to shorten trousers. That's why they charge $16. If you
think it's a rip-off, think about how long it'll take you to learn how to
hem and how long to actually do it, and multiply that by your rate of pay.
Add the write-down on a sewing machine and other equipment, thread, taxes,
electricity and rent for the premises and $16 might seem quite reasonable.

And, as Trish says, remarks that can be perceived as racist can alienate a
lot of people. Not a smart thing to do when you're asking for help.

Sally H