Pants and trousers
Tailored trousers, casual pants, wide-leg and straight-leg styles. When the length is right but the ankle still feels too wide, tapering may also be possible.
Hemming & shortening · Canning Vale · Perth
Sometimes it really is
just the hem.
Pants pooling over your shoes, a dress hitting the wrong spot, or curtains gathering on the floor — a small change in length can make the biggest difference once it is done properly.
Why a simple hem is not always simple
Length is only one part of the job.
Fabric, lining, vents, pleats, shape and footwear all affect how a finished hem should sit.
A lot of what we do comes down to one thing: length. Pants pooling over your shoes, a dress hitting the wrong spot on your leg, or a skirt clearly cut for someone taller than you. It sounds like a small change on paper. Once it is done, it is often the change that makes the biggest difference.
We handle hemming and shortening on most garments that come through the door — dresses, pants, jeans, skirts, lined garments and curtains. Some jobs are straightforward. Others, especially anything lined, pleated or layered, need considerably more care. We look at the actual garment first and quote from what is in front of us, rather than guessing from a generic list.
Done well, a hem disappears into the garment. Done badly, it is often the first thing you notice.
People often assume hemming is simply cutting fabric and sewing a new edge. Sometimes it is close to that. But stretch jersey does not behave like heavy woven fabric, and chiffon is different again — light, slippery and much less forgiving. Then there may be a lining, a vent or pleats that need to line up again once the length changes.
Shoes matter too. Hem trousers while someone is standing in flats, then put on heels, and the finished length can suddenly look completely different. That is why we fit garments while they are being worn rather than measuring everything flat on a table.
What we hem and shorten
Everyday garments, formal pieces and curtains.
The method changes with the material and construction, even when the request sounds the same.
Jeans
Denim has its own finish and character. Where appropriate, we can remove and reattach the original hem to preserve the factory look and fading rather than replacing it with a plain new edge.
Dresses
A few centimetres can change the whole balance of a dress. The right length depends on the shape, fabric, occasion and shoes you intend to wear.
Skirts
Straight, A-line, pleated, flared and wrap skirts can all require different handling. Pleated and flared styles often need the hem rebalanced around the full garment.
Curtains and soft furnishings
We shorten curtains and drapes so they sit properly at the window or rod rather than gathering or pooling unnecessarily on the floor.
Types of hems we do
The finish should match the fabric and the garment.
Not every hem is completed the same way. The method affects the appearance, durability, amount of fabric required and work involved.
| Hem type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blind hem | Most dresses, skirts and trousers | Designed to keep the stitching discreet from the outside. |
| Machine straight hem | Casual wear, jeans and everyday clothing | A durable finish with visible topstitching. |
| Rolled hem | Lightweight fabrics, chiffon and silk | Creates a narrow, neat edge for finer materials. |
| Original hem preservation | Jeans and denim | Retains the original factory edge and fading where appropriate. |
| Faced hem | Heavier or structured fabrics | Creates a clean edge without adding unnecessary bulk. |
| Lettuce hem | Stretch and knit fabrics | A decorative wavy edge used for selected styles. |
Not sure which finish your garment needs? Most people are not. We will recommend the option that works with the fabric and the result you want.
Getting the length right
The fitting matters as much as the sewing.
A few small preparations help us pin the garment at the length you will actually wear.
Bring the shoes: Heel height can materially change where a dress, skirt or trouser hem should sit.
Wear the usual layers: Shapewear and undergarments can change the way a garment falls.
Stand naturally: Try not to lift onto your toes or change your normal posture during the fitting.
Bring your belt: When you normally wear pants with a belt, bring it so the waistband sits in the right place.
How it works
A straightforward fitting and finish.
Bring it in or message us
A visit is usually best for fitting. Clear WhatsApp message can help us understand anything unusual before you come in.
We pin it while you wear it
With the right shoes and normal posture, this step does more than anything else to determine the finished length.
We agree on the finish
Blind hem, visible stitching, original denim hem or another method — we explain which option works for the garment.
We sew and press it properly
Good pressing is part of a professional hem. It helps the new edge sit cleanly and naturally.
Why locals choose us for hemming
Care at the fitting, not only at the machine.
Length fitted properly
We look at how the garment sits on you rather than relying only on a flat measurement.
Straight advice
We recommend the hem and finish that work with the fabric instead of defaulting to the quickest method.
Care with complex hems
Lined, pleated, layered and unusually shaped hems receive the additional time they require.
Canning Vale location
A convenient base for customers across Perth's southern suburbs and the wider metro area.
Service areas
Canning Vale and across Perth.
We regularly see clients from Canning Vale and surrounding suburbs, while also welcoming customers from across the Perth metro area.
Common questions
What people usually ask about hemming and shortening.
How much does it cost to hem pants?
It depends on the fabric, construction and finish. A plain machine hem on casual pants is different from a blind hem on lined trousers. Bring them in, or send a quick enquiry, and we can quote from the actual garment.
Can you hem jeans and keep the original hem?
Yes. If you want to preserve the worn or faded factory edge, ask about original hem preservation. Where appropriate, we remove and reattach the original hemline rather than sewing a plain new edge.
How much can a dress be shortened?
It depends on the dress, shape, fabric and what is already inside the hem. We can confirm the practical amount once we inspect and pin the garment.
Do I need to bring my shoes to get pants hemmed?
Yes. The shoes you intend to wear are one of the most important factors in getting the finished length right.
Can you hem lined dresses or skirts?
Yes. It takes longer than a single-layer garment because both the outer fabric and the lining need to be adjusted.
How long does hemming take?
Timing depends on our current workload and the garment. Lined, pleated, layered or curved hems need more careful handling than a straightforward hem. Tell us early when there is an event date.
Can you shorten curtains?
Yes. We regularly shorten curtains and drapes so they sit properly at a window or rod rather than bunching on the floor.
Can a hem be let back down if I change my mind later?
Sometimes. It depends on how much fabric remains, whether material was trimmed away and whether a visible crease or stitch line remains. We will explain what is realistic before anything is cut.
Related services
Other alteration work we can help with.
Need a hem sorted?
Bring it in or message us.
Most hemming jobs become much clearer once we can see the fabric, construction and finish. Message us on WhatsApp or bring the garment to our Canning Vale studio.
Opening hours
Monday10:00am – 7:30pm
Tuesday10:00am – 7:30pm
Wednesday10:00am – 7:30pm
Thursday10:00am – 7:30pm
Friday10:00am – 7:30pm
Saturday10:00am – 7:30pm
Sunday11:00am – 7:00pm
Quick message
Message us on WhatsApp
Send a quick enquiry and we will reply with the next steps.
Message on WhatsApp