How to Shorten and Hem Sleeves on a Shirt by Hand

Introduction

Use this guide to learn how to shorten and hem a shirt sleeve.

Do you have a long-sleeved shirt you want to shorten, but don’t have a sewing machine? This guide will teach you how to shorten and hem your sleeve with a catch stitch. A catch stitch is a relatively simple stitch that can hide the raw edges of a sleeve.

In addition, being able to adjust a shirt sleeve to a desired length is a useful and cost-saving skill to have. Learning how to alter a shirt sleeve can help you repurpose old or winter clothing instead of discarding them.

Before starting this guide, be aware that Step 4 includes using sewing pins that are sharp and could cause minor injuries.

What you need

Step 1 How to Shorten and Hem Sleeves on a Shirt by Hand

How to Shorten and Hem Sleeves on a Shirt by Hand, How to Shorten and Hem Sleeves on a Shirt by Hand: step 1, image 1 of 2

How to Shorten and Hem Sleeves on a Shirt by Hand, How to Shorten and Hem Sleeves on a Shirt by Hand: step 1, image 2 of 2

Measure out the desired length of the sleeve.
Leave at least 1 inch of fabric because you will fold back and hem the sleeves.

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Step 2

Cut the shirt sleeve to the desired length.

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Step 3

Turn the shirt inside out.
Roll up the shirt sleeve by 1 inch.

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Step 4

Measure the shirt sleeve to make sure it is even in the front and back of the sleeve cuff.
Use sewing pins to secure the sleeve cuff in place.
Sewing pins are sharp so be careful when using them. We recommend placing the pins in the middle or lower part of the cuff as to not get in the way of sewing.

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Step 5

Measure about 1/4 of an inch from the top of the sleeve cuff.
Use this as a guiding line to make your stitches appear straight.

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Step 6

Loop the thread through your sewing needle and tie it together.

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Step 7

Underneath the sleeve cuff, push your needle through the sleeve.

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Step 8

How to Shorten and Hem Sleeves on a Shirt by Hand: step 8, image 3 of 3

Use a catch stitch to sew the sleeve into place.

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Step 9

How to Shorten and Hem Sleeves on a Shirt by Hand: step 9, image 3 of 3

In the space above the sleeve cuff, make a right-to-left stitch.
Then push the needle right-to-left into the sleeve cuff where you made the guide lines.
This will create a zigzag pattern in the shape of an upside down "V."

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Step 10

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Repeat the steps to sew the entire sleeve cuff.

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Step 11

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To end the catch stitch, push your needle into the starting stitch and make a small knot.
Make a few more knots to secure the thread.
Cut the thread with scissors.
Remove the sewing pins.
Turn the shirt inside out again and you're done!