Mending—A Cheaters Way to Sewing Repairs

How to shorten jeans/Nancy Zieman/Sewing With Nancy

Mending—A Cheaters Way to Sewing Repairs

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Mending! That’s a sewing topic that I usually try to avoid. I’ve never thought, Oh goodie, today I get to replace a zipper! Can you relate?

Then one day, I decided that mending doesn’t need to be a trial. You can cheat! No demerits, rather legitimate— although unconventional—sewing repairs with minimal effort. You’ll find four common mending repairs in the first episode of Quick Stitch to Wear Again, a new Sewing With Nancy video. Watch online, on Public TV, or on DVD. Or, follow all the details in the book. Here’s what you’ll learn!

Fool’em Jeans Hem

Here’s the first cheater’s way to mend, the Fool’em Jeans Hem! I’ll show you how to shorten a pair of jeans, yet keep the original hemline stitching—you might be surprised at the solution. Click to watch online.

How to shorten jeans/Nancy Zieman/Sewing With Nancy

No-Bump Jeans Hem

When tapered or flared jeans must be shortened, another fix-it approach is needed. Usually, it’s tricky to sew over the thick seams. Not so with the No-Bumps Jeans Hem approach. No steamroller needed, just a quick-stitch tip!

How to shorten jean/Nancy Zieman/ Sewing With Nancy

Snug-up the Waist Fix

When pants or jeans fit around your hips, but gape at the waist, you can “Snug-up the Waist” without a second thought. Grab a seam ripper and some elastic and I’ll show you how to create a snug fit in mere minutes.

How to fit jeans in the waistline/Nancy Zieman/Sewing With Nancy

Cover-Up Zipper Fix

Sew True! You’ll never see zippers the same way! The Cover-Up is Exposed. Okay, we’re having fun with a topic that can be dry. The Cover-Up Zipper technique, replacing zippers in jeans and pants, is truly sensational. Don’t look for the latest edition of Sew True at the grocery checkout—just watch online!

How to repair zippers/Nancy Zieman/Sewing With NancySpecial thanks to Philip Ashby, graphic artist at Wisconsin Public TV for the clever illustrations.

Watch Quick Stitch to Wear Again on Sewing With Nancy online.

To watch Sewing With Nancy on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, download the app.

How to shorten jean/How to repair zippers/Nancy Zieman/Sewing With Nancy19 Cheater’s Sewing Repairs in My New Book!

There wasn’t time to demonstrate all the mending tips and tricks on TV—you know, only a half-hour show–so my staff and I gathered additional easy ideas to add to the tips shown on TV. All 19 tips with illustrations are in the full-color book, Quick Stitch to Wear Again.

Quick Stitch to Wear Again by Nancy Zieman Book & DVD

For a chance to win a copy of Quick Stitch to Wear Again, simply leave me a comment sharing which of these mending tips you need the most. A winner will be randomly selected and announced on September 10.

Nancy Zieman's Fall Table Runner Challenge 2015 Badge

Don’t forget to submit your table runner in my Fall Table Runner Challenge! Click here to see how to enter. Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing. Sign up here.

Bye for now,

Nancy Zieman The Blog

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178 Comments

  • Debora Nipper
    August 27, 2015

    With 3 daughters in college and 1 in 1st grade, I can’t afford NOT to make repairs! But I have piles of repairs because its my least favorite thing to do. What I need to know most from the 4 listed is the zipper fix. So that would have to be my choice, but actually I need help with all repairs.

  • Lynda Adair
    August 27, 2015

    Thank you Mrs. Nancy for the easy zipper replacement technique in your new video, Quick Stitch to Wear Again! I can’t wait to try this in jeans that can be fixed to wear again. I am asked by family often to fix a zipper in jeans. Now I can do it right the right and easy way!!

  • Elaine
    August 27, 2015

    Nancy, the two methods of hem repair will be a life saver for me as I have 6 grandchildren that need jeans shortened all the time. Thank you for making this available!

  • Gail
    August 27, 2015

    The jeans fix will be something I will try. Thank you.

  • Patty Sack
    August 27, 2015

    I want to learn the no bumps jean hem! I hate hemming jeans because of all the bulk!

  • Ruth Chapman
    August 27, 2015

    I’d love to know how to snug up the waist without using big safety pins!!

  • Sheila
    August 27, 2015

    The no bump jean hem approach and the zipper replacement technique would both be very useful for me to know.

  • amy
    August 27, 2015

    The Fool Em jeans hem trick is just genius! Love it.

  • Willie C Branagan
    August 27, 2015

    Nancy! You are absolutely amazing! You make these repairs look so easy. I need to find a way to take in the sides of tops/blouses (another kind of repair) that have double stitching. This all reminds me of how little I actually know. Thanx for being our super instructor; a maven of sewing techniques.

  • Rita Rodenbaugh
    August 27, 2015

    The zipper repair would be a great help to me. I have 7 grandchildren and their mothers’ are always keeping me supplied with repairs!

  • Chris
    August 27, 2015

    I need a quick way to ham jeans. Because I can sew, I am always being asked to shorten hems for family members.

  • Peggy Shepherd
    August 27, 2015

    The no bump jeans hem is for me. I’m short and have to shorten all my jeans and trousers.

  • Susan
    August 27, 2015

    Oh Nancy the Zipper Fix is a stoke of genius! I’ve taken jeans to the seamstress to have zippers replaced and I sew; I just really HATE replacing zippers in jeans! This will save me time and money…THANK YOU.
    Susan

  • Lillace Christianson
    August 27, 2015

    Hi, Nancy! This is great! I’d have to start with the jeans hem, and then the snug waist. I’m sure I’d use all of them! Thanks! Hope you’re all having a terrific week!

  • Donna Fecteau
    August 27, 2015

    The two hem repairs! I’m short need I say more? I fix everything for others but my jeans are always dragging! This will be great.

  • Susan
    August 27, 2015

    Oh Nancy the Zipper Fix is a stoke of genius! I’ve taken jeans to the seamstress to have zippers replaced and I sew; I just really HATE replacing zippers in jeans! This will save me time and money…THANK YOU.

  • Joyce
    August 27, 2015

    I’ve used this waist-snugging technique for many years on all my daughter’s pants. We call it “elastic-tricking” a pair of pants. Since most of her tops aren’t tucked in, the stitching doesn’t show and the pants fit perfectly. I can’t wait to try the zipper technique. Genius!

  • Jade
    August 27, 2015

    You can’t imagine how much time and effort I have wasted in my life hemming jeans the hard way…can’t wait to try the fool-em-jeans hem method and I bet everything in that book is a trick worth trying!!

  • Suzanne R
    August 27, 2015

    Definitely the zipper replacement! Wish I had seen this a week ago when I botched up the zipper replacement on my slacks.

  • Erin Dumont
    August 27, 2015

    The zipper repair will be my most often used mending technique, but they’re all wonderful! I wish I could be so clever! Thanks for terrific ideas, as always!

  • Jennifer Mead
    August 27, 2015

    Once again Nancy, you are a genius! I dislike mending most of all. I am excited to try the zipper technique though! It is the one thing I have refused to try until now. Thank you!

  • Jean
    August 27, 2015

    I like the no bumps jean hemming.I hate all the bulk in hemming jeans.

  • Celeste Hemby
    August 27, 2015

    Your method of replacing a jeans zipper is amazing.

  • Margaret Lawrence
    August 27, 2015

    Boy, could I use this book! I’m short, my waist is much smaller than my seat, and I have always HATED replacing zippers – that’s 3 fixes right off the get go! It’s exciting to think what other stress-saving methods are contained in the book.

  • Gerrie Black
    August 27, 2015

    I do a lot of mending and repairs.
    Jeans repairs and hemming are the more frequent ones.
    Your easy way to shorten jeans would be one that I would definitely be my choice.
    Although, all of them would be very helpful.

  • Cindy Dickinson
    August 27, 2015

    The hemming on the jeans and avoiding the bump with the tab are the ones I embedded in my brain!

  • Shaela
    August 27, 2015

    Just one? I need all the hints

  • Dorothy Schreyer
    August 27, 2015

    I am tall so don’t shorten jeans for me, but my daughter and other family members are always asking for help with that job, so an easy method, that looks good too! Well I am right there for that. Thanks for the information.

  • CarolKE
    August 27, 2015

    These tips may even entice me to do repairs for selected family and friends.

  • Elaine
    August 27, 2015

    Nancy, How I wish I had the snug waist repair when I was wrestling with horribly bulky (and ugly) darts to snug up a waistband! I can’t wait to try it on my next jeans alteration. Overall, the show was full of techniques for repairs that I do frequently. Definitely an episode that I will refer to again.

  • Nancy
    August 27, 2015

    Snug-up the waist fix…

  • Cheryl Maynard
    August 27, 2015

    I loved the tip on how to “snug up” the waist! I have lost weight and desperately need to “snug up” my jeans! Thank you!

  • Sandra Hall
    August 27, 2015

    Hemming jeans is not fun and this method is so great!!! My husband likes it too!

  • Bessie Curran
    August 27, 2015

    Replacing zippers in jeans has always been a challenge for me. I would love to try it. I have 3 pair of my son’s jeans on my sewing table now waiting for new zippers.

  • Helen
    August 27, 2015

    Just gotta be zipper repair! Kind of my nemesis I guess. 🙂

  • Candra
    August 27, 2015

    I need the zipper technique! I have some good solutions for hemming and snugging waists, but I hate to bother with zippers.

  • Janet
    August 27, 2015

    The jeans hemming process is AWESOME!

  • Jeanne N
    August 27, 2015

    I could really use help with replacing zippers in jeans. I do all kinds of repairs and alterations but replacing a zipper always makes me cringe.

  • Cyndi
    August 27, 2015

    I really need to fix several pair of shorts that really need the Snug-up the Waist Fix! I love learning new tricks to fix problems.

  • Jody
    August 27, 2015

    Because I am short I hem EVERYTHING 5 inches! Thanks so much for the jeans tips! (see you at the quilt expo!)

  • Connie Schmaltz
    August 27, 2015

    I have a feeling this book would come in handy for many repair projects. I’m pretty intrigued by the zipper replacement technique!

  • Brenda
    August 27, 2015

    I definitely need the Zipper Quick Fix and the jean hem…all of the styles of jeans. Thanks so much!

  • Sharon N
    August 27, 2015

    These tips are so much easier than the old way. That zipper trick alone is genius. I love this series as I’m always looking for ways to save a little money. Thanks so much for doing this.

  • Mary
    August 27, 2015

    Replacing zippers and hemming jeans are the two most frequent mending jobs that I do. I’m glad to see a book about mending, which most people don’t enjoy.

  • Sherri
    August 27, 2015

    The no bump jeans hem, please!

  • Tina
    August 27, 2015

    I would love to try replacing a zipper. That repair usually causes me to toss the item.

  • Irene Poole
    August 27, 2015

    For me, I definitely need the waist adjustment. I always take tucks in every pair of pants, and your way is so much better!

  • Cheryl
    August 27, 2015

    I wish I had these tips forty years ago. Living in Alaska where stock was limited my husband never found the length jeans he needed and I had to hem every pair.

  • Cindy Lou
    August 27, 2015

    Battling Breast Cancer I lost a good deal of weight during Chemotherapy. All of my clothes hang on me now. I have been hesitant to alter them but now after watching these I will most certainly be fixing the waist in some of my jeans and i will never cut up another pair of jeans because the zipper broke. Thank you for this wonderful easy way to fix and alter my pants.

  • Diana G.
    August 27, 2015

    Oh I love the jean idea !! Thanks !! I may have to get this book .. Thank you again !!!

  • Robin
    August 27, 2015

    I really need all these fixes, but the best one for me is the zipper fix. My husband is constantly breaking zippers and asking me to repair them – in his jeans, his jackets – anywhere you can put a zipper, he can break them. And the jeans hem without a bump is another treasure I will use over and over.

  • Debby
    August 27, 2015

    Shortening jeans is not really an issue for me. I put in a jeans needle, measure inseams to length, add a 1 1/4 inch seam allowance, pin, take a hammer to French seam and sew using a jean a ma jig if necessary. No problem. I do this alteration all the time for my customers.

  • Judy Kirkpatrick
    August 27, 2015

    Just about every pair of pants I buy needs to be shortened, and the waistline is too big. This is wonderful, as well as the other tantalizing tips to make “fixin’ stuff” easier!

  • Neosha Mackey
    August 27, 2015

    I would use the Fool’em Jeans Hem. We are friends with many Chinese students and there jeans always need hemming. They come to Mama Neosha to get this done!

  • Linda Morales
    August 27, 2015

    I am always repairing jeans or heming a new pair and these short tips will help me immensely. My pile in my sewing room will decrease much sooner and free up more time for finishing a quilt or curtains. As always, thank you,thank you and thank you for always helping with tips and ideas.

  • mitzi weber
    August 27, 2015

    Hemming jeans & repairing zippers are the things I am asked to do most often! Also patching jeans ugh!!

  • Carolyn
    August 27, 2015

    Great tips on jean repairs hick are quick and attractive.

  • Denise Caul
    August 27, 2015

    Loving the easy techniques that you teach, Nancy! Thank you.
    This book would be well used here for hemming and snugging up waists, especially for the grandchildren.

  • Amy Gill
    August 27, 2015

    I would use the fool’em jeans hem. I’m often called upon to shorten jeans for my height challenged friends.

  • Elisa
    August 27, 2015

    With 6 daughters it seems I’m always hemming up jeans or taking in waists. These quick fixes will save me a ton of time!

  • Kathe mayer
    August 27, 2015

    The shorting jeans is a great idea. I’m short so I always have to shorten my pants.

  • Lori Michel
    August 27, 2015

    Love using the Jean hem to shorten, but the zipper is what I really need to learn to replace…I always say…velcro or buttons when asked to fix the zipper in a pair of pants……

  • Pat
    August 27, 2015

    The cover up zipper repair is so smart. Seems like I am always needing to repair a zipper in a fly front application. This technique makes it so easy. What a wonderful method. Thanks for the information and for the chance to win the book and DVD.

  • Kate
    August 27, 2015

    When buying jeans for my grandson, once the length is correct the waist is too big. Snugging up the waist will work well. I have been putting tucks in the waistband for a quick fix. This will work & look much nicer. Thanks.

  • Pam K
    August 27, 2015

    I will use the quick shortening of straight leg jeans since I am short and have such a problem finding jeans short enough for me. Thanks!!

  • Dee
    August 27, 2015

    All the techniques had some tweak I hadn’t thought of, but the quick fix zipper may be the most useful of all for me. Thank you for Sewing With Nancy!

  • Starla
    August 27, 2015

    The Fool ’em jeans hem would come in handy, as store-bought pants always seen a little long on me. So unless there’s a tip for making my legs longer, that would be the one.

  • Janie Manus
    August 27, 2015

    The tips for shortening jeans for my daughter are terrific!

  • Kathy G.
    August 27, 2015

    Oh how clever and easy! Thank you for the great ideas. They all will be put to great use. You are truly a master behind the sewing machine.

  • Debbie Lauzon
    August 27, 2015

    I would use the nip in waist the most because my son is tall and lanky, and his jeans never fit right! Now to search for how to lengthen jeans 🙂

  • Helen T
    August 27, 2015

    Great assortment of tips! I would pick the shortening jeans, AND the no bump approach together.

  • Sherry
    August 27, 2015

    I think the jeans hemming will be most handy if we ever get cooler weather. Thank you for all the freebies you give to us.

  • Sharleen
    August 27, 2015

    I need to figure out how to snug up the waist of my daughters pants. Is it my lucky day?

  • beth d.
    August 27, 2015

    I could use the snug in the waist tip. Some of my pants are too tight in the waist. Hope I win.

  • Faye
    August 27, 2015

    Wonderful! All the repairs I dread with easy fixes! Thank you so much for sharing.

  • Karen Videgar
    August 27, 2015

    There are so many good ones, it’s difficult to pick just one! Zippers and I have NEVER gotten along well so if I can have help there 😉 Also the no bumps jean hem would be very useful as well!

  • Amelia McNairy
    August 27, 2015

    Hey,
    What a resource to have at your finger tips – I’m always pinched for time when it comes to fix-its and mending. To be prepared I need all of the tips and techniques.

  • Kay
    August 27, 2015

    What a great idea for a book! Look forward to getting a copy.

  • Nancy M
    August 27, 2015

    Taking in the waist while leave the hips the same is the trick I need! Thanks for sharing.

  • pumpkin
    August 27, 2015

    jean hems and jean waist fittin
    g are my most needed tips

  • Sharon P
    August 27, 2015

    The zipper replacement. So many times a pair of pants that is in really good shape and the zipper goes bad, what to do, now I have a really easy way to selvage them. Thank you!!

  • Mom C
    August 27, 2015

    I am the unofficial mender for all my kids and grandkids. There isn’t anything I won’t do but zippers sit longer in the pile than anything else. I have to be in the right mood to wrestle with a pant’s zipper. This is great. Thanks.

  • Carol Tyrka
    August 27, 2015

    My husband has been after me to hem his jeans for several months. Now I will get to it using your method…..easy. Thanks for the tips.

  • Frances
    August 27, 2015

    How fabulous — I SEW need this!!! The jeans hem fix is the first I’ll try. I only get to see my father about 3 times a year, and he often has new jeans that need shortening. I don’t mind doing it for him, but it’s always challenging. This will make it much easier. Thank you!!!!

  • Janine R
    August 27, 2015

    I love the zipper replacement technique. What a timesaver! Definately going to be using this one.

  • Margaret Kohnke
    August 27, 2015

    I love the zipper fix. That has always been a trouble spot for me. Thank you.

  • Barbara Lussier
    August 27, 2015

    I need them ALL!!!!!!!!!!!! I HATE mending. Every item that needs repairs sits on the sewing table for what seems like forever before I have the courage to tackle it.

  • Donna N
    August 27, 2015

    Great tip for hemming jeans. That’ll be the first to try.

  • Dian
    August 27, 2015

    All of the repair method are extremely useful, howeve, hemming jeans while keeping the original hemline is the one that will be the most used in my house…

  • Rhonda Davis
    August 27, 2015

    My husband needs a 29″ length which is hard to find. So I’ve needed the FOOL’EM JEANS HEM technique for years. Thanks for all the GREAT tips and techniques!

  • Dian
    August 27, 2015

    The jean hemming would be the most used in my house

  • ZB WonderWoman
    August 27, 2015

    Never thought I’d need quick mends for zippers, waists or hems. Until I met someone who can destroy jeans, slacks and shorts within 3 or 4 wearings. Moral: Never say Never. Time to pull out all the stops: Nancy Zieman to the Rescue!

  • Kay Rice
    August 27, 2015

    Hello. I’m extatic about the zipper repair for jeans and pants. My husband always wants me to put in new zippers and I told him I can’t without a great deal of effort. Now, I can. Thanks for the instruction. Great.

  • CHERYL SEIPKE
    August 27, 2015

    I need all of the tips I can get – I tend to stack up the mending, then end up either throwing away the stack of items or take them to Goodwill.

  • P. Gail
    August 27, 2015

    Oh, these are all remarkable! The zipper replacement one is so ingenious, that has to be my favorite to try. What a relief!

  • Mary Grace Ronan
    August 27, 2015

    I would sew the jeans hem …that would be my 1st pick!

  • Cyndi
    August 27, 2015

    The jeans hem and the zipper repair`’-t’s a toss up. Thank you for the give away.

  • Donna Kilburn
    August 27, 2015

    Each of the tips and tricks would help me in my adventures of sewing; however, the hemming of the jeans would be most beneficial due to the fact OI am only 5 foot tall. Some of the Petites are too long as well. LOL

  • Jackie Taxter
    August 27, 2015

    I could really use by the no bump jeans repair. Thanks for all your advice.

  • Judy Goshy
    August 27, 2015

    i want to know how to mend pants that the butt is stretching out. These are the pants with lots of spandex and over time, the seam hasn’t loosened to split open but there is an entire seam on the butt or hips of itty-bitty elastic threads. Makes it seem as if the seam is popping.

  • Karol
    August 27, 2015

    The zipper repair, hands down! thanks!

  • Diana
    August 27, 2015

    I need the jean hemming the most as lots of short people know I sew

  • Beverly Bacon
    August 27, 2015

    Hemming jeans! Help!

  • Donna Marie
    August 27, 2015

    I have used the trick for hemming jeans and they come out great!

  • KayZee
    August 27, 2015

    Snugging the waistband of jeans is always an issue for me. I’m anxious to give your quick fix a try. Thanks!
    p.s. Your new glasses are very attractive!

  • Cathy B.
    August 27, 2015

    snug up the waist is invaluable…………..for fixing my clothes and those of others in the family…thank you!!!!

  • Corinne
    August 27, 2015

    Oh, the zipper fix is amazing! So many times I’ve needed it, and now I will no longer “fear the zipper.” Thanks for this giveaway.

  • AS
    August 27, 2015

    Quick fix-it tips are always good to know.

  • Candice
    August 27, 2015

    My first thought: fantastic, now I can easily do my jeans hems. And then the zippers, and, on & on! Great helps! Thanks!!!

  • kathy
    August 27, 2015

    I need the hint on snugging up the waistband in pants. My hips need the room but my waist doesn’t. Great hints.

  • Nelda Mohr
    August 27, 2015

    I’ve always been afraid to replace a broken zipper in jeans. Net time I’m going to try. Thanks.

  • Cecilia Huether
    August 27, 2015

    I especially need any help repairing zippers. This would be so awesome to repair one when needed. Cecilia

  • Kelly Sasman
    August 27, 2015

    I know I can use each of these secret tips, but the “snug-up the waist” is the one I really need right now. I am forever having to wear a belt to keep my pants up but really don’t like wearing them. I can’t wait to give this a try!

  • Kim H
    August 27, 2015

    Oh I definitely need the hem tips! I teach sewing and for several months now I have avoided hemming my pants. I will do anything to get out of it. When I went to work with my pants rolled up today, I knew that I really should do something! Help me Nancy!!!

  • Colleen Waclawski
    August 27, 2015

    I would like the snug up the waist tip, as I too have to wear a belt to keep up pants.
    Thanks and I hop you are feeling better, Nancy!

  • Colleen Waclawski
    August 27, 2015

    I would like the snug up the waist tip, as I too have to wear a belt to keep up pants.
    Thanks an are feeling better, Nancy!

  • Renea
    August 27, 2015

    I hem alot of jeans so any new method would be wonderful to learn. Thanks for the great giveaway.

  • Ann Hedington
    August 27, 2015

    I need the zipper fix! I hate to throw away perfectly good pants that need a new zipper!

  • Carol
    August 27, 2015

    For me, hemming jeans is my most frequent and disliked job. As popular as denim is, each type repair will be needed at some point in time though.

  • Marty
    August 27, 2015

    Always asked to help others who don’t have a sewing machine, and I’ve repeatedly turned down zipper aide; your tips will help me say “yes” to help others now.

  • Nancy
    August 27, 2015

    I’m in for the no-bump jeans hem! Thanks, Nancy.

  • Elise Holdar
    August 27, 2015

    The zipper! I repair and do mending for the whole family which includes 3 growing grandkids and some of their friends. I’ve been taking the pants apart just to fix a zipper. Anything that would save time and trouble is what I need!

  • Lynn
    August 27, 2015

    I need to fix both zippers and shorten my jeans.

  • SONJA HANSEN
    August 27, 2015

    I am anxious to give the cover-up zipper repair a try. Most needed right now. Oh how I wish I had known about how to change the hems on jeans while I was raising my five children.

  • Leslie
    August 27, 2015

    Being pear shaped, the waistline adjustment is by far the best fix for me. Thanks

  • Leslie
    August 27, 2015

    The waistband adjustment is the best fix for me and my pear shape. Thanks

  • Berenice
    August 27, 2015

    Ha! I made almost $300 a few years ago when the jeans with the heavy decorative thread was in fashion. A local rock group had a shorter member who had me hem several pairs of jeans and I used this method. Simple and quick! You could not tell the difference unless you turned them inside out. And made a young man happy!

  • Amy Brant
    August 28, 2015

    Hands down, it’s the zipper replacement technique. Saves tons of time and effort. Many thanx.

  • Gail
    August 28, 2015

    Your zipper fix is definitely a must technique that everyone needs to know how to do, Your quick fix for hemming jeans is a technique that should be taught in every school sewing home ec class.

  • diane
    August 28, 2015

    I would use the hemming jeans trick. I am a petite and the regular size is too long and the petite is too short, so I have to customize!

  • Elvia Shirkey
    August 28, 2015

    I am going to try the hemming method first to get Fall Jeans ready. Thanks for the tips.

  • Julie Willis
    August 28, 2015

    I love these ideas! It’s hard to choose just one, but I think the snug up the waist tip would be used the most around here. Thank you, Nancy, for all your teaching over the years!

  • Ella Liddle
    August 28, 2015

    Help! I need help with a lot of these things, but I cannot for the life of me hem. Thank you Nancy for all your sharing. : )

  • Brenda Nance
    August 28, 2015

    I need the jeans zipper. I have replaced them with lots of work. I hate it! I have a pair of my son’s jeans that need a new zipper. I think I have had them for over a year. I really need to get that zipper replaced.

  • Norma Phillips
    August 28, 2015

    I have tried this method to shorten jeans and my husband and I both hate it. PLEASE try this first on an old pair of jeans before you do all your jeans. You could be sorry. This creates a big lump of fabric at your hemline that we find uncomfortable. To be fair lots of my friends love this method as a quicker and easier fix.

  • Jan Murry
    August 28, 2015

    MY GD always has “gaposis” in the waist of her uniform pants. Love your easy way to fix it. Thanks for the opportunity!!

  • Christine Z
    August 28, 2015

    I need the how to shorten jeans tip the most! I am that weird size where jeans are inches too long, and petite sizes are too short. I buy a lot of jeans at thrift stores that go unused, because I put off hemming them. So, thank you Nancy!!!!

  • Betty Harden
    August 28, 2015

    I love the zipper replacement help., but others will be used too. Hope your health is returning, we need you in this world. Love Sewing with Nancy. Never miss it.

  • Anne Z.
    August 28, 2015

    Snug-up the Waist Fix- I have many pairs of shorts that fit at the hips but gap at the waist. Can’t wait to try this.

  • sandy
    August 28, 2015

    I never would of thought to do these quick fixes.. Thank you so much for showing us how to do them… I need to watch to do the fixes.. which helps better than the books… thank you so much…

  • Deanna
    August 28, 2015

    I am not good at mending ,my mother-in -law did beautiful work, pants and jeans are my worse problem. Love your program, have been watching since the beginning, have some the first lessons.

  • Bonny Krueger
    August 28, 2015

    Thank you for the quick fix zipper idea. Now I have no excuses to not fix those jeans. Lol

  • Mary Ann Kiefer
    August 28, 2015

    I loved the jeans hem tip. My three daughters and I are all short and time spent shortening jeans takes way too much time. This tip will make the job easier and a lot more enjoyable, that is if “fixing” something is ever enjoyable. Thanks for sharing.

  • Robin
    August 28, 2015

    Since I am short, I find the jeans hemming ideas the methods I would use the most. This book is great for all the quick-fixes we need!

  • SHIRLEY OSWALT
    August 28, 2015

    Nancy, I love all the quick fix videos–My brother left a pair of jeans to shorten and I’m going to do it your way. My daughter-in-law left a pair of jeans for a zipper. Love the hem process for my self. I like your shows and try to see when they are on tv. looking forward to part two. Have a great day.

  • Patti
    August 28, 2015

    Wow, sounds like a list of the repairs I struggle with! I have used some of these and would love to learn the others.

  • Barb Wilson
    August 28, 2015

    I have to hem all my jeans and slacks, want to try this waay on the next pair. Thanks, Nancy!

  • Barb Wilson
    August 28, 2015

    I have to hem all my jeans and slacks, want to try this way on the next pair. Thanks, Nancy!

  • Deyla Pelito
    August 28, 2015

    Thanks for sharing, Nancy.
    These tips are invaluable!

  • Joyce
    August 29, 2015

    The snug up waist would be the first one I would try. All my pants gap at the waist but fit everywhere else.

  • Wanda Harrison
    August 29, 2015

    Hemming – things hang in my sewing room way too long because I hate this job!

  • Joyce
    August 29, 2015

    Snug in at the waist technique would be wonderful! Too many of my garments have spent most of their life in the mending basket! Have to admit that I let it become my “too much bother to tackle” basket.

  • Julie Guenther
    August 29, 2015

    I have to shorten the left leg of all my pants since that leg is a bit shorter than the right leg. The issue with matching up the stitching has been an ongoing problem. Thanks for the tip!

  • Mary Lou Bowser
    August 29, 2015

    I have been hemming jeans for over 45 years and never figured this out. What a simple trick to make hemming easier. Thanks Nancy.

  • Janet Williams
    August 29, 2015

    I love all the mending tips. Especially the hemming of jeans. I do alterations and this is going to be such a good help. And also in taking in the waist. Thank you Nancy. Great as always

  • Vicki B.
    August 29, 2015

    My pants always gap at the back waistline. This would be a great tip.

  • Bonnye
    August 29, 2015

    I like the jeans hemming technique. Hemming jeans has always been a problem for me and I plan to use this technique on the 2 pair of jeans sitting in my sewing room.

  • Hermina McNeill
    August 29, 2015

    Love the tip on how to hem jeans-this is awesome!

  • LydiaS
    August 29, 2015

    Snug up the waist fix. I’m always pilling up my pants. I don’t even have to unbutton of unzip them!

  • mac
    August 30, 2015

    Brilliant ideas. I hate mending but that jean hemming cutting out the bulk is genius and at the top of my list. Thanks for offering your book, you are awesome.

  • Karla F
    August 30, 2015

    Brilliant!
    What a great way to hem jeans! I will use both methods to hem straight and flared!
    I also love the technique that you used to go over the bulky area on the seam!

    Very easy to follow your instructions!
    Thanks!

  • Kay Nouska
    August 30, 2015

    I enjoyed all the repairs but loved the zipper repair the most! Thanks for all of your help!

  • Judy
    August 31, 2015

    I love how you shorten jeans. My girls and I all have short legs so this tip will come in handy. Thank You.

  • Nancy Taylor
    August 31, 2015

    Thank you Nancy. I love the quick hem on jeans. But I have never replaced a zipper before. Not that I want to…. but, that episode really came in handy. Now I won’t be so afraid of replacing zips.
    Nancy Taylor

  • Karen
    August 31, 2015

    I want to try the zipper fix.

  • PS
    September 1, 2015

    I love all the tips, but my favorite is adding elastic to the back of jeans. I need to do this with all my pants to accommodate a sway back. I have a stack to work on, but it will go fast now that I know these easy techniques. I would love to win the book that show other techniques, as well. Thank you so much, Nancy!!

  • Judy H.
    September 2, 2015

    I am one of those sewers who have a difficult time allowing myself to creative sew when I have mending staring at me….so alas, thanks once again to Nancy, I can go through my mending in much less time, especially those darn broken zippers. I wish I would have had this tip years ago. I would love to win this book to learn more tips and tricks to help with my mending and alterations. Thank you for all four of these great tips and the opportunity to win your giveaway.

  • Ell
    September 2, 2015

    The zipper repair is the most useful. Thanks for all your ideas.

  • Melanie
    September 3, 2015

    Replacing the zipper in the pants is the most useful to me. The other ideas were great as well.

  • Joyce
    September 3, 2015

    I am definitely going to try these techniques. Thank you Nancy!

  • Joyce L
    September 3, 2015

    I have been using my version of the snug up waistband for years. Nancy’s technique is a might better than mine so I am definitely going to add the improvements to my version. I love you Nancy!

  • Ruth Clyde
    September 3, 2015

    I love your techniques. Right now my youngest granddaughter needs lots of skirts taken in, so this probably the tip I need the most. She’s not 2 yet, but skirts that are long enough are WAAAAY to big around. I’ve done a lot of refitting skirts for my older granddaughters and replacing zippers is a frequent need–just replaced a zipper in my 12-year-old grandson’s nearly brand new jeans. I want to use your way of doing these from now on.

  • Carol Thomas
    September 4, 2015

    Being 5 ft. tall, I really need the jeans tips, both hem and zipper fix. Another day, another pair of jeans to hem.
    Thanks for writing this book as it will come in so helpful for those boring mending jobs.

  • Mary Lou Blair
    September 4, 2015

    Thanks Nancy, I am a seamstress and it takes a long time to cut a waistband and make a seam to tighten it and then sew down the back ……elastic sounds much faster and efficient! Thanks for the info…..ML

  • Janice
    September 4, 2015

    A few years ago a friend asked me if I could replace the broken zipper in her jacket. I thought there should be a simpler way than opening all those seams. I thought about trying to do it without opening the seams but didn’t think of the ribbon to make it possible. I wonder if my friend still has the jacket?

  • Barb Torrey
    September 7, 2015

    Love these quick fix methods! I teach FACS and have a sewing class where I have demonstrated how to shorten jeans with your first method. So glad to see the “no bump” method and especially the zipper replacement method! We will certainly be using these techniques in class! I hope to get the book to see what other goodies I can share with my students (and teachers!)

  • Kathy Casey
    September 17, 2015

    I love this tip! I hemmed my husband’s jeans using this technique last night. I don’t have a serger, so I trimmed the folded part to half an inch and overcast it with my overcast foot. The final product looked great and my husband was amazed.

  • Rosalind
    October 14, 2015

    I need the fool ’em jeans hem to hem 2 pair of jeans that have been waiting too long to be shortened. The zipper replacement trick is genius.

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