Dear Home Ec 101,
The hem is pulling out of my neutral fall-back pants, the ones I wear nearly every day when I’m not inspired to pick out anything else. The stylishness and variety of my wardrobe aside, there is no way I’m actually fixing that sucker with a needle and thread right now – when I sew on buttons, they last for about a week. Can you suggest any short-term fixes until I can get someone else to properly repair them?
Signed,
Not Hemmingway
Heather says:
If you are truly against sewing or simply need a way to make it through the day without your hem falling completely out here are a few quick fixes.
- Tape – this works best if the pants aren’t cuffed. Scotch tape may be clear, but it’s not invisible.
- Safety pins – Do not be afraid to use more than one.
- Fusible webbing or hem tape – If your pants can take the heat of an iron, consider this no sew but more durable solution.






