[Altari]

I just had to hem a pair of my jeans. They were WAY too big , and really drooping. So, I cut off the bottom 2 inches (all frayed and gross) and hemmed them up another 2. I had planned on taking in the hips and waist tomorrow.

OH BOY NO! I managed to shatter two needles while hemming them. Then, I hemmed them about a half an inch too short (after I measured three or four times).

At least they weren't my "nice" jeans...I think I'll be fedexing those to my aunt to take in.

Anyone else do their own alterations?

[Iconised Ghost]

i do my own fix ups so if things have holes in them, i'll sew them back together. my jeans probably have more thread than jeans now I havent tried hemming my own jeans, usually i just do a temporary "oh god ive got nothing to wear i'll take up these jeans and wear these, that'll do!" job, and then take them to someone who knows what theyre doing

[aphil]

Did you use a denim needle when you did the hemming? If not, that could have been the reason you broke so many needles.

I do alterations, and sew some of my own clothes and costumes.

[Tomato]

Sorry to hear it did not turn out as expected.
I never hem my jeans because I find it hard to find jeans that are long enough.
I used to sew all my clothes (including heavy pieces like long winter coats) when I was in my twenties and thirties but I don't do it any more. I am too busy with other stuff but if I had to, I could alter anything. But, quite frankly, alternations are a lot of work (e.g. if it is a lined jacket or something like that). These days, I prefer to buy something that fits me as is.

You do need to use a denim needle or at least a needle for thick fabrics.

[Alethea]

You might also want to lubricate the needle and sew slooowly.