Step-hems are everything right now.
From celebs to fashionistas and street-stylers EVERYONE is trying their hand at this cut, cut, snip style.
You may have spotted a step hem but wasn’t sure what it was called or heard the word tossed around on social media but was at a loss on how to get a piece of this trend.
No worries! I’m breaking it down step by step on exactly what a step hem is and how you can rock this trend with a quick DIY Step Hem Tutorial.
A step hem is a raw hem that is cut higher in the front than the back- Think of them as the mullet of denim cuts.
The best thing about step hems is that you can create one super easily yourself!
Here’s What You Need:
- A Ruler
- Scissors
- Pencil or Chalk
- Jeans
Step 1: Mark where you want the longest part of the step hem to land on your jeans- I like it to land right above my ankle. The easiest way is to put your jeans on and mark the length with a dot. After making the initial mark take the jeans off, and use the ruler to draw an even line all the way across where you are going to cut.
Step 2: Cut along the marked line across both the front and back of the jean (at the same time). Make sure you have some sharp scissors!
Step 3: Now measure up about 2 1/2 inches from the bottom of the front of the freshly cut jean and mark it. Do this on both edges just inside the seams. Then draw a line connecting the two marks.
Step 4: Now, from the bottom cut up the inside of the seams to the mark then across the top and down the other side. This will make a cut that resembles an upside down U.
Step 5: Repeat the process on other leg.
Step 6: Once your step hems are cut use your fingers to pull a few of the threads out to start the fray the bottom of the jeans and toss them in the washer. Keep in mind that the frayed part will just get better with every wash and wear! If white strings fall down just cut them off (or not..whatever you like!). DIY distressed hems are all about personalization so however you feel like rockin’ it is cool. There really isn’t a wrong way.
Stylist Tip: If this is your first-time customizing a pair of jeans, I recommend practicing on an older pair first until you get the hang of it.
44 Comments
Oh I love playing with denim. It’s right that the frayed bit gets better with time.. I used to turn all my old jeans into shorts and after a few months, the frayed bit always looked better than when they were freshly cut 🙂
Right! They just get better and better!
This trend looks neat but I would be so nervous to actually try that on one of my jeans even if they were old lol. I would definitely buy them at the store though! Thank for sharing 🙂
Ha! Give it a try- I promise it’s super easy!
Love this! Definitely going to give this a try????????
Thanks for stopping by!
Great idea! Step hems so are in now!
There are so many DIY denim trends right now- it makes denim fun again!
I have been DYING to find an article like this!!! I’ve wanted to do a step hem for months now. Thank you for this easy to follow tutorial! Such a great post.
http://www.forgeafrenzy.com/2017/04/19/1628/
Oh I’m so glad you found it helpful!
Such a great how-to! Step-hem jeans are SO flattering too.
Love, Lindsey
http://www.thenomisniche.com/
Right! and they show off your shoes!
So creative, looks perfect!
thanks lady!
Great post! I always learn so much!
I’m so glad you liked it!
The pictures on this are awesome! Make it really easy to follow along.
Thanks!
Wow this is so amazing. I love how you took pictures every step of the way, it makes it so easy to follow. Thanks for sharing xx
Glad you liked it! Give it a try- it’s super easy and packs a style statement!
This is so cute and perfect for spring! I’m fairly petite and finding jeans that aren’t on the floor is really difficult but I also suck at sewing to hem my own pants. This is a great alternative. Thanks for sharing! I’m definitely trying it out! 🙂
YES! Denim DIY is a short girl’s BFF! I’m only 5’5 so I snip all my denim!
Thanks for the tips Christie! Is it better after a couple washes, that they look really “fringy” at the bottom? Or just continue to pull the strings?
xx,
amanda
http://www.thegirlfromvegas.com
Honestly it’s whatever you like! I tend to cut the strings off but you can totally leave them and rock the fringe!
I love this look – I love a raw hem so this is really up my alley – it’s perfect for a laid back look but you could style this with anything
Totally, it’s super versatile.
Ok so I have never seen this but it is sooo cute! I could totally pull this off! Thanks!! 🙂
Its great for showing off some fab shoes!
I love this article. Will definitely give this a try this season.
XOXO // Check out my latest post if you like ????
SINCERELY OPHELIA | TREND ALERT: Off the Shoulder Tops Galore
So easy and fun!
Thanks. Thats a clever idea
Thanks for stopping by!
This is so fun , and pictures are really cute. 🙂
Thanks for reading!
I love all DIY and this is a great tutorial. I’m just not sure it’s my thing even though it is in style. haha Guess I’m getting old!
Hey, every trend isn’t for everyone but there are tons of denim DIY’s out there- maybe you just havent found the one that suits your personal style yet!
I love denim, because it is not important how messy it gets, the better it looks (in some styles of course). I guess I like the frayed look.
Totally! Denim gets better with age!
I’m really bad at DIY things. But I love this one, will try it for sure 🙂
It’s so easy!
I linked to your blog n y blog! https://fash-n-curious.com/2017/05/25/haute-step-hems-and-holes-jeans-today/
Awesome!