lengthing the hem on trousers

[lambrew]

Hello all....

I have used the search engine, and I am having trouble finding the answer to my question. Was bringing the hem line down on a pair of trousers that has shrunk, or did not fit right at time of issue common? If so, what is the best way to do it, and keep the vent? Thank you in advance, and if I missed the answer in the archives I apologize.

Thanks....
Sean Collicott

[lambrew]

Re: lengthing the hem on trousers

Well I just got my copy of the " CRRC " , and this most excellent volume has the answer to my question on hems, as well as alot of other questions I had. Thanks to the Columbia Rifles, and to the AC, for making research a little easier.


Your obt' servant....
Sean Collicott

[NewHopeChurch]

Re: lengthing the hem on trousers

To borrow the thread's spirit, I'd like to know where I can find instruction on authentically shortening the hem on trousers. I need about 2 inches taken off the bottom, maybe an inch and a half...

[lambrew]

Re: lengthing the hem on trousers

The research articles section, and the search engine has the answer to that question. I found that out while hunting for the answer to my question. Also the book I mention, " The Columbia Rifles Research Compendium " has an article dedicated to trousers. If I'm not mistaken you can contact members of this forum to get a copy. It has all sorts of fantastic articles, and information on the art of authentic reenacting/campaigning


Your obt' servant....
Sean Collicott

[Western Blue Belly]

Re: lengthing the hem on trousers

To borrow the thread's spirit, I'd like to know where I can find instruction on authentically shortening the hem on trousers. I need about 2 inches taken off the bottom, maybe an inch and a half...

Not alot of research needed here...just roll 'em up. Take some time and look through period photos, you will find that rolling them up was fairly common.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: lengthing the hem on trousers

Hallo!

As with any item of clothing issue, issued without regard for the soliders' actual sizes or dimensions....
1. Wear as issued and adapt
2. "Tailor" it as best one's skills, knowledge, inclination, and time allowed
3. Hire a unofficial "company tailor" or comrade with tailoring skills to do it

I see two streams here:

1. What was the "hem treatment" or "vent reinforcement" methods commonly done by arsenals and contractors at the point of manufacture" And,
2. What were some of the ways and methods soldiers dealt with excessive length of their trousers in terms of "field" modifying or "tailoring" garments for better fit once they were received.

However, IMHO the specific question was about how to lengthen "too short" trousers?

IMHO, the typical cuff "hem" on issue trousers, if undone, will not length the trousers by more than say a 1/2 inch or so- and one still needs a "hem" of sorts to prevent the raw edge from unraveling. (The cuff "reinforcement" strip being just a 7/8 to 1 1/2 inch wide strip of fabric tacked at the bottom of the legs.)

I am reminded of a story from the Texas Brigade about "Red" Harris (???) being tall and having too short of trousers- so to bridge the gap, he used a pair of Yankee leggings... ;-)

Curt