If pants become narrower toward the bottom, how should the hem be cut?

• A. Diagonally in an upside-down V shape
• B. Straight across
• C. Along the seam line
• D. In a zigzag pattern

Answer: (A)

When pants taper toward the ankle, the hem needs to follow that narrowing so the edge lies smoothly around the leg and shoe. Cutting the hem diagonally in an inverted V notch removes fabric where the leg is smallest, giving the bottom edge a shape that hugs the leg without bunching or creating bulk. This shape helps the hem sit flat and maintain a clean line along the leg.

Cutting straight across would leave excess fabric at the bottom to ease in, which can cause a bulky, uneven hem. Cutting along a seam line would interfere with existing seams and can weaken the finish. A zigzag pattern doesn’t address the fit around the ankle and would look irregular.