How to Make Shorts (free kids pattern 5-14)

You can learn how to make shorts with this easy to follow step by step tutorial.  I’m even providing a free PDF sewing pattern so it’s just a matter of cutting and sewing – you don’t need to make a template. These shorts are designed to be on the longer side – but can easily be shortened by folding up or cutting down the pattern.  With a comfortable no roll elastic waistband these shorts are sure to be a hit this summer.

For this project you will need the following:

3/4 yard of Jersey knit fabric ( tip – you can up cycle a t-shirt if it’s big enough! )

1 inch elastic in the correct length for the size:

1. 26″ sizes 14
2. 25″ size 12
3. 24″ size 10
4. 22″ size 8
5. 20″ size 7
6. 19″ size 6
7. 18″ size 5

Jersey ballpoint needle 

Double jersey ball point needle (optional)

Sewing Essentials

How to Make Shorts (free kids pattern 5-14) Instructions:

Step 1 – Assemble and cut out the FREE Shorts Sewing Pattern

Assemble the free shorts sewing pattern. Instructions can be found here. Once the pattern is assembled, cut it down to size that you want to make it.

On doubled cloth cut out two of the shorts pattern.  Be sure to mark the back with a pin or a pen.

If you want to upcycle a T-shirt I want to show you a trick.

Fold the bottom of the pattern up and inch.  Then place the pattern at the bottom of the T-shirt ( where the finished edge is) and line it up. 

Then cut out the pattern.  The nice part is if you do it this way – the bottom of the short is already finished!

Step 2 – Begin to Sew the Shorts

Now that it’s time to start making the shorts.

Flip the fabric so right sides are touching.

Do this also if you’re making the T-shirt version. Make sure the the finished seams are touching.

Using a 3/8 of a seam allowance sew the rise of the shorts.  I used an overlock stitch on my Machine, but a Zig Zag stitch will work.

Follow these same steps for the T-shirt shorts upcycle.

Step 3 – Sew the inner seam to the shorts

Take the shorts and fold them so the two seams you just sewed are touching (right sides touching).

Sew the inside leg seam using 3/8 seam allowance and a stretch stitch. (Again over lock or Zig Zag)

Follow the same steps for the T-shirt shorts.

Step 4 – Add the Elastic Waistband to the Shorts

Now it’s time to make the elastic waistband for the shorts.

Fold the elastic band around so it forms a loop that over laps by and inch. Make sure there are NO twists in the loop.

Sew down the edges on either edge using a zig zag stitch to make the loop secure.  

With the front and back seams of the shorts touching mark the sides of the shorts.

Mark the elastic band into fourths with pins.  One at the front, back and each side.  The seams on the shorts serve as markers, so now the elastic and the shorts are marked evenly into fourths.

Place the elastic around the shorts.  The elastic is smaller than the kids shorts top. Line up the markers.  With the elastic touching the WRONG side of the fabric, sew the elastic to the shorts using a stretch stitch.Pull the elastic taught so it is the same length as the fabric.  Continue to do this all the way around the shorts.

Remember how I had you mark the back? 

You can place a little folded over ribbon to mark the back if you choose

  Fold the band over so you can’t see any elastic.  

We need to sew the band into place, pulling it taught using the same technique of pulling and sewing used above.

This time flip the shorts right side out and top stitch using a regular straight stitch along the edge of the elastic.

This entire process is the same for the T-shirt upcycle.

Step 5 – Finish Making the Shorts

Now if you’re making the T-shirt version – the good new is you’re finished! But if you’re making it from cloth we need to finish those ends.

Turn under each leg 1 inch and sew using a zig zag or double needle.  For this tutorial I opted to use a zig zag and it looks great!

You can also leave the legs raw – or cuff them a tack them into place!

GET THE FREE SEWING PATTERN BELOW:

Adobe reader is the ONLY reader I recommend. By downloading  you are agreeing to pattern terms of use. Fill out the form below to get the pattern!

 

 

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