SHORTS TUTORIAL

Summer Shorts Tutorial

This is a quick and super easy pair of shorts you can make for your next outdoor activity.  I have done a tutorial before but I thought since we are fast approaching Spring that now might be the time to prepare for warmer weather. 

Making a pair of shorts. 

Step 1 - Lay out your fabric and shorts. 

First select a fabric, wash and iron and then fold it in half.  It can be front sides together or back sides together.  Either way will work.  Lay your shorts out and trace around them.  Leave room for inseams and also make them a little larger than the shorts you are using.  You will be using elastic in these shorts and you do not want them to be tight.   In the end you want a very relaxed and comfortable pair of shorts.  

Step 2 - Cut out your shorts. 

Most shorts have a large backside and a smaller front side.  You can opt to cut out four of the backside and this will make the shorts a little looser or you can cut 2 of the back side and two of the front side.  I went with two of each side which makes the seam fall were it should inside the shorts. 

Step 3 - Sew the inside seams together. 

You will have a front and a back  cut out now and it is time to stitch them together.  Sew the front pieces together by sewing along the curve of the seat to the shorts.  Do not stitch the place where the legs are on the shorts.  I used a straight stitch and then a zigzag to reinforce the seams. Then do the same with the two back pieces of the shorts. 

Step 4 - Stitch the front and back of the shorts together. 

Then line up the front and back right sides together and stitch the outer edges of the shorts together.  This will join both sides forming your shorts. 

Step 5 - Stitch the inner seam where the legs go together.  Be sure you have your shorts flipped wrong side out.  

Step 6 - Hem

 Iron a 1/4 inch fold onto the legs of your shorts, with wrong side out.  Fold again and press then stitch the hem. 

Step 6 - Making a waistline

Fold and press a waistline making sure to make it wide enough for your elastic.  Then stitch it leaving approx. a 1 to 2 inch opening in the back. 

Step 7 - Pull elastic through the waist

Cut your elastic to fit your waist and go over your hips.  Put a large safety pin in the end and start feeding the elastic through the waist. 

Step 8 - Stitch elastic and close up the opening.  

And then you are finished with your new shorts.  

Or maybe you can add a bit of trim to the shorts. 

You could even add pockets on the back but make sure you do this before you sew everything together. 

Just have fun and make something for yourself!!!

Sew happy, Beverly

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