Making shorts may seem difficult for a sewing beginner, but you can actually put together a pair of comfortable stretch shorts with just a little work, time and patience. Here's what you need to do.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Method One: Women's Shorts
Step 1. Create your model
You can create a quick and easy pattern for your shorts by tracing the outside of a pair of shorts you already have that fit you nicely on a piece of pattern paper.
- Fold your shorts in half. Make sure the front pockets are facing out.
- Trace the outline of your folded shorts on the pattern paper.
- Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) around the bottom and sides to allow for plenty of seams.
- Add 1.5 inches (4 cm) to the top edge to account for the belt.
- Cut the template with the scissors.
Step 2. Pin the pattern to your fabric
Fold the fabric in half and spread the pattern over it. Pin it in place.
- The long side or center of the pattern should be placed along the folded edge of the fabric.
- For a more accurate approach, draw the outline of the pattern on your material.
Step 3. Cut the material
Use sharp tailor's scissors to cut along the outline. This will create one side of your shorts.
Step 4. Repeat
Make another piece for your shorts with the same pin and cut method used before.
- Fold your fabric in half and place the pattern on top, with the long part of the pattern running along the fold. Pin in place.
- Cut along the outline to form the second piece.
Step 5. Pin the hems together
Unfold your two pieces and line them up together with the outer sides facing each other and the inner sides facing out. Pin them together.
Specifically, pin along the two curved sides of each piece. These sides are the ones you will sew together right after, so keeping them properly aligned is essential at this point
Step 6. Sew the edges together
Use a sewing machine to sew along the curved sides.
- If you are sewing by hand, use a back stitch.
- Leave yourself 1 inch (2.5 cm) of plenty.
- You should end up with what looks like a single "tube" of fabric joined together.
Step 7. Turn the shorts over
Turn the fabric so that the stitched edges are in the middle front and back.
- After sewing the two separate pieces together, the stitched edges will be at the outer ends. You will need to rotate the shorts so that these seams become the vertical center and are properly aligned with each other.
- These stitched edges will become the tailbone of the shorts.
Step 8. Sew the inner thigh
Spread out the fabric so that the opening below the centerline of the crotch can be easily seen. Pin along both sides of this material and sew together to complete each leg.
- Keep 1 inch (2.5 cm) bleed.
- Sew these stitches together using a zigzag pinto.
- these seams will end along the inner thigh.
Step 9. Create a belt
Fold the top edge of the fabric, leaving enough room for the elastic. Pin in place, then sew the raw edge of the waist.
- Fold back the top 2 inches (5cm). it should give you enough room for the elastic.
- Sew straight stitch with the sewing machine, reverse stitch if you sew by hand.
- Leave a small hole along the seam for the elastic to pass through.
Step 10. Pass the elastic through the waistband
Insert the elastic through the opening in the waistband and push it lengthwise until it goes all the way around. Once finished, sew the opening.
- The elastic should be approximately the same size as your waist, approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) shorter. Since the elastic has to stretch to stay secure, the less space will ensure that the shorts stay firmly on your waist.
- Attach a safety pin to the elastic to pass it through the band more easily.
- Alternatively, you can tape it to a long stick to make the process easier.
- Pull both ends through their respective openings in the belt. Hold them taut and stitch them together in a zigzag and then close the opening.
Step 11. Hem your shorts
Fold the bottom edge of each leg up about one inch (2.5cm). Pin in place and go over with a seam to hem. This complements your shorts.
- Use about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) bleed.
- Make sure you don't sew the front and back of the shorts together. You need to sew the fabric to be hemmed around the leg opening.
- When you are done, fold the shorts back on the right side and try them on.
Method 2 of 2: Method Two: Men's Shorts
Step 1. Download a template
The quickest and easiest way to make a pair of men's boxers or athletic shorts is to download a free pattern online.
- You can find the pattern these instructions refer to here:
- While printing, set the printer to A4 paper and do not click on "scale".
- Follow the instructions on the pattern to put it together. Each corner is numbered, and you can create the complete pattern by putting the numbers together.
- Cut the pattern pieces and tape them together where needed.
Step 2. Pin the fabric to the pattern
Place the pattern on the inside of the fabric and pin in place.
- For greater accuracy, use a piece of chalk or tailor's pencil to draw the outline of the pattern on the inside of the fabric after pinning the two pieces together.
- Note that with most patterns, the seams allowance is included, as is the pattern provided.
- Fold the inner fabric so that it becomes a double layer. When you pin the lining for the belt, pin the pattern with the "crease" aligned with this folded edge.
Step 3. Cut the material
Cut along the lines until all pieces are cut out.
- Use sharp tailor's scissors for this.
- Cut the pieces in reverse order. In other words, the last piece you need should be the first one you cut, and the first one you need should be the last cutout. That way, as you pile them up, the first piece will be on top of the stack.
Step 4. Prepare and sew the back pockets
Pin the pockets to the correct portions of the shorts model, as marked on the model itself. Use a double stitch to sew the sides and bottom of the pockets into place.
- Use an iron to press all the contours of the pockets into place.
- Before pinning the pockets to the fabric of the shorts, fold the top edge of each pocket. This hem will be the opening of the pocket.
- After these two steps, you can pin and sew the pockets as described.
Step 5. Prepare and sew the two front pockets
The method used for the front pockets is the same as for the back pockets.
- Use an iron to iron all the edges of the pockets in place.
- Before you pin the pockets to the fabric, hem the top edge of each pocket. This hem will be the opening of the pocket.
- Pin each pocket to the correct portion of the shorts as marked on the pattern.
- Use a double stitch to sew the sides and bottom of the pockets in place.
Step 6. Sew the crotch
Pin the back portions of the fabric together and sew along the crotch of the pattern.
- Pin the pieces together so that the outer sides are facing each other.
- Trim one side of the seam to 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) using sharp tailor's scissors. It also curves the bottom of the crotch seam.
- Use a satin stitch to sew the crotch.
Step 7. sew the rest of the seams
Sew the inside and outside edges with the outside sides always facing each other.
- After sewing, bear or go over the inside edge to avoid fraying.
- Use a satin stitch for the side edges as well.
Step 8. Hem the shorts
Fold the edges of the legs up and use a double stitch to sew them together.
Iron the hem with an iron to create a strong crease
Step 9. sew the waist band
Sew the waist band with the outer sides facing each other.
The waist joint should line up with the center of the back
Step 10. Sew the elastic band together
Zigzag the ends of the elastic together, overlapping the edges about 1/2 inch (1.25cm).
Make sure the elastic fits snugly around the hips of the wearer. Measure the wearer's waist. Take this measurement and subtract 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the total so that the elastic has a chance to stretch
Step 11. Slip the elastic into the band
Pin the elastic into the band and fold the fabric over it. Close it by sewing to complete the shorts.
- Pin the elastic in the center of the back of the waist.
- Fold the fabric in half, and pin it in the center of the front of the waist.
- Divide the band into a few other evenly spaced spaces, stapling the fabric in another 8 or 10 points at the most.
- Fold the edge of the band with the inside facing out. Sew along the edges while keeping the elastic slightly taut.
- Flip the shorts to the right side. Stretch the elastic slightly and make a double stitch about 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) away from the top and bottom edges.
- With this, the shorts should be complete.
