Making Shorts Is Easy Thanks To This Step-by-Step Tutorial

Today I want to show you how easy making shorts can be. I’m giving you a free shorts sewing pattern in size 38 European (Small) for paperbag waist shorts with side pockets.

You can choose a different fabric for the contrast strips at the side, or do what I did and use the reverse side of the main fabric.

Tools and materials: 

• Medium weight fabric
• Contrast fabric (optional)
• 1.25 inch (3 cm) wide elastic
• Measuring tape
• Fabric marker
• Ruler
• Pins
• Scissors
• Large safety pin
• Sewing machine
• Serger (optional)

1. Cut out the shorts

Cut two pieces of fabric 27 inches (68 cm) wide by 18 inches (45 cm) long and place them with the right sides together.

Fold them in half lengthways and place them with the fold towards you.

Pin the four layers together.

Mark 9.5 inches (24 cm) from the fold up the right edge.

Draw a line across the fabric 12 inches (30 cm) from the right edge.

Draw a straight line from the first mark to the line.

Measure 4 inches (10 cm) back along this line from where the two lines meet.

Draw in the crotch curve from the mark to the front edge of the fabric.

Measure 12.8 inches (32 cm) from the fold along the left edge.

Join that mark to the front of the crotch curve with a straight line.

Cut out the shorts.

Separate the pieces by cutting along the fold.

2. Side pockets

Put the top two pieces aside for the back shorts. 

Place the front pieces with right sides together and the long straight edge facing you.

Cut two pieces of fabric 16.8 inches (42 cm) wide by 10 inches (25 cm) long. 

With the wrong sides together, fold them in half lengthways and turn them so the fold is facing you.

Place them under the straight edges of the front shorts, extending by half an inch (1 cm) from the side and top edges.

Pin the fabric layers together. Fold the shorts back to expose the pockets.

Draw and cut a curved pocket shape.

Unfold the shorts and cut off the excess pocket material.

Put two of the pocket pieces aside.

Measure (6 cm) along the top edge of the shorts and (14 cm) down the side edge of the shorts.

Join the two marks with a curve and cut out through all the layers.

Separate the two front shorts with the right sides uppermost.

Place the front pocket pieces on top with right sides together and sew along the curve.

Fold the pocket piece to the inside and top stitch the curve.

Place the back pocket piece on top with right sides facing.

Sew the pocket pieces together along the inside edges.

Finish the raw edges on your serger or sewing machine.

Pin and sew the straight edges of the pocket outside the opening to the top and side edges of the shorts.

Repeat for the other front section.

3. Contrast strips

Cut two pieces of fabric 4 inches (10 cm) wide and 18 inches (45 cm) long.

Sew them to the side edges of the front and back of the shorts, with the right sides together.

4. Assemble the shorts

Place the two sections of the shorts together with the right sides facing.

Draw a line tapering from (4 cm) down the front crotch to the back crotch.

Cut along the line to shape the front waist.

Cut a half inch (1 cm) strip from the front inner leg seam.

Sew the center front and center back crotch seams and finish the raw edges.

Fold the shorts with the crotch seams in the center and sew the inner leg seams.

5. Elasticated waistband

Cut a strip of fabric 44 inches (110 cm) long by 4.8 inches (12 cm) deep.

Join the short edges with the right sides together.

Fold the waistband in half along its length with the wrong side inside.

Cut a piece of elastic to fit comfortably around your waist with a small overlap.

Mark the depth of the elastic in the center of the fabric.

Stitch around the waistband at the top mark, approximately half an inch (1 cm) from the fold.

Sew the raw edges of the doubled waistband to the waist edge of the shorts with the right sides together. 

Leave an opening to insert the elastic.

Use a safety pin to feed the elastic through the waistband, making sure to keep it flat.

Join the ends of the elastic together securely.

Sew the opening closed.

6. Finishing

Serge or overlock the raw edges of the legs.

Turn up a half inch (1 cm) hem and sew in place.