How to Make a Sewing Pattern out of Existing Shorts -

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How to Make a Sewing Pattern out of Existing Shorts- perfect for beginners. Sew your own shorts in any size!

These simple jersey shorts are a must-have for summer. They can be made in under 20 minutes and you don’t even need a store-bought sewing pattern. This beginner-friendly technique shows you how to create a sewing pattern from shorts you already own.

Note- the best shorts to use for a pattern are stretch jersey with an elastic waist.

How to Make a Sewing Pattern out of Existing Shorts

Materials:

Stretch jersey shorts with elastic waist

Cotton jersey fabric (I used this cotton jersey)

1/2 inch braided elastic

How to Make a Sewing Pattern out of Existing Shorts

Turn the shorts inside out. The best style of shorts to use is a pair that is loose fitting and in a similar weight fabric.

How to Make a Sewing Pattern out of Existing Shor

Fold one of the legs inside the other.

You can either trace the pattern directly onto the fabric you are using or you can use butcher paper if you plan on sewing multiple pairs of shorts.

Fold the fabric over widthwise. Place the outside leg of the shorts on the fold.

Using a ruler, cut out the pattern piece leaving an ½ inch edge around the leg and back/front center.

Trim 1/4 inch off the top of one of the pieces. This will be the front of the shorts.

Sew the inside leg seams.

Sew the front and back of the middle seam. Turn the shorts right side out.

Using an iron, press down the hem on each leg 1/4 inch. Fold it over and press down again. Stitch in place.

Using an iron, press down the waistband 1/4 inch (if you are using 1/2 inch elastic, press down 1/2 inch). Fold it over and press down again. Stitch in place, leaving a small opening to feed the elastic through.

Measure the elastic around the waist. Cut 1 1/2 inches off. Attach a safety pin to the end of the elastic and feed it through the waistband. Sew ends together and sew the opening closed.