Need Some Shorts? Make Your Own!

As you look at these adorable pictures...

 One thing becomes clear...

I love this fabric!

I got 2 yards on clearance and after making Noah some shorts and Gigi a dress I decided I really needed something for myself!

Shorts anyone?

Ok, you know the drill...First make a pattern!

For a reminder on how to make your own pattern revisit the pj pants tutorial HERE.

I used a pair of pj shorts for my pattern and I used a small bowl to create the curved edges I wanted.

Fold your fabric in half so that the right sides are facing.

Pin and cut 2 of your front pieces and 2 of your back pieces.

With right sides facing, pin and sew along the curved edges.

Don't forget to finish those edges with a zig zag stitch or serger.

Now you want to pin and sew the crotch together.

One of the coolest things about these shorts is that there is no hemming, instead we will use this bias tape to give them a finished edge.

Bias tape is fabric that has been folded and pressed in on itself. 

And you can make your own, but that's a lesson for another day!

Today we are using pre-made extra wide double folded bias tape, straight from the store.

The tape is going to run the length of each side of your shorts (not around the top of the waist).

So starting at the top of one side, insert your fabric into the fold of the bias tape and pin it in place. 

This is a tedious process, but it's worth it!

Now, using a 1/4 seam allowance, sew the bias tape in place.

Make sure you capture the fabric in between the folds of the bias tape.

Now it's time to sew the sides together.

Line up the sides of your shorts so that the bias tape overlaps.

Now pin and sew using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

You will sew twice, down each side of the tape (which means on one side you will be sewing over your previous stitch)

It's easiest to go from the top of the waist down, just make sure to keep the rest of the fabric from getting caught as you sew!

We are going to be doing the waist band just like the pj pants HERE.

Simply fold down and press the waist (I folded mine down 1 1/2" to accommodate 1" elastic)

Then sew along the back edge of the waist from side seam to side seam creating a tube for the elastic...

And using a safety pin, slide your elastic through the space you created.

Sew the elastic in place at both sides, then sew along the front of the waist.

And you're done!

You made shorts!

 

 



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