DIY Guide How To Make Your Own Shorts

Hey guys! Ever thought about making your own shorts? It might sound like a challenge, especially if you're new to sewing, but trust me, it's totally doable. With just a bit of effort, some time, and a whole lot of patience, you can create a comfy pair of elastic shorts that fit you perfectly. Let's dive into how you can make your own shorts, step by step.

1. Crafting Your Perfect Pattern

Creating a pattern is the foundation of any sewing project, and it's especially crucial for shorts. A well-made pattern ensures that your final product fits perfectly and looks fantastic. You might be wondering, "How do I even start making a pattern?" Don't worry, it's simpler than you think! There are a couple of ways you can go about this. You can either draft your own pattern from scratch, which gives you ultimate control over the design and fit, or you can use an existing pair of shorts that fit you well as a template. Both methods have their advantages, so let's break them down.

If you're feeling adventurous and want to learn the ins and outs of pattern making, drafting your own pattern is the way to go. This involves taking your measurements and using them to draw the pattern pieces on paper. It might sound intimidating, but there are tons of resources available online and in sewing books that can guide you through the process. Plus, the satisfaction of creating a pattern that's tailored specifically to your body is totally worth the effort. The beauty of drafting your own pattern lies in the ability to customize every detail. Want a higher rise? No problem. Prefer a wider leg opening? You got it. This method allows for endless possibilities and ensures a truly unique garment.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a quicker and easier route, using an existing pair of shorts as a template is a fantastic option. Simply lay your favorite pair of shorts on a large piece of paper (pattern paper, kraft paper, or even newspaper will work) and trace around them. Add seam allowances (usually 1/2 inch or 1.5 cm) to all edges, and you've got your pattern! This method is particularly great for beginners because it eliminates the need for complex measurements and calculations. It's also a great way to replicate a pair of shorts that you absolutely love. Just make sure the shorts you're using as a template fit you well and are the style you're aiming for. This ensures that your homemade shorts will be just as comfortable and stylish.

No matter which method you choose, remember to label your pattern pieces clearly (e.g., "front," "back," "waistband") and indicate the grainline (the direction of the fabric threads). This will make the cutting and sewing process much smoother. Taking the time to create a solid pattern is an investment in the success of your project. It's like laying the groundwork for a strong foundation – a good pattern leads to a well-fitting and well-made pair of shorts that you'll be proud to wear. So, grab your measuring tape, paper, and favorite pair of shorts, and let's get started on crafting your perfect pattern!

2. Fabric Selection and Preparation

Choosing the right fabric is crucial for your shorts project. The fabric you select will significantly impact the look, feel, and overall comfort of your finished garment. Think about the type of shorts you want to create and the activities you'll be doing while wearing them. Are you aiming for casual, everyday shorts? Or something more structured and dressy? The answers to these questions will help guide your fabric choices. When it comes to selecting the ideal fabric for your homemade shorts, there are a plethora of options available, each with its own unique set of characteristics and advantages. From lightweight cottons to breathable linens and stretchy knits, the possibilities are virtually endless. However, navigating this vast landscape of fabrics can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for beginner sewists. But don't worry, guys, I'm here to help you make the best choice for your project.

For casual, everyday shorts, lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or rayon are excellent choices. These fabrics are comfortable to wear in warm weather and come in a wide variety of colors and prints. Cotton is a classic choice for its versatility and ease of care. It's also relatively inexpensive, making it a great option for beginners. Linen is another fantastic option, known for its breathability and natural texture. It has a slightly more elevated look than cotton, making it suitable for both casual and slightly dressier occasions. Rayon, also known as viscose, is a silky smooth fabric that drapes beautifully. It's a great choice for shorts with a flowy, relaxed fit. However, rayon can be a bit more challenging to sew than cotton or linen, so it might be best suited for sewists with some experience.

If you're looking for something with a bit of stretch and recovery, consider using a knit fabric like cotton jersey or French terry. These fabrics are incredibly comfortable to wear and are perfect for athletic shorts or shorts with a more fitted silhouette. Cotton jersey is a lightweight, stretchy knit that's often used for t-shirts. It's a great choice for shorts that you'll be wearing for lounging or light exercise. French terry is a slightly heavier knit with loops on the inside, making it extra cozy and absorbent. It's a popular choice for sweatshorts and other casual garments. When working with knit fabrics, it's important to use a ballpoint needle and a stretch stitch on your sewing machine to prevent skipped stitches and ensure that the seams stretch with the fabric.

Once you've chosen your fabric, it's essential to pre-wash it before cutting out your pattern pieces. This step is crucial because most fabrics shrink slightly when washed, and you want to make sure that your shorts don't end up being too small after the first wash. Simply wash and dry your fabric according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will help to remove any sizing or finishes that might interfere with the sewing process. Pre-washing your fabric also helps to prevent color bleeding, which can be a real headache if it happens after you've already sewn your garment. So, take the extra time to pre-wash your fabric – it's a small step that can make a big difference in the final outcome of your shorts.

3. Cutting Fabric Pieces Accurately

Cutting fabric is one of those steps in sewing that might seem straightforward, but it's super important to get it right. Accurate cutting is key to ensuring that your shorts fit properly and look their best. Think of it like building a house – if the foundation isn't square, the whole structure will be off. The same goes for sewing. If your fabric pieces aren't cut correctly, your shorts might end up being lopsided, too tight, or too loose in certain areas. So, let's talk about how to cut your fabric pieces accurately, guys, so you can set yourself up for sewing success.

First things first, you'll need to lay your fabric out on a flat surface. A large table or even the floor can work, as long as it's clean and you have enough space to spread out the fabric without it bunching up or wrinkling. Fold your fabric according to your pattern instructions. Most patterns will tell you to fold the fabric in half, either lengthwise (selvage to selvage) or crosswise, depending on the size and shape of the pattern pieces. Folding the fabric allows you to cut two layers at once, which saves time and ensures that the two legs of your shorts are identical. Once your fabric is folded, give it a good press with an iron to remove any wrinkles or creases. This will make it much easier to lay out your pattern pieces and cut accurately. Trust me, a little bit of ironing can make a huge difference in the final result.

Next, it's time to pin your pattern pieces to the fabric. Carefully lay out your pattern pieces on the fabric, following the pattern layout diagram provided in your pattern instructions. This diagram shows you the most efficient way to arrange the pattern pieces on the fabric to minimize fabric waste. Pay close attention to the grainline markings on your pattern pieces. The grainline is a line with arrows at both ends, and it indicates the direction of the fabric threads. It's crucial to align the grainline on your pattern piece with the grain of the fabric. If the grainline is off, your fabric might stretch or distort in unexpected ways, leading to fit issues and an uneven drape. Once your pattern pieces are positioned correctly, pin them securely to the fabric, placing pins every few inches to prevent the fabric from shifting while you cut.

Now comes the moment of truth: cutting out your fabric pieces. Use a sharp pair of fabric scissors or a rotary cutter to cut along the edges of your pattern pieces. If you're using scissors, make sure to keep them flat on the table and use long, smooth cuts to avoid jagged edges. If you're using a rotary cutter, be sure to use a cutting mat to protect your work surface. Cut just outside the cutting line on your pattern piece. This gives you a little extra fabric to work with in case you need to make any adjustments later on. It's always better to have a little extra fabric than not enough! Once you've cut out all your fabric pieces, carefully remove the pins and pattern pieces. Transfer any markings from the pattern piece to the fabric using tailor's chalk or a fabric marker. These markings might include darts, pleats, or seam lines, and they'll be essential for sewing your shorts together correctly.

4. Sewing Techniques for Shorts Assembly

Sewing shorts can be a really fun and rewarding project, but it's also important to use the right techniques to ensure that your finished garment looks professional and fits well. Think of it like cooking – you can have the best ingredients, but if you don't use the right cooking methods, the dish won't turn out as delicious as it could be. So, let's dive into the sewing techniques you'll need to assemble your shorts like a pro. We'll cover everything from basic seams to finishing touches, so you can create a pair of shorts that you'll be proud to wear.

First up, let's talk about seams. A seam is the line of stitching that joins two pieces of fabric together. There are several different types of seams, but for shorts, you'll typically use a straight stitch seam. This is the most basic and versatile seam, and it's perfect for joining most fabric types. To sew a straight stitch seam, place the two pieces of fabric right sides together, aligning the edges. Pin the fabric together every few inches to prevent it from shifting while you sew. Set your sewing machine to a straight stitch and select the appropriate stitch length for your fabric. A stitch length of 2.5mm is generally a good starting point for medium-weight fabrics. Sew along the seam line, which is usually marked on your pattern piece, using a seam allowance of 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) unless otherwise specified. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure the stitches and prevent them from unraveling.

Once you've sewn your seams, it's important to finish the raw edges of the fabric. This prevents fraying and gives your shorts a clean, professional look. There are several ways to finish seam edges, including using a serger, a zigzag stitch, or bias tape. A serger is a specialized sewing machine that trims and overcasts the raw edges of the fabric in one step. It's the fastest and most efficient way to finish seams, but it's also the most expensive. If you don't have a serger, you can use a zigzag stitch on your regular sewing machine. Simply sew a zigzag stitch along the raw edge of the fabric, encasing the edge in stitches. Bias tape is a strip of fabric that's folded and pressed to create a neat binding. You can use bias tape to bind the raw edges of your seams, giving them a clean and polished finish.

Now, let's talk about assembling your shorts. The exact order in which you sew the pieces together will depend on your pattern instructions, but generally, you'll start by sewing the inseams together, then the side seams. The inseam is the seam that runs along the inside of the leg, from the crotch to the hem. The side seam is the seam that runs along the outside of the leg, from the waistband to the hem. Once you've sewn the inseams and side seams, you'll need to attach the waistband. If you're using an elastic waistband, you'll need to create a casing for the elastic. This is typically done by folding over the top edge of the shorts and sewing it down, leaving a small opening for inserting the elastic. Once you've inserted the elastic, you'll need to sew the opening closed and distribute the elastic evenly around the waistband.

5. Adding Elastic and Hemming for a Polished Look

Adding elastic and hemming are the final touches that will give your shorts a professional and polished look. These steps might seem like minor details, but they can make a huge difference in the overall appearance and comfort of your finished garment. Think of it like putting the icing on a cake – it's the final step that ties everything together and makes it look amazing. So, let's talk about how to add elastic and hem your shorts, guys, so you can create a pair of shorts that you'll be proud to wear.

First, let's tackle the elastic waistband. An elastic waistband is a comfortable and practical choice for shorts, especially for casual styles. It allows for a flexible fit and makes it easy to slip the shorts on and off. To add an elastic waistband, you'll first need to measure your waist and cut a piece of elastic that's slightly shorter than your waist measurement. The exact length of elastic will depend on the stretchiness of the elastic and your personal preference, but a good rule of thumb is to cut the elastic about 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) shorter than your waist measurement. Once you've cut the elastic, you'll need to insert it into the waistband casing that you created in the previous step. There are a couple of ways to do this. You can use a safety pin to thread the elastic through the casing, or you can use a bodkin, which is a long, blunt needle designed specifically for threading elastic or drawstring through casings.

Once the elastic is threaded through the casing, overlap the ends of the elastic by about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and sew them together securely using a zigzag stitch. This creates a continuous loop of elastic that will hold your shorts up comfortably. After you've sewn the elastic ends together, distribute the elastic evenly around the waistband casing. This will prevent the elastic from bunching up in one area and ensure a smooth, even fit. Pin the elastic in place at several points around the waistband, then sew along the top and bottom edges of the waistband casing, stretching the elastic as you sew. This will secure the elastic in place and prevent it from twisting or rolling inside the casing.

Now, let's move on to hemming. Hemming is the process of turning up the raw edge of the fabric at the bottom of your shorts and sewing it in place. This gives your shorts a clean, finished edge and prevents the fabric from fraying. There are several different hemming techniques you can use, but a simple turned-up hem is a great choice for most shorts. To create a turned-up hem, fold up the raw edge of the fabric by about 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) and press it with an iron. Then, fold it up again by another 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) and press again. This creates a double-folded hem that's both durable and attractive. Pin the hem in place around the entire circumference of the shorts.

Sew along the folded edge of the hem, close to the fold, using a straight stitch. You can also use a blind hem stitch if you want the stitching to be less visible. A blind hem stitch is a special stitch that creates small, almost invisible stitches on the right side of the fabric. Once you've sewn the hem, give it a final press with an iron to set the stitches and create a crisp, clean edge. And that's it! You've successfully added elastic and hemmed your shorts, giving them a professional and polished look.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! Making your own shorts is totally achievable, even if you're a sewing newbie. By following these steps, you can create a custom-made pair of shorts that fits you perfectly and reflects your personal style. From crafting your pattern to choosing the right fabric, cutting accurately, sewing seams, and adding the finishing touches, each step is a building block in creating a garment you'll love to wear. Remember, patience and practice are key. Don't be afraid to experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and techniques to find what works best for you. Happy sewing, and enjoy rocking your handmade shorts!