Make these super cool boys shorts, with a simple elasticated waist. Easy to make and easy to wear.
Time it takes to make: 1-2 Hours
Skill level : Beginner/Intermediate
You will need:
2 x Fat Quarter Pieces
75cms (30”) of 2cm (¾”) wide elastic
Scissors
Matching thread
Pins, Safety pin or Bodkins
Sewing machine
Step-by-step instructions:
All seams are 5/8” or 1.5cms unless otherwise stated.
Before you start your project, gather all your supplies and have a quick read through the instructions just to familiarise yourself with the terminology. It is always a good idea to wash your fabric before you begin work to eliminate any possibility of shrinkage at a later date. Iron your fabric with a suitable temperature to ensure it is flat and easy to work with. You would be amazed with the difference in size a few creases can make.
Mark notches 3½” 9cms down on the crotch seam
Place the 2 fat quarters right sides together and cut out all the pieces as measures and quantities above.
Step 1
With the right sides together using a 5/8” (1.5cms) seam, pin, tack if desired and sew the right front to the right back at the side seam. Press the seam towards the back, neaten with either a zig-zag or overcast stitch or an overlocker if you have one. Press the seams towards the back. Repeat for the left shorts, front and back.
Step 2
With right sides together , pin inner leg seam of both right and left shorts sections, tack if desired, stitch, neaten and press as above.
Step 3
Turn left shorts section right side out and place inside right section with right sides together. Pin the crotch seam matching notches and inner leg seams.
Step 4
Stitch, stitch again slightly inside the seam allowance to strengthen the seam or neaten with an overlocker. If you do not have an overlocker, trim along the curve to ¼” (0.6mm) and neaten as above. Press
Step 5
Turn shorts right side out.
Step 6
With right sides together, stitch front and back waistbands together at the side seams, leaving a 1¼” (3cm) opening in the seam at the top of the right side only. Neaten the seams, press open.
Step 7
Press under 5/8” (1.5cms) at the top of the waistband. Trim to ¼” (0.6mm). Turn the shorts right side out, pin the waistband in place, right sides together. Sew, layer the seam.
Step 8
Press the seam towards the waistband
Step 9
Turn to the wrong side, pin and tack the pressed edge over the seam, matching centres. Stitch close to the edge, then stitch close to the upper edge of the waistband.
Step 10
Cut a piece of elastic to fit the waist measurement plus 1” (2.5cms). Insert the elastic with the use of a safety pin or bodkin.
Step 11
Pull the safety pin/bodkin through the casing, pin the ends of the elastic together. Tack. Try on the shorts and adjust to fit. Stitch the ends of the elastic securely together. Slip stitch the opening closed. Secure the elastic so it won’t twist in wearing by stitching through all thicknesses of casing at the seams.
Step 12
Turn up the hem ¼” (0.6mm), press. Turn up again by the same amount , press. Topstitch in place.
Congratulations! Your shorts are now finished.
Made by Bernadette Wainwright for The Craft Cotton Company 2018
Find her on Instagram @bernie_sew_whats_new