How to Make Shorts Pattern: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you looking to create your own custom shorts pattern? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewist, learning how to make shorts pattern is a valuable skill that can help you craft the perfect pair of shorts for any occasion. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a shorts pattern from scratch, ensuring that you have a personalized and stylish pair of shorts in no time.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand. You’ll need:
– Fabric: Choose a breathable, stretchy fabric that is suitable for shorts, such as cotton spandex or lightweight denim.
– Pattern paper: You can use standard paper or a pattern-making grid.
– Fabric scissors: A sharp pair of fabric scissors is essential for clean cuts.
– Measuring tape: To take accurate measurements of your body.
– Pencil and ruler: For drawing and measuring.
– Seam ripper: In case you need to make any adjustments to your pattern.
Step 2: Take Measurements
To create a shorts pattern that fits perfectly, it’s important to take accurate measurements of your body. Measure the following:
– Waist circumference: Measure around your waist at the narrowest point.
– Hip circumference: Measure around your hips at the widest point.
– Rise: Measure from the top of your waistband to the crotch seam.
– Inseam: Measure from the top of your waistband to the hem of the shorts.
Step 3: Sketch the Basic Pattern
Using your measurements, sketch the basic shape of the shorts pattern on your pattern paper. Start by drawing a horizontal line for the waistband, and then draw a vertical line for the inseam. Connect the two lines with a curved line to create the front and back panels of the shorts.
Step 4: Adjust the Pattern for Fit
Once you have the basic pattern, it’s time to adjust it for fit. Use a seam ripper to cut the pattern apart at the waist and inseam. Pinch the pattern to add or remove width as needed, then redraw the waist and inseam lines. Repeat this process until the pattern fits you well.
Step 5: Add Seam Allowances
Seam allowances are the extra fabric added to the edges of the pattern to allow for stitching. Typically, seam allowances are 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) wide. Add seam allowances to the edges of your pattern by drawing a line 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) away from the original pattern lines.
Step 6: Cut Out the Pattern
Cut out the pattern pieces, including the front and back panels, waistband, and inseam. Make sure to cut along the pattern lines and not the seam allowances.
Step 7: Sew the Shorts Together
Now that you have your pattern pieces, it’s time to sew the shorts together. Follow these steps:
1. Pin the front and back panels together at the inseam.
2. Sew the inseam together with a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance.
3. Pin the waistband to the top of the shorts, aligning the edges.
4. Sew the waistband to the shorts with a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance.
5. Hem the shorts by folding the bottom edge up 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) and sewing in place.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created your own shorts pattern and sewn a pair of custom shorts. With this guide, you can now make endless combinations of shorts patterns to suit your style and preferences. Happy sewing!
