How to Pattern Shorts: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating your own shorts can be a rewarding and personalized experience. Whether you’re looking to customize the fit, add unique design elements, or simply save money by making your own, knowing how to pattern shorts is a valuable skill. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of drafting and cutting your own shorts pattern, ensuring a perfect fit every time.
1. Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials and tools at hand. You’ll need:
– A ruler or measuring tape
– Fabric scissors
– A chalk pencil or fabric pen
– A piece of paper large enough to draw your pattern on
– A fabric pattern making ruler (optional but helpful)
– Fabric for your shorts
2. Measure Your Body
To create a pattern that fits you perfectly, you’ll need to take accurate measurements. Measure the following:
– Hip circumference: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
– Waist circumference: Measure around your natural waist, where you bend slightly to one side.
– Rise: Measure from the top of your hip bone to where you want the waistband of your shorts to sit.
3. Draft the Basic Shorts Pattern
Now that you have your measurements, it’s time to draft the basic shorts pattern. Follow these steps:
– Draw a horizontal line on your paper to represent the waistline, using your waist circumference measurement.
– Draw a vertical line at the center of the horizontal line to represent the center back.
– From the waistline, measure down the rise length and mark a point.
– From the mark, draw a vertical line to the center back line, creating the side seam.
– Repeat this process on the other side to create the other side seam.
– Draw a curve from the side seams to the bottom hem, using the hip circumference measurement to guide the curve.
4. Add the Waistband and Hem
To complete your shorts pattern, add the waistband and hem:
– Measure the desired waistband width and mark it on the waistline.
– Draw a horizontal line across the waistline to represent the waistband.
– Add a seam allowance to the waistband line on both sides.
– For the hem, measure the desired hem width and mark it on the bottom of the shorts pattern.
– Add a seam allowance to the hem line.
5. Cut and Sew Your Shorts
Now that you have your pattern, it’s time to cut your fabric and sew your shorts. Follow these steps:
– Lay out your fabric on a flat surface, with the right side facing up.
– Place your pattern on the fabric, ensuring the grain line is aligned with the selvage.
– Cut out your pattern pieces, including the waistband and hem pieces.
– Sew the side seams, waistband, and hem together, following your chosen fabric and construction techniques.
6. Enjoy Your Custom Shorts
Congratulations! You’ve successfully patterned and sewn your own shorts. Now you can enjoy your custom-made shorts, tailored to your personal style and comfort. With this newfound skill, you can experiment with different designs and fabrics, creating a unique wardrobe that reflects your personal taste. Happy sewing!
