Free Kids Shorts Pattern for Summer | Sew Simple Home
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Free Kids Shorts Pattern for Summer

With summer on the horizon, I start to look through our closets and get organized.  Putting away winter clothes and shoes and busting out the warm weather attire.  

This year I found that my son lacked in some essential kids shorts.  I decided to fix this with a free kids shorts pattern for not only my house, but yours as well.
boy shorts pattern pdf free
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    What material do you need to sew shorts?

    Shorts can be sewn from a variety of materials including cottons, denim and stretch knit fabrics.  The fabric you choose to sew with is usually dependent on the pattern you pick.

    This pattern was made for knit fabrics.  If you need help deciding what knit fabric you need for this project we've got a great post on choosing the right knit fabric for any project. 


    simple shorts pattern free pdf

    How many yards of fabric do you need for shorts?

    Again, this answer will depend on the pattern you choose.  Infant and toddler size patterns will only need 1/2 yard  but the older kid sizes will need 1/2 yard to 1 yard of fabric.

    If you decide to find an adult pattern, they can use 1-2 yards of fabric.


    how to sew shorts


    The free pattern in this post is one of my favorites.  Not only does it work as a toddler shorts pattern but it comes in sizes 2 through 10 years.  Which makes it a great kids shorts pattern.

    This is also a gender neutral pattern so you can make it a girls shorts pattern or a simple boy shorts pattern.  

    The waist is a casing with an elastic band.  The pattern doesn't come with pockets, but can be easily hacked to add pockets to shorts.  (Who knows, perhaps I'll hack them in another post for you.)  

    Jump to the end of the post to download the pattern pieces for the project.


    kids shorts pattern

    VIDEO:  How to Sew Shorts 




    Simple Shorts Sewing Tutorial

     Materials Needed

    free kids shorts pattern



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    simple shorts pattern free pdf

    Step 1
    With RST, place 2 short back pieces together and stitch down the crotch seam.  With 2 front pieces together, stitch down the crotch seam.





    free kids shorts pattern
    Step 2
    Open up the shorts and match the inseam.  Pin in place and stitch the inseams together.





    simple shorts pattern free pdf


    Step 3
    Match the side seams of the kids shorts pattern.  Stitch down the sides of the shorts.




    free kids shorts pattern
    Step 4
    To create the waistband, fold the top edge down 1.5" for knit fabrics.  For cottons fabrics, fold down 1/4" and then fold again another 1 1/4".

    Find the back of your shorts and mark a 2” opening in the center.  Stitch around the waistband at the bottom edge ¼”.  

    Leave the 2” marking open.






    free kids shorts pattern
    Step 5
    Thread elastic through opening.  Overlap the elastic by 1” and stitch together.  Pull elastic into waistband.  Stitch opening closed.

    This is a good time to add a "tag" to the back of the shorts to make it easier to determine the front and back.




    free kids shorts pattern

    Step 6
    Turn the hem of the shorts 1/2-1".  Press.  Stitch around the bottom of the pants.  Repeat with opposite pant leg.





    how to sew shorts



    There you have it. Now you know how to sew shorts with a super quick and easy kids shorts pattern.  They are comfy and perfect for hanging out in the sun.


    free kids shorts pattern

    Printable Kids Shorts Pattern


    Want the free Kids Shorts Pattern?  Simply click the button below to download.



    Need a free t-shirt to go along with this shorts pattern??
    Check out our How to Sew a T-shirt post and grab the free pattern



    Learn how to sew shorts with the free kids shorts pattern.


    11 comments

    1. The directions don’t seem to say how much elastic to use for the waistbands?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. There should be a size chart on the pattern pieces when you download

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    2. What is the seam allowance, please?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Our children's patterns use a 3/8" seam allowance

        Delete
    3. What is the SA please?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Our children's patterns use a 3/8" seam allowance

        Delete
    4. Very helpful. The pattern is easy to download and follow. Thank you

      ReplyDelete
    5. the whole pattern did not download to print. any suggestions

      ReplyDelete
      Replies

      1. Sorry you are struggling with the download. Feel free to email me chelsea@sewsimplehome.com and we'll figure out what is happening.

        Delete
    6. Hello! Thank you very much for this shorts pattern. I am very excited to try it out but I'd like to know if I could use any type of woven fabric instead of knit? Also, I'm planning to make the 2T size for my grandtwin boys...do you know if the pattern would have enough give in back to allot for diapers? Thanks again!!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Yes, for this project you can use a woven fabric. Some people like to size up just for a little more room. The pattern is designed with diapers in mind,.so no need to alter for that

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