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.

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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.

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.

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.

VIDEO: How to Sew Shorts

Simple Shorts Sewing Tutorial

Materials Needed

Free Kids Shorts Pattern - at the end of the post
1/2 yard fabric - sweatshirt knit, jersey knit, cotton fabric
1/2" elastic
Thread

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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.

Step 2

Open up the shorts and match the inseam. Pin in place and stitch the inseams together.

Step 3

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

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.

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.

Step 6

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

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.

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.