Shorts Pattern Guide 101 | Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop Dozens of Shorts Patterns

The Beachcomber Shorts are designed for knit or woven fabric. It features optional pockets and a cuffed hem. Other options include: (1) paper-bag or standard waist; and, (2) shortie or bermuda length. There's also optional piping or trim along the openings and cuffs.

Some good fabric choices would be Quilting Cotton, Chambray, Seersucker, or Lightweight Knit.

"I am converted! This is the first time I've used a pdf pattern and was really pleased with how easy it was downloaded and put together. The instructions were clear and I made a cute little pair of shorts for my grandson using some fabric I bought for him when he was born. Will definitely be getting more patterns from Peek-a-Boo. I am hooked." - Jill

The Chicka Chicka Bum Bums include a popular Shorties option. The CCBBs are so quick and easy to put together and include 15 sizes (up to age 12). They make perfect loungewear, pjs, dancewear, swimwear, and more. These shorts provide an optional skirt as well.  

"Easy shorties. My sister wanted some under dress shorts and these were so fast and easy! I can't wait to make these in matching fabric for every future dress." - Kayla

"Love these! I made the bummies for a friends baby and the shorties for my guy. He's 8 and I made them for pj pants to go with the tide pool tank. Looks really cute on him." 

The Coastal Craze Baggies short pattern have a waistband with faux or functional drawstring, optional fly, optional back pocket, front slant pockets with contrast trim and optional cuffs at hemline. You can make them in knee length or shorties.

"I'll be making more! I loved sewing this pattern. It was simple but also had a style to it. My son loves the bagginess and said they are great for doing splits at Jiu Jitsu in." - Katrina

"Such a cute pair of shorts! I am a very timid person when it comes to sewing and I made my first pair. I was scared of the faux fly and the pockets as well. They went together really well...and I cannot sew a straight line to save my life." - Lisa

The School's Out Shorts will get your little one ready for the summer. They have 2 inseam lengths and are perfect for girls or boys. You can make them from either knit or woven fabric and pick the trim of your choice to make the perfect unique pair for your little one. They are perfect for play, sports, or swimming.

"This is a well written, well illustrated, 5-star pattern!..I will make this one again and again! I love the I can use either knit or woven fabrics and the possibilities with trim are endless!" - Heidee

"These were a perfect fit and my granddaughter and her friend loved them. I see many pairs in the future with all my scraps." - Linda

The Hang Time Basketball Short Sewing Pattern is perfect for active kids. The side stripe with accents add the perfect amount of fun. It also includes optional pockets and elastic waist with optional drawstring.

"I just made two pairs of Hang Time Shorts for 2 grandsons! They loved them and I found just the right fabric online to make them." - DT

"Just what I was looking for. I was looking for basketball shorts to make a basketball uniform. I wanted the stripe down the side. The pattern was just what I needed. The directions were very easy to follow and the 2 pairs of shorts I made were great." - Dawn

The Cowabunga Shorts are our newest short option and can be made for swimwear or everyday wear. They feature fun colorblocking and an optional side pocket in knee or shorties length. They also include an optional drawstring detail and optional lining.

"Stylish, easy, and adorable! I have made several of these board shorts and always love the results!" - Pam

"Great shorts! Love these board shorts! The contrast and piping give them something different than you normally see. Sewed up well instructions were very straight forward. My son loves them. Now I need to finish the other pair for my youngest :)" - Stephanie

If you're searching for a great women's shorts patter we have the Summer Lovin' Shorts. These shorts can be made with knit or woven and include options for a 4", 6", and 12" inseam. The front slant pockets and optional back pockets also give you plenty of room to store your keys and phone. The waistband is knit with encased elastic and an optional drawstring. 

"I love this pattern. I sewed it in french terry and it is perfect. Thank you..." - Werna

"This pattern surpassed my expectations. The directions were easy to follow, especially taking into account that these are shorts with pockets...I would rate this pattern as 6 out of 5 stars as using it has been a very positive experience with a great outcome." - Marguerite

The Yoga Mom includes patterns for pants, capris, and shorts! It's perfect for the mom on the go and includes an optional zipper pocket in two sizes, a small key pocket or a media pocket for your phone.

"Easy to make and very comfortable. I made the pants version and absolutely love them. They are a quick sew even for a beginner like me and the pattern is very detailed. They fit perfectly. Thank you." - Steffi

"Very good. Will be making them once I buy some fabric from KnitFabric.com."

"Pregnant and comforable!..I have two pairs already." - Beth

The Athena Leggings includes patterns for: (1) Basic Leggings, (2) Side Stripe w/ Optional Embellishments (bows, criss-cross, pocket), (3) Lengths: 3" Inseam Shorts, 6" Inseam Shorts, Capris, and Pants; (4) Waistband Options: Yoga or Contoured; and, (5) Skirt: 10" or 12".

It's recommended for knit fabric - a good choice might be our Athletic Fabrics.

"Came together easily! First time sewing leggings with pockets." - Peter

"I'm a beginner with sewing and they came out perfect. I highly recommend." - Kristie

"Great sew! These were a fairly quick sew, and as usual for Peek-a-Boo Patterns, easy to follow instructions." - Tammy

The Women's Momentum Shorts are our newest shorts pattern for women. They are designed for your active lifestyle and include a ton of fun options! The loose outer shorts include optional pockets and can be combined with a built-in brief or legging lining. The pocket leggings are perfect for stowing a phone, keys, or gym card!

"These were so easy to sew up, and they are oh so comfortable." - Ashley

"Love that this pattern can be used for woven or knit." - Miah

The Santa Cruz Board Shorts can be made with knit or woven - perfect for play or swimming. The pattern includes options for: Shorties or Knee Length, Plain or Colorblocked Back, Optional Drawstring, and Optional Boxer Brief or Bikini Lining.

"Turned out so cute! I was nervous about sewing my first boardshorts but they turned out so cute for my boys!! A lot easier than I thought!" - Veronica

"Have been trying al different shorts patterns. Some too short/wide/long/etc. These worked really well. Size was perfect." - Carol

The Baja Shorts are another option for knit or woven - swim or play. They include options for Shorties or Knee Length, Optional Pocket, Optional Faux Drawstring, and Optional Lining.

"My go-to pattern now! Super easy shorts. My grandson loves them." - Leslee

"I really liked it. I made 3 of them...they all look wonderful! " - Jeanne

"So simple yet they give a professional look. The pockets were a winner with my older grandson too. Teamed with the Hudson Hoodie Tee for the perfect summer outfit." - Carol

The Long Beach Board Shorts for men features a constrast waistband with flat front and elastic back. It also has a velcro fly with drawstring closure, optional sunglasses loop, side pocket with zipper closure and optional lining.

"Easy to follow! As always these patterns are extremely user friendly. Simple instructions to create a beautiful product. What more could you want." - Maikalani

"Great pattern, nice instruction, extra little detail makes them look right of the rack!" - Nichole

The Bahama Mama Boy Shorts are perfect for sewing a swimsuit you can feel confident in. They are quick and easy and provide comfortable full coverage with a medium rise and yoga waistband. You can buy the Bahama Mama Boy Shorts and either the Color Block Tankini or Peplum Tankini and save $3 at checkout with the code "BAHAMA."

"Sewing rockstar status! Wow. 1 hour from cutting fabric to having the happiest set of swim bottoms I've ever owned." - Ellen

"I will never go swimsuit shopping again. Sewing my own for a custom fit is infinitely better, not to mention way less expensive...I no longer dread needing a new swimsuit." - Sarah

The Monaco Swim Trunks feature classic European styling for a fun and trnedy fit for swim and play. They are great for girls too! Pair them with your favorite swim top, use them for sports, or wear them under dresses and skirts.

"Very satisfied. Farily easy to use and I got great results...Sewing the waistband was a bit tricky but I managed it fine the second time. I will make others for sure." - Catherine

"Easy to follow. Good tips on fit." - Georgia

"Love these shorts. Really love the style of these trunks. Very easy to put together." - Amanda

The Streamline Swimsuit is perfect for active little girls. It features a fun racerback for a comfortable suit that will stay-put during all the adventures. It includes the following options: (1) Basic one-piece and tankini top, (2) Colorblocked one-piece and tankini top, (3) Bikini bottoms, (4) Boy short bottoms, and (5) optional lining.

"Fun for granddaughter... this suit fit my granddaughter wonderfully!!! I dind't have to alter at all! That is rare with swimsuit patterns. Thank you for a great product!" - Brenda

"I love this swimsuit SO MUCH...Finally a comfy suit this is CUTE, easy to get in and out of, and sewed up really fast!" - Dory

The Jordan Joggers are essential for newborns to teens. They come in 4 lengths: Pants, Capries, Short, and Shorties; 3 Waistbands: Knit w/ Elastic, Knit, Yoga; and Optional pockets with binding or band.

"Awesome joggers! I love Peek-a-Boo Patterns! They're so easy to follow and I've only been sewing for about a month...." - Danielle

"I love sewing things up for the kids so when the Jordan Joggers were released I was so excited to use up some remnant I had from previous sews. My son LOVES his joggers..." - Catie

Our popular Java Joggers clothing pattern is perfect for go-to comfy pants. They're semi-fitted with optional pockets. They include 5 length options and 2 waistband options.

"I'm in love with this pattern! I just love making Java Joggers. It is easy to sew and they are so comfortable. I made 3 already and will definitely make more." - Susie

"Favorite pants by far. Decided to match the family and make some joggers for myself and I so regret not making them sooner! I love these so much." - Kelley

The Jackson Joggers are the perfect pants for hanging out or at home. They include options for pants, capris, 10" shorts, or 8" shorts. They also have an option for optional pockets with binding or band.

"Fantastic! I loved sewing these for my husband. Simple but great! - Grace

"I love Peek-a-Boo Patterns. The patterns are so easy to follow and this one was no exception. i made the shorts and they worked up really fast. The fit was perfect, and I'm looking forward to making more for my husband!" - Angela

If you're just getting started, you might like one of our free patterns that include shorts - the Day Camp Set. You can get it for free by signing up for our newsletter HERE. I hope you enjoyed our shorts sewing pattern guide today. You might also appreciate our guide to Easy Patterns or our Dress Patterns Guide. Happy sewing!

"Easy to sew! Love this pattern. Made one for my husband and one for me! I am able to easily make necessary adjustments to the pattern. I will be making this pattern over and over again." - Mary