Shop Shorts Patterns by Category
Women's shorts: Casual shorts, athletic shorts, pajama shorts, bike shorts, and dressy shorts in various lengths and styles for women.
Men's shorts: Casual shorts, athletic shorts, board shorts, cargo shorts, and sleep shorts designed for men's proportions and preferences.
Girls' shorts: Play shorts, athletic shorts, pajama shorts, and casual shorts for girls in various lengths and fun styles.
Boys' shorts: Athletic shorts, casual play shorts, swim trunks, and everyday shorts for active boys.
Why Everyone Needs Multiple Pairs
Summer means wearing shorts daily. Weekly rotation needs: 5-7 pairs per person ensure always having clean options. Shorts get dirty quickly in summer - grass stains, dirt, food, sweat. Activity-specific shorts: Athletic shorts for sports, casual shorts for everyday, sleep shorts for bedtime - need variety for different purposes. Quick wear-out: Summer means constant wear - shorts worn nearly every day for months. Having multiples distributes wear and extends overall wardrobe life. Length preferences: Different family members prefer different lengths. Some like short athletic styles, others prefer longer coverage. Cost-effective approach: Making multiple shorts for the family costs less than buying just a few store-bought pairs. Build complete summer wardrobe affordably.
Perfect Beginner Projects
Shorts are excellent beginner sewing projects. Why shorts are beginner-friendly: Quick to sew (often 1-3 hours per pair), use less fabric than full-length pants - perfect for practicing, simple construction with elastic waistbands, forgiving fit for casual wear, and fast results provide instant gratification. Start with: Basic elastic-waist shorts in knit fabrics - simplest construction, very quick. Pajama shorts - comfortable fit and simple details. Athletic shorts - straightforward and useful. Progress to: Casual shorts with pockets adds construction skills. Woven shorts with closures builds more advanced skills. Skill building: Shorts teach elastic waistbands, hemming, pocket construction, and working with different fabric types - all useful for other projects. Our beginner patterns include shorts options designed for new sewists.
Length Matters: Finding the Right Inseam
Shorts length is surprisingly personal. Short athletic (2-5" inseam): Athletic shorts for running, sports, workouts - maximum mobility and minimal fabric. Mid-thigh (5-7" inseam): Classic shorts length for most people - works for casual and athletic wear. Popular all-around length. Above-knee (7-9" inseam): Modest casual shorts - good coverage for everyday wear and activities. At-knee or longer (9-13" inseam): Bermuda or longer shorts - maximum coverage, works for casual wear and some dress codes. Personal preferences vary widely: Some people refuse to wear short styles, others won't wear longer lengths. Consider individual preferences when choosing patterns and cutting lengths. Activity considerations: Athletic activities often require shorter lengths for movement. Casual wear allows more flexibility. Different activities within same person's wardrobe require different lengths.
Best Fabrics for Different Shorts Types
For casual everyday shorts: Cotton jersey knits (comfortable and easy), lightweight denim (classic and durable), cotton-spandex blends (stretch and comfort), linen or linen blends (breathable for heat), or chambray and cotton twill (structured but comfortable). For athletic shorts: Performance knits with moisture-wicking properties, quick-dry nylon or polyester blends, four-way stretch athletic fabrics for movement, or mesh for ventilation. For pajama/sleep shorts: Soft cotton jersey, lightweight flannel, rayon or modal blends for smoothness, or breathable cotton knits. For dressy shorts: Linen blends for polished casual, cotton sateen for smooth finish, or lightweight suiting fabrics. Summer priorities: Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that keep everyone comfortable in heat. Quick-dry fabrics work well for active wearers who sweat. Darker colors and prints hide stains better than light colors.
Waistbands That Work
Elastic waistbands: Most common and comfortable for casual and athletic shorts. Quick to sew and easy to wear. Elastic with drawstring: Provides adjustability - especially useful for athletic shorts and growing kids. Fitted waistbands with closures: Buttons, zippers, or hooks create more polished look for dressy shorts. Takes more skill but creates professional appearance. Rib knit waistbands: Comfortable alternative to elastic casings - stretchy, doesn't roll, looks sporty. Wide vs. narrow elastic: Wider elastic (1" to 1.5") more comfortable and doesn't roll. Narrower elastic (3/4") works for lighter-weight shorts. Proper fit: Elastic should be comfortably snug - stays up during activity without being tight. Test by moving actively before finalizing.
Essential Pockets
Functional pockets make shorts more practical. Side seam pockets: Hidden in side seams - essential for casual shorts. Make them deep enough for hands and phones. Back pockets: Expected on casual and jean shorts - make them functional, not just decorative. Cargo pockets: Large side-leg pockets perfect for carrying essentials - very practical style. Zippered pockets: Secure pockets for athletic shorts - keep phones, keys, money safe during activity. Interior pockets: Hidden pockets in some athletic shorts provide secure storage without exterior bulk. Pocket depth matters: Make pockets actually deep and usable. Shallow decorative pockets frustrate everyone who tries to use them. Reinforcement: Bartack pocket corners - constant use stresses these areas on all shorts.
Athletic Shorts for Active Lifestyles
Performance fabrics essential: Moisture-wicking materials keep wearers dry and comfortable during activity. Quick-dry fabrics don't stay soggy with sweat. Length for athletics: Shorter lengths provide better mobility for running, jumping, and sports movements. Secure features: Zippered or secure pockets keep items from falling out during activity. Drawstring waists prevent shorts from falling during movement. Liner options: Built-in mesh liners provide support and eliminate need for separate underwear in some athletic shorts. Family athletic needs: Active families need multiple athletic shorts per person for sports practices, games, and workouts. Versatility: Many athletic shorts double as casual summer shorts - practical multi-use garments.
Pajama and Lounge Shorts
Summer sleepwear essentials: Lightweight shorts perfect for warm weather sleeping. Cooler and more comfortable than full-length pajama pants in summer. Soft fabrics: Choose cotton jersey, soft flannel, or rayon blends that feel good against skin. Comfort is priority for sleepwear. Loose comfortable fit: Sleep shorts should be relaxed and non-restrictive. Elastic waistbands provide comfort without binding. Lounge wear crossover: Many pajama shorts double as loungewear for relaxing at home. Comfortable enough for both purposes. Quick projects: Pajama shorts are among the fastest garments to sew - perfect for making multiple pairs quickly. Family matching sets: Make coordinating pajama shorts for family photos or special occasions - adorable and practical.
Kids' Shorts Considerations
Durability priorities: Kids are hard on shorts - reinforce knees if they crawl, double-stitch stress points, use quality fabrics that survive rough play. Growth accommodation: Add extra length where possible. Elastic waists adapt to some growth. Slightly oversized works fine for kids' casual shorts. Easy independence: Kids need shorts they can manage themselves - elastic waists for bathroom independence, pull-on styles for dressing themselves. Active play requirements: Shorts must allow full range of motion - climbing, running, jumping, playing. Test fit with movement. Pocket importance: Kids love pockets for carrying treasures - make them deep and functional. Multiple pairs essential: Kids get shorts dirty constantly - need 5-7 pairs per child for summer rotation.
Summer Wardrobe Planning
Per person needs: 5-7 pairs casual everyday shorts, 2-3 athletic shorts if playing sports, 2-3 sleep shorts for bedtime rotation. Having variety ensures always having clean, appropriate options. Family approach: Making shorts for entire family is cost-effective - buy fabric in bulk, sew multiple pairs efficiently. Coordinating fabrics: Consider coordinating colors or prints for family photos or outings - not matching exactly but complementary. Timing strategy: Sew shorts before summer starts so everyone has complete wardrobe ready. Make additional pairs as needed during summer. End-of-season assessment: Note what worked, what got worn most, what lengths were preferred - informs next year's sewing.
Why Sew Shorts Instead of Buying
Store-bought shorts disappoint every summer. Quality shorts are expensive ($20-50+ per pair for adults, $15-30+ for kids) for garments worn just a few months per year. Nothing fits right - wrong length for individual preferences, uncomfortable waistbands, poor proportions. Finding proper inseam lengths for different family members is nearly impossible. When you sew shorts, you get exactly the length each person prefers, perfect fit and rise for every body, quality fabrics that survive summer activities, functional pockets everyone uses, appropriate fabrics for different activities (athletic, casual, sleep), and complete summer wardrobe for entire family affordably. Cost savings are substantial - handmade shorts cost $5-15 per pair in materials compared to $20-50+ store-bought for adults, $3-12 for kids versus $15-30+ store-bought. Make complete family summer wardrobe for less than buying 2-3 store shorts per person. Plus handmade shorts often last longer with better fabrics and reinforcement. For tall people, short people, athletic builds, or anyone with specific length preferences, sewing provides shorts that actually work.
Tips for Sewing Shorts
Ask each person their preferred length before cutting. Take accurate measurements - waist, hips, and preferred inseam. Use quality elastic that maintains stretch through summer washing. Add functional pockets - everyone appreciates them. Double-stitch crotch seams on all shorts - highest stress point. Choose appropriate fabrics for intended use. Test fit during construction - have person move, sit, bend. Make elastic waistbands comfortably snug but not tight. Use darker colors that hide summer stains and dirt. Make shorts slightly loose for comfort and movement. Use strong thread and proper stitches for fabric type. Bartack all pocket corners for durability. Make multiple pairs at once - efficient use of time when sewing for family. Press seams for professional appearance. Consider making coordinating shorts for family. For detailed shorts construction tutorials, visit our sewing blog for comprehensive guidance.
Common Questions
How long does it take to sew shorts?
Simple elastic-waist shorts take 1-2 hours. Shorts with pockets and details take 2-3 hours. Athletic shorts take 1.5-2.5 hours. Much faster than full-length pants.
Are shorts good beginner projects?
Yes! Shorts are perfect beginner projects - quick, use less fabric than pants, forgiving fit, and provide fast results for confidence building.
What's the best length for shorts?
Depends on personal preference and activity. Athletic: 2-7" inseam. Casual: 5-9" inseam. Modest: 9-13" inseam. Ask the person who will wear them!
How much fabric do I need?
Most shorts need 1/2 to 1.5 yards depending on size and style. Kids' shorts need less, adults' more. Very economical compared to pants.
Can I use knit or woven fabrics?
Both work! Athletic and casual knit shorts use jersey or performance knits. Casual woven shorts use denim, twill, or linen. Choose based on desired style and pattern recommendations.
How many pairs of shorts does each person need for summer?
5-7 pairs casual shorts for daily rotation, 2-3 athletic shorts if playing sports, 2-3 sleep shorts for bedtime. Having variety ensures always having clean options.
Should shorts have drawstrings?
Athletic shorts definitely benefit from drawstrings for security during activity. Casual shorts can use just elastic or add drawstrings for adjustability. Depends on use and preference.
