Easy Shorts Sewing Patterns

A few years ago I wrote a post about women’s shorts sewing patterns, and it has consistently been a popular post. It reminds me that I need to sew more shorts and that I need to share more patterns for shorts.

Sewing your own shorts is great because you can customize them for the level of coverage you want. I hate to sound like an old lady, but so many shorts in the stores (for women and girls) are so short. Making your own allows you to make them a bit longer and choose fun fabrics if you like.

Shorts Sewing Patterns for Kids

My daughter has moved beyond kid sizing, but there are a lot of cute kid-sized patterns for shorts if you have a little one in that size range.

I’m not sure it gets more basic (in the best way) than the Sunday shorts pattern from Me and Kiddo Patterns. This design is exactly what I wanted in a kids short: nice length, easy elastic waistband, straight fit. The only thing I might want to add is pockets (though they do have patch pockets on the back). This one is perfect for beginners and is sized from six months to 10 years.

Another cute and easy pattern for kids shorts is the pattern from Lapins Patterns, which includes a pattern and tutorial. These unisex shorts are sized for kids 1-10 years, use woven fabric and elastic. The ribbon bow is optional.

The Summer Shortie Leggings pattern, which is free from Life So Savory, is a great one for girls to wear under skirts or as lounge shorts. They’re made with knit fabric for lots of stretch and comfort and sized from 18 months to 12 years.

And speaking of stretch, if you have a dance kiddo in the house, check out the dance shorts sewing pattern from Sew Can She. These are made with knit fabric for the body with a waistband made of dance or swimsuit materials with spandex to keep them up while dancing. They are sized for ages 2-12.

The Rowan Shorts from Oh Me Oh My Sewing are a classic athletic short with an elastic waistband and optional tie front. They are sized from newborn to 8-10 year (13 sizes in all) and if you try the pattern and find it’s too hard for you, you can return it within 30 days for a refund, which is cool.

Little Lizard King‘s Mendoza Shorts are designed for boys but I think anyone would like these classic (and long!) shorts. They’re sized from 12 months to 14 years, have a relaxed fit and can be made with a flat front waistband with elastic at the back or a fully elastic waistband. They also have a faux fly and pockets, and use woven fabric.

If you’ve got a tween in your household, check out the Pre-teenager Shorts from Craft Passion. These are designed to be a little roomier and longer than the kids shorts, which are sized for a 7-year-old or so. (Both are free patterns and include pockets.)

Sewing Patterns for Men’s Shorts

While these are all labeled as shorts sewing patterns for men, of course anyone who fits in them can wear them. Many of us enjoy the more relaxed fit and longer inseams of “men’s” designs, so let’s not let labels stop us from making and wearing the clothes we want.

The Trigg shorts from Elbe Textiles are a great basic for anyone. They have a casual fit and two length options, and include an elastic waist, drawstring, front pockets and a back patch pocket. The waist measurements range from 28 to 51.5 inches, or 71 to 131 cm, and come in 13 sizes.

For an even more casual look, try the men’s shorts from Melly Sews. This free pattern for long pants with an elastic and drawstring waist and pockets uses French terry and you can draft the pattern from a pair of shorts you already like to get the fit you want.

My guy lives in cargo shorts, so if I were to sew a pair of shorts for him it would probably be these cargo shorts from Wardrobe by Me. Sized to fit 26 to 42 inch waists (that’s 66 to 106.6 cm), they include front pockets with button flap closure, side pockets and back welt pockets. They have a front fly with zipper and reinforcement in the back for extra durability.

The Sew Club Patterns has a men’s linen short sewing pattern that’s great for beginners. Sized from extra small to 4XL, the pattern includes an elastic waistband, drawstring tie and deep pockets.

And while you’re getting outfitted for the beach, don’t miss the Solana Board Shorts pattern from GreenStyle. Considered for intermediate sewists, sizing ranges from a waist of 22 to 49 inches, or 56 to 124 cm. The shorts have a drawstring (grommets are used to install it) and a Velcro front closure. There’s an optional back pocket and four different length options.

Women’s Shorts Sewing Patterns

I can’t resist sharing a few more sewing patterns for women’s shorts, even though that post linked at the top had a lot of good ones.

The Easy Shorts from Patterns for Less Shop look like they live up to the name, with a simple shape and elastic waist. They even have pockets! Choose from seven sizes ranging from extra small to 3XL.

I wouldn’t say the Pipa Paperbag Shorts from Tiana’s Closet actually have a paperbag waist, they just have an elastic waistband with a tie. But they’re a really cute, simple casual short so I’m going to let it slide. These are made with woven fabric and available in sizes from XXS to 5XL in a free pattern.

Often when I’m doing these kinds of roundups I just find a lot of things I want to make, which is certainly the case with the Weekend Chore Shorts from Matchy Matchy Sewing. These loose fit shorts have large patch pockets on the front, big enough to actually be useful. They have a high rise, gathered elastic waist and come in sizes from XXS to 6XL. Make them in a single fabric or give it a patchwork look.

I’ve been thinking about trying some high-waisted shorts or pants, and the Andy high waist, wide leg shorts from Dressmaking Amore look like a fun option. These too have an elastic waist and big patch pockets, and the pattern is sized for sizes 2 to 20. It also includes a video tutorial if you need help with assembly.

The Frida Shorts from Wardrobe by Me are super cute and long(!) with all sorts of details that elevate the style. They have a curved waistband and slanted front pockets, a front fly with zipper, back darts and belt loops. They also come with three length options, so if you don’t like the just above the knee length you can make yours shorter. The pattern fits sizes 0-16 US (30-46 UK).

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