City Gym Shorts for All Ages
I have enough expired memberships under my belt to finally admit that I am not a gym person. Although you may not find me sweating on an elliptical, I haven’t completely abandoned the idea of a workout regimen. I’ve just redefined the whole concept!
My StairMaster is countless flights of stairs scattered throughout my daily subway commute; my weights come in the form of two wriggling girls (often carried up the aforementioned stairs); and my hot yoga is just about anything I do in New York’s sweltering summer heat. My gym is the city itself, and my gym clothes are these City Gym Shorts!
Designed with a classic tulip hem and an easy elastic waist, these shorts have all the comfort and ease of traditional exercise gear but with way more style! I used Robert Kaufman’s Chambray Union in Slub Indigo for the back, a fabric that is soft, comfortable and so versatile it was easy to match it with a range of prints in Liberty of London’s exquisite Tana Lawn.
With so many beautiful Liberty prints to choose from and with sizes for kids and women, it looks like my sewing machine may be getting a workout too! -Corinne
Materials
Kids
- 1/2 yard of Liberty of London’s Tana Lawn Classics. We used, shown above from top to bottom, Katie & Millie Peach, Strawberry Theif Gray and Lodden Lavender.
- 3/4 yard of Robert Kaufman’s Chambray Union, Slub Indigo
- 1 yard of Braided Elastic – 1 inch, White
- A 110-yard spool of Gutermann’s Cotton Thread, color 9280
- An 18mm Bias Tape Maker
- A free Kids’ City Gym Shorts Template available here.
Women
- 1/2 yard of Liberty of London’s Tana Lawn Classics. We used, shown above from top to bottom, Katie & Millie Peach, Strawberry Theif Gray and Lodden Lavender.
- 3/4 (3/4, 3/4, 1, 1) yard of Robert Kaufman’s Chambray Union, Slub Indigo
- 1 (1, 1, 2, 2) yards of Braided Elastic – 1 inch, White
- A 110-yard spool of Gutermann’s Cotton Thread, color 9280
- An 18mm Bias Tape Maker
- A free Women’s City Gym Shorts Template available here.
Sizes
Kids
- To fit ages 2 (3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10, 11) with finished waist sizes 19 (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25) inches in circumference
Women
- To fit hip sizes 33-34 (35-37, 38-40, 41-43, 44-46) inches in circumference
Notes
Pre-wash all fabrics before starting.
To print the PDF template, be sure to first download the pattern and then print it. This means rather than simply clicking the link and opening the PDF in a browser window, you should click on the pattern link using the “right click” or “control click” option on your mouse or keyboard. This will give you the option to “Download the linked file.” Once the file is downloaded, it should print like a charm!
For the sake of clarity our instructional photos use Robert Kaufman’s Botanics + Architextures in Tangerine Hatches, a fabric with a clear right and wrong side, for the front panels (instead of the Tana Lawn). When you are working with a fabric without a clear right or wrong side, choose either side as the right side for the first seam and follow this precedent for all subsequent steps.
Pattern
Cut
Front Pieces
Use the prepared Template to cut two Front pieces from the Liberty. Cut one Front with the right side of the fabric facing up and one with the wrong side facing up. The two Front pieces should be mirror images of each other.
Back Pieces
Use the prepared Template to cut two Back pieces from the Chambray Union. (If you are using a fabric that has a right and wrong side, be sure to cut the pieces as described above so that the two Back pieces are mirror images of each other.)
Waistband
Cut one 4 ¾-inch wide piece for the Waistband from the Chambray Union. For Kids it should measure 23 (24 ¼, 26 ¾, 28 ¾, 30 ¾, 32 ½, 33 ½) inches long; or for Women, 36 ¼ (38 ½, 41 ¾, 45 ½, 48) inches long.
Bias Strips
Cut two 1 5/8-inch strips on the bias from the Chambray Union. For Kids each strip should measure at least 30 (33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48) inches long; or for Women, at least 48 (50, 53, 56, 60) inches long.
You may need to piece the strips to get the appropriate length. For detailed instructions on how to piece binding strips, please visit our Making Bias Tape Binding Tutorial.
Elastic
Cut the Elastic. For Kids it should measure 19 ½ (20 ½, 21 ½, 22 ½, 23 ½, 24 ½, 25 ½) inches; or for Women, 30 (32, 35, 39, 43) inches.
Piece the Front and Back Pieces
With right sides facing, stack the two Front pieces on top of each other. Pin along the concave edge of the inseam.
Sew along the pinned edge with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
Sew along the seam allowance with a zigzag stitch.
Press the seam to one side.
Repeat with the two Back pieces.
With right sides facing, match up the short crotch ends of the Front and Back along the raw edge, making sure that the center seams line up, and pin in place. Sew along the pinned edge with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
Sew along the seam allowance with a zigzag stitch.
Press the seam to one side.
Attach the Binding
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, use the 18mm Bias Tape Maker to press the bias strips into single fold bias tape.
Fold in half lengthwise, aligning the folded edges and encasing the raw edges. Press.
Pin the bias tape around the outside edge of the shorts, following the raw edge all the way from the top corner of the Front side, around the bottom hemline, and up the Back side, or vice versa. Use one strip for each side. With the right side facing up, sew the tape to the shorts with an edgestitch, making sure to catch both sides as you stitch.
Sew the Side Edges
With the right sides of the Front and Back both facing up, bring one Front side edge over one Back side edge so that the two bound edges are stacked on top of each other. Push the outer edge of the front about 1/8 inch towards the Back so that the sewn line of the Front bias tape runs roughly through the center of the bias tape on the back.
Working from the waistline down and using the line of stitching on the Front bias tape as a guide, sew the Front to the Back along this side edge. stop sewing when you reach the top of the curve of the bottom hem. Backstitch at the end of the seam.
Repeat with the other side.
These are now the Shorts.
Sew the Waistband
Fold the Waistband piece in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and press to create a crease. Open up the fold. Now, fold the two long raw edges in towards the wrong side to meet at the center crease. Press the folds. Refold in half lengthwise, aligning the folded edges and encasing the raw edges. Press again.
Open up the folds at the two short ends. With right sides together, stack the ends together, matching up their raw edges. Pin in place. Sew along the short edge with a 5/8-inch seam allowance.
Press the seam to one side and sew it down with an edgestitch.
Turn the Shorts inside out.
Open one side of the waistband. With the right side of the Waistband facing the wrong side of the Shorts and matching up the seam of the Waistband with the center seam of the Shorts Back, pin the open raw edge of the Waistband to the raw waist edge of the shorts.
Sew the Waistband to the Shorts with a roughly 1 1/8-inch seam allowance, using the crease as a guide.
Now, turn the Shorts so that the right side is facing out. Fold the Waistband over the Shorts’ raw waist edge and pin in place.
Edgestitch along the bottom of the fold of the Waistband, leaving a 1 1/2-inch gap.
Attach a safety pin to one end of the Elastic. Insert this end into the gap. Pull the pin through the Waistband, exiting out the other side. Make sure not to pull the Elastic’s other end into the channel.
Checking that the Elastic isn’t twisted, overlap the two ends by 1/2 inch. Sew the ends together widthwise with a zigzag stitch.
Tuck the Elastic into the Waistband and close the gap with an edgestitch.
Your shorts are ready to wear!
I adore these shorts and have just made a pair in just a few hours. My little girl is twirling around in them now and telling me what other fabric she would like them in.
Thank you for a brilliant pattern and tutorial 😀
I was thinking the other day how I would love to make a pair of easy shorts to kick around in and the next day I stumbled upon this pattern. I made a pair and love them…..and you have sizes for everyone. Quick, easy, and an affordable gift for kids as well as adults that you can customize for any personality. thank you.
Hi,
Is seam allowance included in the pattern? I can’t find it anywhere, nor drawn or written 🙁
Thanks!
Marine
Hi Marine –
Thanks for writing in. This is a great question! All seam allowances are included on the pattern pieces and are specified within the written pattern.
Please let me know if you have any other questions as you work on this project!
-Corinne
hi there, these are lovely!
i may be being a bit silly here but where is the actual pattern as it says to follow the templates but i cannot find them any where?
Hi Tasha –
There are two pattern pdfs: One for kids and one for women. The links to the patterns are the last items listed in the material lists under the “Kids” and “Women” titles.
I hope this helps!
-Corinne
Fabulous and quick pattern. Thanks a lot. I’m sewing up a few this week to wear as great summer jammies!
I’ve made three of them this week. So comfy and great for the “non-city” gym 😉 Pics and article here: https://titesmains.wordpress.com/2015/04/25/les-shorts-tres-appropries-pour-la-gym-patron-gratuit-de-pearlbee/
This is a GREAT tutorial! I love the look of the waistband. Thank you for taking the time to share this.
Each time I try to print this pattern, I don’t get all the lines. I have tried color, B+W, everything! Any ideas?
Hi Dawn –
Many of our readers have had this same issue. In the end, what we found was that in order to resolve the printing issue the secret is to download the pattern first and then print (rather than opening the PDF in a browser window, which is what happens with a simple click on the link). When you click on the pattern link use the “right click” or “control click” option on your mouse or keyboard and this should give you the option to “Download the linked file”. Once the file is downloaded, it should print like a charm!
I hope this helps!
-Corinne
It did work…I’m so happy…now let’s start sewing…
I love this! Just whipped up a pair in the 35-37″ size and they fit like a dream in the waist but are much too tight (like seam-splitting tight) in the rear.
I want to make another pair, but am uncertain about alterations. Should I go up a size but use the elastic length for the 35-37″? Or is there a better way to alter the pattern?
Hi Bridget –
I’m sorry you have found the shorts are too tight! I think your suggestion of going up a size, but keeping the shorter elastic length could work very well.
If you have found that you like the fit in the front, but not the back, you could also try going up a size in the back only. However, this adjustment would require some alterations in the Shorts length and Waistband as well.
I hope this helps!
-Corinne
I have tried downloading the pattern and I still cannot get the lines to print. Not sure what else to do. Really want to make these shorts for my two youngest girls. The middle parts of the lines print on some of the pages, but none of the lines print on page 1 and page 4.
Hi Tonya –
I’m sorry the pattern still isn’t printing properly for you. I’m not sure what could be the problem.
I will email you directly with the PDF and see if that helps!
-Corinne
Are there five layers of fabric in the waistband? Or am I reading the tutorial wrong? If it is actually five layers thick, does it get bulky with all that and elastic, too?
Hi Bonnie –
Thanks for writing in!
You are reading the instructions correctly, there are 5 layers of fabric in the waistband. I haven’t found that it feels bulky, and actually like the structure that the extra layers provide. However, if you are using a thick fabric for your shorts and are concerned about this extra bulk, you could use a lighter weight fabric on the waistband and should have no problems!
I hope this helps!
-Corinne
Hi!
I´m about to sew up the shorts for my little one and me. Two questions aforehand:
1. if I measure 37″ hips should I make the one from 35-37″ or rather the one from 38-40″? Is it more tight fitting or looser? I don´t like it too tight but they shouldn´t fall off either 😉
2. would it be possible to make them out of knit? If so, would you recommend to downsize? Or change anything else?
Thanks so much in advance.
Cheers,
Sarah
Hi Sarah –
Thanks for writing in. These are great questions!
1. The shorts are designed to have about 2-3 inches of ease, so they are not especially loose. Choosing which size to make will depend on your preferred fit. If you do size up, you can alway adjust the length of elastic as needed to make sure that the shorts fall where you’d like on the waist.
2. I do not have much experience working with knits, so unfortunately I can’t answer on this subject with much authority. However, if I were to try these with a knit I think I would follow the pattern as written. Because the shorts are designed to have a closer fit, I would not downsize unless you wanted to make them quite fitted.
I hope this helps!
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
-Corinne
Thanks for your reply! It does help 🙂
Love these!! I just made some shorts with a fold-over top since I can’t find any comfy maternity shorts. I will have to try that with these!
What a wonderful pattern, thanks for sharing. I made some city gym shorts last night as pajama shorts and they are great. I forsee making many more of these…
Hi, I’m trying to print a 3 year old size and it doesn’t fit together at all. There’s a large gap between pieces 1 and 3 and 4 and 5. What can I do to get it to line up? I had no trouble with the adult pattern.
Jordan
Hi Jordan –
I’m sorry you’re having trouble with the City Gym Shorts pattern template! It sounds like the issue might one of two things.
1. The template for the City Gym Shorts in Kids’ sizes is divided into 3 pieces (rather than 4, like the adult pattern). When you are piecing the Front together, it can be helpful to first tape piece 2 to piece 3, and then tape these pieces together to piece 1. When you are piecing the Back, first tape piece 5 with piece 6, and then tape these together with piece 4.
2. It could be a problem with the length of pieces 2 and 6.
I know that some of our readers have had issues with some of the lines of the template not printing, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you had this issue as well. Please check on your pieces to make sure that all of the cutting lines are there. In particular, there should be a straight line on piece 2 that runs directly above the text “attach to piece 1”. Piece 2 should attach to Piece 1 along this line. Similarly, there should be a line on piece 6 that runs directly above the text “attach to piece 4”, and the two pieces should attach along this line.
If this seems to be the issue, we have found that the secret is to first download the pattern and then print it. Rather than simply clicking the link and opening the PDF in a browser window, you should click on the pattern link using the “right click” or “control click” option on your mouse or keyboard. This will give you the option to “Download the linked file.” Once the file is downloaded, it should print like a charm!
I hope this helps!
-Corinnne
Brilliant pattern! Thank you so much. I can’t wait to make another pair.
I have a 12mm and 25 mm bias tape maker. Would these work just as well as the 18mm listed above?
Hi Shellee –
This is a great question. The best way to know is to give it a try and find out!
I recommend using a scrap fabric to make a small length of bias tape in both sizes. Try wrapping these around a curved hem (like the side edges of the shorts) and see what you think. I bet the 25 mm bias tape will work great!
I hope this helps!
-Corinne
Hey,
Thanks for the lovely pattern! If I were to add an inch or two vertically to the shorts would I need to make any other changes, other than more fabric? I generally favor slightly longer shorts than most stores sell, and this would be a perfect alternative!
Thanks again,
Natalie
Hi Natalie-
Adjusting the length of the shorts should be an easy fix. Be sure to add the same amount of length to the inseam of both the Front and Back pattern pieces (rather than to the body of the shorts), and blend the cutting line through the added length. This may require redrawing the tulip curve on the side edge of the pattern pieces, depending on the size you’re working with. You will also need to adjust the length of the bias tape strips.
I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions as you work on this project.
-Corinne
I adore these shorts and made them for the first time tonight. I can’t wait to make many more pairs!!
I have also found the, um, bum to be a bit snug as several other commenters have noted. I wondered if I cut the fabric pieces out incorrectly as far as direction of stretch? Which direction should the stretch go on the pattern pieces? Thanks for the help!
“Hi JennA ï¾–
Iï¾’m sorry you have found the Shorts are too tight!
I cut my Shorts with the side seams running straight along the grain, and the width of the shorts on the cross-grain. Depending on the fabric you use, this could add a little bit of give and stretch.
If you are uncomfortable with the fit of the shorts you made, you could try going up a size, but keeping the shorter elastic length to fit on the waist.
Or, if you like the fit in the front, but not the back, you could try going up a size in the back only. However, this adjustment would require some alterations in the Shorts length and Waistband as well.
I hope this helps!
-Corinne”
leuke ideeën. toffe site
Love, love, love! I am just getting back into sewing after a LONG absence and this was just what I needed. I extended the inseam an inch and they are perfect and so comfortable. Thanks for helping me get my sewing confidence back!
I’m trying to download the pdf file for the women’s and nothing happens when I click the link.
Hi Dani –
I am so sorry the link is giving you problems. When you click the PDF link, it should open a new tab or window in your browser with the pattern. If it’s not doing this, you can try using the “right click” or “control click” option on your mouse or keyboard. A window should appear next to the link with short menu. I recommend choosing the “Save Linked File” or “Download Linked File” option. If this still doesn’t work, please let me know!
-Corinne
Hi there! When I found your tutorial, I fell in love. I wear gym shorts all the time at home, in the garden, working with the chickens, etc. and all mine are just worn out. So I went and got new fabric especially for this project. I also bought double folded bias tape for the edges, which worked perfectly. I wish I could include a picture to show you how adorable these turned out for me. I haven’t read many comments, but I did want to say that I measure at 39″ at the hips and ended up going to the next size up (41″-43″) and just tightening the elastic a little bit more. This works great. I also put an inside pocket on each side to carry my phone around in. Thanks for the tutorial!
I would love to make these shorts! However, I have attempted to print the pattern 3 times and all of the “size guide lines” are not printing. Most of the sheets are printing the outline only. What am I doing wrong? I was hoping to make these tonight.
Hi Paula –
I’m sorry this pattern is giving you trouble!
Have you tried to piece together any of the print-outs yet? You will see that the side, curved edge and most of the bottom edge for both the Front and Back pieces of the Shorts pattern are drawn with one solid line for all sizes. The variation in sizing is mostly done in the inseam and along the top edge. If you haven’t yet, I recommend piecing your print-outs together and see how they come together, the pieces you have without the sizing lines may not be an issue.
If they still don’t look right, it might be a problem with the print out itself. Some of our other readers have had this type of issue. We have found that the secret is to first download the pattern and then print it. Rather than simply clicking the link and opening the PDF in a browser window, you should click on the pattern link using the “right click†or “control click†option on your mouse or keyboard. This will give you the option to “Download the linked file.†Once the file is downloaded, it should print like a charm!
I hope this helps!
Please let us know if you have any other questions as you work on this pattern.
-Corinne
Thanks so much for sharing this pattern! And the tutorial is easy to understand. I had made one and trying to find a short cut of using 12mm bias tape from shop…and it really tough to deal with….so please stick to 18mm and above as Corrine Tutorial…will want to make a few more…
Hi CS –
I’m so glad you enjoyed working on the pattern! And, thanks for the tip on the bias tape!
-Corinne
Made these last night for my daughter to wear to P.E. today! She loved them, and had I made her the right size, they would have fit perfectly! 😉
Easy to make, sew up quick, and would be even quicker if I owned a bias tape maker!
Thanks for such an awesome freebie!
I loved the pattern , first time making bias tape but fumbled through it. Thank you!
Hmm, does it matter how this pattern is laid onto the fabric? I’m still new to garment sewing, and learned about how dresses, in particular, can drape over the body oddly if not cut parallel to the grain yadda yadda! Is that the case for these shorts? Thank you so much for your help!
Hi Jeannie –
This is a great question! Generally, the rules that apply to dress sewing will apply to almost all other garments. For most patterns, you want the grain line (parallel to the selvage edge) to run up and down the garment, and the cross grain (perpendicular to the selvage) to run across the width of the garment. There are of course some exceptions when working with full skirts, knits, prints, etc.
For these Shorts, you will want to cut the Front and Back pieces so that the straight side edge runs parallel to the selvage, and the bottom edge runs perpendicular to it.
I hope this helps!
-Corinne
Hi there, thank you for the free pattern. Which way should the grain run on the waistband? Mine won’t fit lengthwise as my fabric is only 110cm wide. So my only option is to cut it crosswise. Is this okay? (I hope I have explained it right!) Thanks for your reply!
Hi Fiona –
This is a great question. I cut my Waistband cross-wise, from selvage to selvage, but if this is not possible with your fabric, you should have no problem cutting it parallel to the selvage edge. Alternatively, if you don’t have the length for this, you can also cut the waistband in two equal pieces (adding 5/8 inch to each piece to accommodate seam allowance) and piece together. If you do chose to do this, I recommend lining up the waistband seams with the two side seams of the Shorts rather than with the front and back.
I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions!
-Corinne
Hi. I made these and absolutely love them. I’m quite a big girl though so i did have to extend the pattern to fit my hips but the way the pieces fit together made this very easy. thank you so much.
Hello Grace! We’re so glad you made the pattern work for you!
Thanks for your kind words! Happy sewing! -Alyson
Just wanted to let you know that I lived in these shorts all summer, right up until last week when it was still 95 degrees in October. Spent one spring weekend sewing a dozen pair for myself, my daughter, and my grandson. They also make great pj bottoms for summer! (I sewed two pj versions in double gauze.)
Hello Liz!
We’re so happy the whole family loved these quick and comfy shorts! Stay warm this Fall! -Alyson
Thank you for these gorgeous shorts pattern. I will make some for my daughters and my grandchildren.
Pauline
Hello Pauline!
We’re so glad you enjoy this pattern! Keep up the lovely stitching! -Alyson
Hallo 🙂
Leider finde ich das tolle Schnittmuster nicht. Steht es nicht mehr zum Download zur Verfügung? Der Link dazu, lässt sich nicht ankliken.
LG Nancy
Hallo Nancy –
Thank you for writing in! Unfortunately, none of us speak German well enough to respond to you in your native language, I’m sorry. However, I think you are asking about the links to the pattern pieces. I’ve checked the links to the pattern PDFs in the post and they seem to be working. You can find the Pattern PDF for the Kids’ pattern at the end of the Kids Materials list, and the Pattern PDF for the Women’s pattern at the end of the Women’s Material list.
Please let me know if these continue to give you trouble.
Thank you!
-Corinne
These are the cutest shorts! I am anxious to try making a pair for myself and 2 daughters. Do you have any other suggestions for a great fabric in place of the Tana Lawn? It is a little out of my budget. 🙂 Thanks for any input!
Hello, Kelcy!
Thank you for writing in! We have some great options for these shorts! If you’re looking for fun patterns I recommend Penny’s Dollhouse, Hints of Prints (these are on sale!), Botanics and Architextures or Luminous Yarn Dyes. If you don’t mind solid colors I recommend Kona Cotton, Chambray Union or Chambray Pin Dots. Please let us know what you think!
Best,
Kumeko
Excited to make these shorts!
I have a question on the numbers in parentheses.
3/4 (3/4, 3/4, 1, 1) yard
1 (1, 1, 2, 2) yard
Are those yardage requirements for the different sizes? As in sizes 33 – 40 would require 3/4 yard for that pattern piece but sizes 41-46 would require 1 yard?
Then sizes 33-40 = 1 yard and 41-46 = 2 yards for the next pattern piece?
Thank you!
Hello Alysa –
Yes! You’ve got it right. The numbers in the parentheses correspond to the different sizes. For example, if you are making the first size in the list, you will always use the first number in the list in the fabric measurements.
I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any questions about specific sizes or measurements.
-Corinne
Trying to help a new sewer and wondered if the back of the shorts for adults are better out of a little heavier fabric . We showed her chambray ,but suggested the light cottons would be better for the front only. Thank you Janeese
Hi Janeese,
Great question! We love our version with the slightly heavier chambray on the back and the lawn on the front. We have seen versions using a lighter fabric for both the back and front that have held up very well. I think that any way you go, so long as the fabric is not too much thinner than a lawn, you should be good to go!
Happy sewing!
Cassy
I am frequently touting your wonderful site to everyone! If you notice traffic from Nova Scotia, that’s perhaps why. Love the shorts! They will be the featured item for all 5 sisters at our annual sister retreat in Montreal. Great instructions and fit!
Hi! I downloaded the pattern as you suggested before printing; however, I cannot get the dotted lines to print as well. Would you send me the modified pattern as well please?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for writing in to us! I’m sorry this ins’t printing! I could send you the pattern, but it would just be the same as the one on the website. Could it be that your printer settings are off? Also, try printing just black and white. Let me know how it goes!
-Adam
Thanks for the lovely pattern!
http://yanem.blogspot.be/2016/08/gym-short.html
Thank you for sharing your photos, Katja! Great work!
Made several pairs for my daughter over the last week. The first pair was a bit too snug (I went with her waist measurement to pick the size), so I went up a size and the next pairs turned out great. Lightweight dark denim front and back with bright patterned bias tape and waistband. So cute! Thanks for the great pattern!
Hi 🙂
Can I use the pattern also for a pyjama pant? I’m worrying about the edges where the two sides with the bia tapes come together – is this still thin enogh not to hurt when lying on it? Wanted to use a single jersey fabric.
Best regards,
Blanche
Hi Blanche,
This sounds like a great idea! I don’t think that the overlap of the bias tape will be noticeable at all — especially in a jersey fabric. Best of luck and happy sewing!
-Adam
I have looked and looked on this page and cant find a link to the pattern and can’t find it in the shop either. Is this pattern still available? and is it a free pattern?
Thanks so much, love these and hoping to make a few pairs for my daughter.
Hi Esther,
Thanks for writing in! The links to the patterns can be found in the Materials section as the last item for each size category. For your convenience, I am including the links here for you:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/shortspattern_women1.pdf
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/shortspattern_kids.pdf
I hope that this helps and happy sewing!
Cassy
Please excuse my ignorance but it’s hard to hide!! What/where is the pattern link? I really want to print this pattern but just cannot figure out how to do it. Do you have instructions for dummies?
Hello Lou,
depending on which pattern you are doing, either kids or women’s if you scroll down to materials for kids the link to the pattern is the last bullet point. For the Women’s pattern it is also the last bullet point, just right click or control click where it says template available and it will give you the option to download the linked file, once that is done you are ready to print the pattern.
Best,
Melissa
Hallo, i can not find the dounload link. Is it expired?
I’m realy desperate to try the pattern……
Greetings from Germany
Hi Walerija,
Thank you for writing in! I have checked the links and they appear to be working at present. The links can be found here:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/shortspattern_kids.pdf
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/shortspattern_women1.pdf
I hope that this helps and happy sewing!
Cassy
I know this was a couple years ago. But maybe just maybe someone will respond! Has anyone done this pattern in a sweat fabric? Also I am sort of new to the fabric world, does the cotton recommended have any stretch? I was hoping to use some French Terry I have to make up some shorts. And then was planning on ordering some more as I have lots of cotton Lycra however I think that might be too stretchy! Just wondering what I should order. I am from Canada so hoping to shop locally to avoid the custom costs!
Hi Megan,
Thanks for writing in! We used a woven fabric here with no stretch. Working with stretchy knit fabrics is very different than working with woven fabrics. You will need to be sure not to stretch the fabric as you sew it with your machine. This can be a bit tricky but it is accomplishable. I would suggest checking out some YouTube tutorials regarding working with knits on a standard machine.
Additionally, the construction of these shorts uses bias tape along the edges. Bias tape is generally made out of a woven fabric and as such will not stretch. That is to say that when used in combination with a knit, it will prevent the knit from stretching along the parts where it is present. You will need to get knit bias tape if you use a knit.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi, sorry if this has been addressed somewhere but I don’t know if I’m doing this wrong or if I’ve mucked something up. I went with the largest size as I’m new to sewing and really prone to having things end up a bit small so it usually works out, and that would have been two sizes higher than I needed. Unfortunately, I can’t even get the waistband over my thighs. It doesn’t stretch far enough though the elastic and waistband ought to both be big enough. Is this something I’m doing wrong? Did I misunderstand something?
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for writing in and I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulties! I am not quite sure what could have happened. When you printed the pattern, did the square on the first page measure 1″ in both directions? If the pattern printed smaller, this could be the problem. Additionally, using larger seam allowances than listed can make the shorts come out a bit tighter but not as tight as you have mentioned here. Please let us know if either one of these was the issue.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Is the pattern printed the same as the picture above? Or did you shorten the pattern pieces at all? I definitely want that length the pattern just seemed longer to my eye. But before I cut this fabric I bought I want to make sure lol. Also I haven’t much experience with woven fabric. I have this adorable little quilting store in Cochrane AB however it is filled with mostly quilting 100% cotton. Can you use that? Or is that too stiff? It makes me slightly confused because so much fabric says 100% cotton however i just don’ know what I am looking for to make these. Thanks so much for your help! Look forward to making these 😀
Hi Meagn,
Thanks for writing in! The printed pattern is exactly what we used for this fun shorts! No lengthening or shortening required!
We used a lightweight woven fabric here but we have seen these shorts made from many different fabrics. Quilting Cotton would work fine for this pattern as drape is not really an issue. Quilting Cotton tends to be stiffer than light weight woven fabrics and thus be an issue when making a drapey blouse of dress but in this application should work just great!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hey. Is the requirements for the bias tape in with the amount of solid fabric needed? Meaning if i buy a yard of fabric will there be enough for the back pattern piece and bias tape? Thanks. Cant wait to make them.
Hi Sara,
Thanks for writing in! The yardage for the solid fabric does include room to make the bias tape!
Happy sewing!
Cassy
Thanks. And thanks for the fast reply. ?
Love these! I couldn’t find any shorts I liked in the shops but I came across this pattern. I made them in a stretch sweatshirt fabric and will make a few amendments to the pattern for the next pair. My daughter also wants several pairs!
Very easy to follow tutorial, thank you.