How to Sew Shorts​ 2 Easy and Fast Projects Free PDF!

In this post, you’ll learn how to sew easy summer shorts with a free pattern.

Sewing your own shorts might sound tricky but I promise, these are some of the easiest and fastest sewing projects you’ll ever make. If you’re wondering how to sew shorts without stress, you’re in the right place.

This year, just before heading out on my holiday, I decided to whip up a few pairs of comfy shorts for the beach, walks, and lounging around. I thought I’d make one or two, but I ended up with five—yes, five! That’s how fast and addictive this project is.

In this beginner-friendly shorts sewing tutorial, I’ll walk you through two simple styles using my free PDF sewing pattern. One technique has a smooth, bulk-free waistband—no inner fold, just a clean overlocked casing for the elastic. Perfect if you want a neater silhouette under tees or tanks.

So whether you’re prepping for vacation, sewing a last-minute summer outfit, or just want a comfy new pair of lounge shorts, grab your fabric and let’s get started!

What Fabric and How Much You Need to Sew These Summer Shorts

Before we dive into stitching, let’s talk about what you’ll need to get started. The beauty of these DIY summer shorts is that they don’t require fancy fabrics or lots of yardage. This is truly a project made for sewing beginners—and for stash-busting if you’ve got leftover fabric lying around!

Best Fabrics for Sewing Summer Shorts

Choose lightweight to medium-weight woven fabrics that are breathable and comfy against the skin. Here’s a quick guide:

Fabric Type	Weight	Description & Why It Works
Cotton bedsheet	Light to medium	Soft, breathable, and super easy to sew—perfect for beginners
Cotton poplin	Light to medium	Crisp yet smooth—adds nice structure to shorts
Linen	Medium	Naturally cooling and breathable—great for hot weather
Cotton-linen blend	Light to medium	Softness of cotton with linen’s textured charm
Seersucker	Light	Wrinkle-free and airy—a summer favorite

If you’re sewing on a budget, repurposing an old cotton bedsheet or using thrifted fabric is totally beginner-approved and eco-friendly. These shorts are super forgiving—so no pressure!

How Much Fabric Will You Need?

The exact amount depends on the size you’re sewing, but in most cases, just over a meter or so is enough. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Pattern Size	Fabric Width (cm/in)	Fabric Needed (m/yd)
XS–S	140–150 cm / 55–60″	1.2 m / 1.3 yd
M–L	140–150 cm / 55–60″	1.3 m / 1.4 yd
XL–XXL	140–150 cm / 55–60″	1.4 m / 1.5 yd
3XL–4XL	140–150 cm / 55–60″	1.5 m / 1.65 yd

Tip: If your fabric is directional or has a bold print, you might want to grab an extra 10–15 cm just in case!

Elastic for the Waistband

You’ll need soft waistband elastic, ideally 2.5–3 cm (1″) wide, and long enough to fit snugly around your waist.

How to Measure:

Waist circumference – 2.5 cm (1″) = Elastic length

So if your waist is 80 cm (31.5”), you’ll cut 77.5 cm (30.5”) of elastic. This gives the waistband a gentle stretch without pinching or feeling tight.

You can also test it around your waist before cutting—it should sit comfortably, without sliding down or digging in.

Materials & Tools You’ll Need

Materials You’ll Need

Material	Why You Need It
Fabric	Main material for your shorts – choose light to medium-weight for comfort
Matching thread	For neat, nearly invisible seams (go for beige, grey, or tone-on-tone)
3 cm (1.2″) wide elastic	For a comfy waistband that fits you just right

Tools You’ll Need to Sew These Shorts

Tool	Why You Need It
Sewing machine	Makes the project super quick and beginner-friendly
Fabric Scissors or rotary Cutter	To cut fabric cleanly and accurately
Seam ripper	A must-have for fixing small mistakes (we all make them!). It helps you quickly and neatly undo stitches.👉 Why Seam Rippers Are a Sewist’s Best Friend
Pins or sewing clips	Hold fabric in place while you sew 👉 Best Tools for Beginner Sewists
Measuring tape	To measure your waist and elastic length
Ruler	Helpful for marking straight lines and waistband casing
Safety pin	To thread the elastic through the waistband easily
Iron and ironing board	For pressing seams flat – makes your shorts look polished

You will also need a magnetic seam guide or a magnet to help you sew evenly.

What Measurements You’ll Need to Pick the Right Pattern Size

Before you print your free pattern, take a moment to measure yourself so you can choose the perfect size. All you need are two simple measurements:

• Waist – Wrap the tape around the narrowest part of your waist (usually just above your belly button).

• Hips – Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bum.

Once you’ve got your numbers, compare them to the size chart . If you find yourself between two sizes, I recommend sizing up for a more relaxed and comfy fit—especially since these shorts are perfect for holidays and lounging!

Size Chart

Free Basic Shorts Sewing Pattern – Just for You!

I’ve created a simple, comfy, and beginner-friendly basic shorts sewing pattern that’s completely free for my subscribers! It’s at the end of the post .

Printing and Preparing the Pattern

Once you download your free PDF pattern, here’s how to get it ready for sewing:

1. Print the pattern at 100% scale (actual size) – make sure your printer settings don’t shrink or fit to page.
2. Tape the pages together following the layout guide included.
3. Choose your size based on your measurements, then cut along the correct line.
4. The pattern is designed to be super simple – each leg is just one piece, combining the front, back, and waistband in one smooth shape.

Assembling

How to Sew the Shorts – Step-by-Step

1 Part : Cutting Your Fabric

• Fold your fabric (or bedsheet) in half, right sides together
• Pin the pattern onto the fabric, aligning grainline with fabric grain
• Cut two mirrored leg pieces

2 Part : Sewing the Shorts Together

Sew the Shorts with Combined Method

• Place both leg pieces right sides together
• Match the back and front curves of each leg
• Pin the back seams together and the front seams together
• Sew the center front and center back seams using a 1 cm (3/8″) seam allowance
• Press the seams open or to one side

3 Part : Join the Legs at the Crotch

• Keep the shorts right sides together
• Match and pin the crotch curves of both legs
• Sew the crotch seam in one continuous line
• Finish the seam with zigzag or pinking shears and press to one side
• Place the two leg pieces right sides together
• Pin and sew along the crotch curve from front to back

• Finish seam and press to one side

4 Part : Sewing the Waistband

1 Step : Prep the Elastic

• Cut a piece of 3 cm (1.2″) wide elastic: your waist circumference minus 2.5 cm (1″)
• Join ends with a zigzag stitch, overlapping by 1 cm (3/8″)

2 Step : Create the Casing

• Fold the waist edge down by 1 cm (3/8″) and press

• Fold again by 3 cm (1.2″) and pin
• Stitch around the waistband, leaving a 5 cm (2″) gap at the back

3 Step : Insert Elastic

• Use a safety pin to guide the elastic through the casing
• Distribute gathers evenly

• Sew elastic ends together securely
• Stitch the gap closed

4 Step : Secure the Elastic

• To prevent twisting, sew a vertical seam through the waistband and elastic at both side seams

5 Part : Hemming the Legs

• Fold each leg opening up by 1 cm (3/8″) and press
• Fold again by 2 cm (0.75″) and pin
• Sew around both hems using a straight stitch

• Press flat for a professional finish

Ready !

How to Sew Shorts – Second Style with No-Fold Waistband

Already made one pair of summer shorts?

Let’s sew another – this time using a linen curtain! You’ll use the same free pattern but a slightly different waistband technique: no inner fold, just a clean overlocked finish for the elastic casing.
Perfect if you want a smoother waistline with less bulk.

Introduction & What’s New

This version includes:

• The same free shorts pattern in 8 sizes
• A recycled linen curtain as fabric
• A no-fold waistband finish – raw edge is overlocked or zigzagged (no extra fold under)

These linen shorts are:

• Lightweight
• Breathable
• Quick to sew – ideal for hot summer days!

Laying Out the Pattern

• Fold your linen curtain in half, right sides together
• Pin or clip the pattern onto the fabric
• Align the grainline on the pattern with the fabric grain
• This pattern includes front, back, and waistband in one piece

Cutting the Fabric

• Cut two mirrored pieces – each forms one leg (front + back + waistband)
• Mark front/back notches if included
• Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter for clean edges

Sewing Center Front & Back

• Place both fabric pieces right sides together
• Pin the center front curves together
• Pin the center back curves together
• Stitch both seams using a 1 cm (3/8″) seam allowance
• Press seams open or to one side
• Finish raw edges with zigzag or overlock

Sewing the Crotch Seam

• Keep shorts inside out (right sides together)
• Match up the inner leg seams
• Pin and stitch the crotch seam in one continuous curve
• Finish the seam and press to one side

Hemming the Linen Shorts

• Fold each leg hem up by 1 cm (3/8″) and press
• Fold again by 2 cm (0.75″), then pin
• Stitch all around the hem with a straight stitch
• Press for a crisp finish

Preparing the Waistband – No Fold Finish

• Skip folding under — instead, finish the top waistband edge with overlock or zigzag stitch
• This removes bulk and keeps a flat edge
• Lightly press the finished edge

Sewing the Waistband Casing

• Fold the waistband edge down by 3 cm (1.2″)
• Pin carefully all the way around
• Stitch close to the edge, leaving a 5 cm (2″) gap at the back

Inserting the Elastic

• Cut elastic: waist measurement – 2.5 cm (1″)
• Use a safety pin to guide it through the casing
• Join the ends with a 1 cm (3/8″) overlap and stitch securely
• Distribute the gathers evenly
• Stitch the gap closed

Securing the Elastic

• Stretch shorts flat
• At each side seam, sew a vertical stitch through all layers
• This keeps the elastic from twisting inside the waistband

Finished Look – Linen Summer Shorts!

Your second pair of DIY shorts is ready – and made from a linen curtain!

• Lightweight and breathable
• No bulk waistband with smooth finish
• Eco-friendly and upcycled

For another easy shorts variation, you might also like my ruffle hem shorts free pattern. The construction is still beginner-friendly, but the curved gathered hem gives them a completely different shape.

Want to Level Up Your Summer Sewing?

Now that you’ve sewn your first pair of comfy shorts, why not explore even more breathable fabrics and beautiful summer dress ideas? Discover which materials work best in the heat and get inspired with 3 beginner-friendly DIY dress projects that pair perfectly with your new handmade shorts.

Explore 9 Best Fabrics & 3 DIY Dresses

More of a Watch-and-Learn Kind of Person?

If reading isn’t your favorite way to pick up new skills, no worries—I’ve got a detailed video tutorial that walks you through every step. It’s perfect for seeing exactly how the shorts come together, making the whole thing even quicker and easier!

Make sure to give a thumbs up, leave a comment, and hit that subscribe button on my channel to get more sewing tutorials. Don’t forget to share your results with me on Instagram or Facebook. I’m really excited to see what you come up with!

How to Style Your Handmade Summer Shorts

The best part about these DIY shorts? You can wear them your way.

Keep it comfy with a tucked-in tank or a soft cotton tee. Want a breezy look? Pair them with a loose linen blouse or an oversized button-up. These shorts also look adorable with crop tops, swimsuits, or even a bralette on super hot days.

Dress them up with a straw hat and sandals for a beachy vibe, or throw on sneakers and a tote bag for errands or market strolls. You made them—so make them yours.

FAQ – How to Sew Shorts

Do I need a serger to make these shorts?

No, a regular sewing machine with a zigzag stitch is perfectly fine for finishing the seams.

How do I know which size to choose?

Take your waist and hip measurements and compare them to the size chart included in the free PDF pattern. If you’re between sizes, sizing up is a safe and comfy choice.

Can I use an old bedsheet or curtain?

Absolutely. A lightweight cotton bedsheet or linen curtain works wonderfully for this easy sewing project.

How long does it take to sew a pair?

Most people finish within 1–2 hours, depending on sewing experience and whether you’re adding details like pockets or using a different waistband method.

Can I print the pattern at home?

Yes, the PDF is designed for home printing. Just make sure to print at 100% scale (no scaling) and tape the pages together following the layout.

Is there a video tutorial included?

Yes, there’s a full step-by-step video tutorial available to guide you through every part of the sewing process — perfect if you’re a visual learner.

How to Sew Shorts ? Super Easy and Fast !

And there you have it—two easy and breezy shorts projects you can sew up in under an hour! I hope this tutorial helps you feel just how satisfying sewing your own clothes can be, especially when it’s this quick and rewarding.

If you loved this DIY shorts sewing pattern, I’d love to see what you made! Tag me on social or leave a comment below—what fabric did you use? Did you go for both waistband styles?

And if you’re getting ready for holidays too, happy packing—and don’t forget to tuck in your brand new handmade shorts!

In this post, you have learned how to sew easy shorts with a basic short sewing pattern.