inside: Grab this mens knit shorts free sewing pattern and sew up some amazing shorts for the men in your life. Soft sweat shorts can be sewn from this free sewing pattern.
I finally got this summer shorts pattern ready for you all! I’ve been wanting to make a mens knit shorts free sewing pattern for over a year and now it’s time to show it off. My boys are growing up and wearing larger sizes so I’m branching out into more mens clothing.
Men’s Sweat Shorts free pdf pattern
These boys may be growing up into adult size clothing, but they are still kids at heart. Whew! it was tricky to get all three of them to do this for me. My husband was fine, very easy to direct, but the boys are still a challenge. You can probably tell from these photos… {haha} Also! I have a kids version of these shorts! You can find the kids knit shorts here.
These shorts are just like sweatpants, only shorts! They are so comfy and my boys {all of them!} love them so much. The deep pockets and elastic waistband add to the total comfort factor of these shorts.
While I sewed all three of these from sweatshirt fleece {see links below} Both boys are wearing and XS and my husband is a M. This is where they fell on the size chart and I made those sizes with no adjustments. I did add 1″ to the length on Max’s shorts as he doesn’t like shorter shorts.
Supplies needed for shorts free sewing pattern
First up! Let’s grab the free sewing pattern from my shop! Use the button below to head over to my shop and then check out to add the pattern to your account AND get an email with the pattern download included.
If you need help using my shop and checkout system, see this Account Use post for help. You can also find out everything you need to know about pdf patterns in this tutorial here.
- Free pdf pattern
- 1-3 yards of French Terry Fabric or Sweatshirt Fleece {I love the fleece and terry from Raspberry Creek fabrics!}
- 1.5″ wide elastic {cut is 1″ smaller than the waist measurement
- the Amazon link is to the exact item I used in this project
Here is the size chart for reference. The inseam on the shorts is approx. 6″. You can always add length or shorten as needed. You can see in the photos that these shorts are plenty roomy, so if you are on the lower end of a size you may want to consider sizing down.
Use this assembly guide to put together the printed pattern. Please note there is no pattern piece for the waistband. You will cut it from the measurements of the shorts during sewing.
Pattern includes 3/8″{1cm} seam allowance. You will need 1-3 yards of fabric for each pair of shorts depending on the size. For the 2 XS and the 1 M I sewed I used 3 yards of sweatshirt fleece total.
How to sew free knit shorts pattern
ok! ready to sew? Cut out all the pattern pieces as directed on the pdf pattern. Remember there is no pattern piece for the waistband and we will cut that later. Sew aside extra fabric to cut the waistband.
You should have:
- 2 fronts cut in mirror
- 2 backs cut in mirror
- 2 pockets
- 2 pocket pouches
- 1 piece of elastic cut 1″ shorter than the waist measurement
- 1 or 2 waistband pieces {will give directions to cut this below}
Add length to the front and back at the legs openings if desired. All seams should be sewn with a 3/8″ seam allowance and with a serger or knit stitch on your sewing machine.
Sew the two fronts together and the two backs together at the curved crotch seam. Grab the pocket pieces and lay them opposite to each other.
Place the pocket pouch on top of the pockets. The angled openings should be facing outward and the right sides of the fabric should be touching. Sew the inner curved side of the pockets as shown.
On the shorts front match up the angled edge of the pocket and the angled edge of the pocket. Place the right side of the fabric together. Pin or clip, then sew this straight seam.
While looking at the right side front of the shorts open up the pocket and flip it to the back side of the shorts. Pin or clip the angled pocket edge.
Top-stitch the angled pocket edge. Place the front and back of the shorts together and sew the side seams.
Sew the inseam of the shorts, then hem. Turn up a 3/4″ hem and sew with your sewing machine. I just use a straight stitch for sewing the hem.
Time to make the waistband! You can cut either one long piece or two shorter piece. Lay the shorts on your cutting mat and measure from side to side. Cut either one piece twice this length or two pieces each the width of the shorts. I cut two pieces here. Sew the side seams on the waistband. The waist band should be 4.25″ tall. The stretch should go the longer way.
Fold the waistband in half with the raw edged together and line it up with the top of the shorts. Line up the side seams of the shorts with the side seam of the waistband. Pin or clip around. Sew the three layers of fabric together all the way around the shorts, leaving a 2″ opening to thread the elastic through.
If you haven’t already cut the elastic, cut it 1″ shorter than the waist measurement you took. Thread it through the casing, make sure to keep the elastic straight. Once the elastic is through, over lap the ends by 1/2″ and sew both raw edges down. Pull the elastic inside the casing and sew the opening closed.
Top stitch at the bottom and top of the elastic to finish the waistband and secure the elastic. I used the edge of my presser foot as a guide. Pull the fabric and elastic straight as you sew and use a straight stitch with 3.0 length.
Now you are finished! Make sure to share photos and tag me @lifesewsavory on social media so I can see your amazing shorts!!
Leave a Reply