Free Shorts PDF pattern – with faux pockets

inside: grab this free shorts pdf pattern to create amazing dress shorts from stretch woven fabric. The free sewing pattern also has a faux pocket option for the back and should be sewn with stretch woven fabric.

Ok, I’m going to confess right now…. this isn’t a new pdf pattern… but shortly after I created THESE boys shorts pattern last year and discovered my love of stretch woven fabric I realized the two were a match made in heaven. Using my previous free shorts pdf pattern and stretch woven fabric you can create shorts that are comfortable for play, but also look great for dressing up.

Free Shorts PDF pattern

This started as just an idea… could I used the sweat shorts pattern with stretch woven fabric? I discovered stretch woven last summer and was determined to find patterns I can use it with. When I had created the sweat shorts pattern I wanted to try the combination.

I got this stretch woven at Hobby Lobby, but you can also find amazing stretch woven at Greenstyle, or Etsy.

You can sew the shorts just as on the original pattern or add the faux pockets on the back to add a bit dressier look. I also added a small dart on the back for a bit more shaping.

You can also see that I added top-stitching with my cover-stitch machine to add even more detail and a pop of color. Also, apparently both my boys stand to the left because their shorts look uneven at the hem, even though I know they are actually even {haha}

Stretch woven is such a comfortable fabric to wear and it pretty easy to sew. It’s more like sewing a woven than a knit, so a serger or other way to finish the inside seams is necessary.

Stretch Woven Shorts

Ok! So if you want to recreate these shorts you will need to grab some stretch woven fabric and the free sweat shorts pattern. The button below will take you to the pattern for the sweat shorts but remember we are using the SAME pattern.

Once you have the pattern you will cut out as directed. Use the size chart in the original tutorial for reference. The original tutorial can be found here. Use this tutorial for size chart, layout guide and the basics for sewing these shorts.

This tutorial will show you the back darts and the faux pockets but all the other parts of the tutorial are in the original post.

Here are all the shorts pieces cut out, plus the elastic for the waistband.

Cut the faux pockets 5.5″ x 2″. Cut two of these.

How to sew faux back pockets

Start by adding a back dart at the center of each back piece. This will give a bit more shape to the back of the pants and make it less baggy {the sweat shorts version does not have this dart}

Fold one side of the back in half. Create the back dart at the center. Make a mark 2.5″ down and 1/2″ in. Sew from the 1/2″ mark and the angle down to the bottom pin. The purple pin in my photo.

On the right you can see my sewn dart and on the left you can see the front. I opened the dart and ironed it. The I top stitched the dart to secure in place.

Take the faux pocket pieces and fold the short edges right sides together. Sew the short ends, then fold back to the right side and press.

With the raw edges of the fabric pointing UP, place the pocket just below the back pleat. Sew along the raw edge with a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Fold the pocket UP towards the top of the back. Tuck in the sides and any raw edges you can still see. Make sure to pull the sides of the pocket to the sides of the back. You do not want this pocket to “gape” at the back.

Sew the sides of the pocket to the back of the shorts. This will create the faux pocket look. The pocket should cover the bottom of the back dart.

Now you can finish sewing the shorts as directed in the tutorial. Need a link to the tutorial and pattern. See the buttons below for another link.

And you did it!! Enjoy your super comfortable and amazing looking shorts. Grab the free sewing pattern and get creating.