Free Shorts Sewing Pattern – loose fit

inside: This free shorts sewing pattern is a perfect summer sewing project. Comfortable loose fit knit shorts for boys {or girls} make fun play clothes. This free kids shorts pattern is a must sew free pdf pattern.

I’m excited about this new free shorts sewing pattern, but my boys are even more pleased. These comfy knit shorts turned out so cute and are perfect for these long summer days. My boys both said “comfy” when they put them on and then tried out the pockets before declaring them great!

Free Shorts Sewing Pattern

I love that these shorts use fabric I don’t usually use for shorts. These are perfect shorts for French Terry, Sweatshirt fleece or other medium weight 2 way stretch fabrics. As long as the fabric has 10-25% stretch side to side you can use your fun sweatshirt fabrics for this project.

Did you see the nonsense video I shared of our photoshoot? Its in this post! This has literally been my life with two boys from the beginning, but I love that in the end we get some sweet shots that show off these great loose knit shorts. Watch the video for a good laugh!

The waistband, pockets and drawstring are all fun features of these cute and functional shorts. Now my boys have something besides sports shorts to wear! You can find my sports shorts pattern here. Also here is a cute and girly knit shorts version.

Kids Shorts Pattern supplies

Here’s what you will need to sew up these amazing knit shorts.

• 1/2 – 1 yard of fabric
  • French Terry
  • Sweatshirt Fleece
• Free Shorts Pattern PDF {download here or the link below}
• 1.5″ wide Elastic
• Shoelace or bias tape tie
• Interfacing {sticky is best and easiest, but any small scrap will do}

If you need help downloading and printing this PDF you can check out my post on everything you need to know about PDF patterns. You can assemble the pattern as shown below.

This size chart is also on the printed pattern but you will use that to decide which sizes to sew. Use the waist measurement to decide your size. The age next to the side gives you an estimate of the height. If the waist measurement varies greatly from the age, adjust the length of the shorts as needed.

Boys shorts pattern and tutorial

ok! Now that you have your pattern downloaded and printed, cut out the size needed. You should have 2 shorts backs, 2 fronts, 2 pockets, 2 pockets pouches and 1 waistband. You will also need to prepare the notions – elastic, interfacing, tie.

A 3/8″ seam allowance is included on the pattern.

If using a sewing machine to top-stitch a twin needle is VERY helpful. Use this twin needle post to help learn more.

Begin by sewing the curved crotch seam on the front and back of the shorts. Sew the two fronts together, right sides touching and the two backs together the same. Top stitch the back seams if desired. You can use a single stitch on your sewing machine or a cover stitch to do this.

Open up the front of the shorts. On the right side of the shorts {right side while looking at them} add stitching to create a faux fly. I didn’t include marking on the pattern for this, but you can easily draw and stitch this curved line. For reference the line on my size L is about 6″ long. Top stitch the remainder of the seam. I also often zig-zag to reinforce where the curved line meets the main seam.

We will now add the pockets on the front piece. Grab your pocket and pocket pouch pieces. I have also included a video in this post showing this process in action. {if you aren’t seeing the video turning off add blockers will help} you can also re-fresh the page to see the video again.

With right sides together place a pocket piece on the angled edge of the front. Lining up the edge. Sew this line. Fold the pocket over to the back and top stitch it to the back with two lines on your sewing machine or with a coverstitch.

Turn the shorts over to the back and place a pocket pouch as shown. Line up the curved edges and the right side of the pouch should be down. Sew the curved edge only. Pin or clip the pocket on the side and top to hold in place.

Put the shorts front and back together and sew the side seam. Top-stitch down the side.

Sew the inseam matching the center seams first. There *may* be a slight difference in the leg lengths in some sizes. Do not stretch to fit, just trim before hemming.

Turn under a 3/4″ hem and sew with a twin needle or cover stitch for a great finish.

Take the waistband and with right sides together sew the short ends. Then find the middle opposite the sewn ends. If not adding a drawstring you can skip all the drawstring instructions.

Mark this middle. Open up the band and mark the middle of the long side as well. The pins below show these markings. Place a small bit of interfacing at this location. Mine is about 2″ x 1.5″.

Make two button holes on either side of the pin and in the middle of marking. My holes are about 1/2″ long.

Remove the marking pins and fold the waist band in half with with right side of the fabric out. Line up your button holes with the front center. Line up the waistband seam with the shorts back center. Ease and pin the waistband around the shorts. Make sure to catch all the layers of the pocket when pinning the top.

Sew the waistband in place. Leave a 2″ opening at the back to thread the elastic.

Cut 1.5″ elastic to the correct length using the chart on the pattern. Thread elastic through the back opening and around. Overlap elastic and zig-zag to secure. Pull inside the casing and then sew the opening shut.

Stretch the casing and elastic to evenly spread the gathers. Pin at the quarters. Sew a line about 1/2″ from the top and 1/2″ from the bottom all the way around the band. Stretch as you sew to avoid puckers. I just used a straight stitch for this as the stretching while sewing will keep the stretch.

Use a shoe lace or bias tape {sewed closed} as a tie. Thread through one button hole, around and out the other one. Tie knots in the lace to keep from going in the hole. Sew along the back center seam to secure the lace at the back.

Need a Bodkin for threading elastic and lacing? Get one HERE.

Enjoy your awesome new shorts!! I made both of these in a day, even stopping to take photos, so it’s also a pretty quick sewing project.

Need one more link to download the free pattern? Click the button below.