inside: Learn how to cut your jeans and turn them into shorts. Get more life from jeans with this easy sewing tutorial to turn jeans to shorts.
In my organization for back to school, I’m organizing the kids clothes. My daughter had some jeans that were dirty and a bit too short. I decided to try to turn them into shorts that would be good for school, which meant not just chopping them off.
Jeans to jean shorts
These jeans were stained and too short, this was my attempt to get a bit more life out of these pants. Also, school has a dress code and finding long enough shorts can be tricky. I was hoping to save the jeans AND make a longer pair of shorts for school.
This tutorial is great for more fitted jeans as I’ll show you how to add the side slit to make a bit more room in the legs. Of course you can use this tutorial with any type of jean leg. The bias tape finish also adds a bit of color to these shorts.
Other amazing free shorts patterns
How to cut jeans into shorts
Ok! This is a simple sewing tutorial, but I loved the way it turned out. You will need a pair of jeans and some woven {non-stretch} fabric. I cut one leg to start, then I use that one to measure the length of the second leg.
I used the first cut leg the length of the second one. Then I double check that the legs are evenly cut.
Pick out the side seam 2-3 inches up the side seam. Use your sewing machine to reinforce the seam when you are finished ripping out the stitches. This will make sure that it will keep the seam secure.
Trim out the seam allowance to give a bit more space. Cut 2″ strips of fabric to create the bias tape.
Create double fold bias tape {need a tutorial? Check out this bias tape tutorial} Fold over 1/2″ and then clip the corners to reduce the bulk.
Place the folded edge at the top of side slit and go down the side, add a corner and around the bottom of the cut jeans. Go up the other side of the slit and fold the other end to finish. Pin or clip all the way around.
Sew on the inside edge of the bias tape.
When you finish sew across the top of the side slit. This will keep the side seam from opening further. Repeat on the other leg to finish the shorts.
These shorts are so cute when finished. Hopefully Rose will wear them to school and these will serve us well this fall while it’s still warm out. Can’t wait to see how this inspires you!
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