{New photos added 5/2024}
inside: download and sew this simple knit shorts free sewing pattern to create cute and comfy summer shorts. Easy shorts pattern in huge size range for kids.
These are super simple and basic shorts. Perfect for when you need something easy and quick to sew for summer. Make with comfy knit fabric for shorts that are perfect for playful summer days. Fitted enough for play, but loose enough for comfort. The pairs I made two years ago have been worn now for two years. I made up a few new pairs for Rose for summer and wanted to share some updated photos!
Simple Knit Shorts Free Sewing Pattern –
There is a full video walk through in this post. If you don’t see it try disabling your ad blocker or try a different browser. The photo tutorial is below.
I saw simple shorts like this at Wal-Mart this summer and loved the idea of exposed elastic. Sort of a boxer feel, but not boxers. The knit fabric makes these shorts super comfy and perfect for wear all summer. I made a few versions and I’m excited to show you all the options today.
I always recommend using measurements for choosing sizes instead of what size your might “normally wear”. The two shorts seen above demonstrate this… The floral on the left is sewn with her size chart size {which is a 5} and I didn’t lengthen. The blue pair on the right are going up one size for a bit looser fit.
I would not recommend going up more than one size off the waist measurement as it would be too hard to stretch the elastic.
Here’s Rose two years later wearing size 8 {her size chart size based on waist. I added length to the blue floral pair, but we love all three of the new versions}
These two photos show the difference between adding length and the original length. The black has three added inches to the leg and the floral is cut as the original pattern. Both are a size 5 {her size chart size}.
Here are back and side views of the knit shorts. I would call these semi-fitted. Not a leggings fit and not loose fit, but just perfect for play. Again, feel free to size up one if you need a bit looser shorts, or if your child falls right on the top of size range.
As soon as Rose saw these new shorts she wanted to pair them with the crop top I made earlier… it’s a pretty cute set if I do say so! You can grab this free crop top pattern here.
Other cute shorts patterns to try:
How to sew knit shorts –
ok! let’s get sewing. Here is a list of the supplies I used for the shorts. I recommend fun colored elastic for this project, but you can use any elastic. I will also include an option for a regular elastic casing option if you want.
Supplies for knit shorts with exposed elastic
- Here are a few links to fun knit elastic that you could use for these shorts – Make sure to use knit elastic.
- Knit Fabric – two sources for each that I personally use
Download free pattern here:
Once you download and print the pattern assemble it as shown, then choose your size. Need help with pdf pattern printing and assembly? Check out this pdf tutorial. If you are having trouble accessing your pattern and account, check out my account help post.
The actual shorts are super simple to sew. I’ll go through the basic shorts quickly, then show you how I did the exposed elastic and the enclosed casing elastic option. A 3/8″ seam allowance is included in the pattern.
Cut two of the pattern in mirror {this means when you cut the fabric it should be right sides or wrong sides together so the pieces are opposite.} Blend the sizes if you want. Seen here is the size 5, with 8 length… This version of the pattern was printed before I added colors and dashed lines.
Lay the two pieces right sides together, and then sew the front and back crotch seams. Then fold the seams so they are on top of each other and sew the inseam of the legs. Now your shorts look like shorts.
Fold under 1/2″ and hem both legs of the shorts.
Measure your child’s waist before cutting the elastic. If you have the child with you, put the elastic around them and make sure it is snug, then cut. {it will stretch a bit when sewed on} If you do not have the child, cut the elastic 2″ smaller than the child’s waist measurement.
Sew with 3/8″ seam allowance, then fold open the seam allowance and place it on the back shorts seam.
Press over the top 1/2″ of the shorts. On the inside of the shorts place the elastic facing towards you. A small bit of the folded fabric should show above the elastic. Between 1/4″ and 1/8″. Pin or clip the back seam to the seam of the elastic, then pin or clip the other 1/2 of the elastic to the front shorts seam. Stretch and pin/clip several other sections along the top of the shorts. {just a note – I preferred the pin option, it held better}
Starting on the back seam use a straight stitch set at 3 length. use both hands to stretch as you sew and sew 1/8″ from top edge of elastic.
After you sew the top, sew the same thing 1/8″ from the bottom of the elastic. If you want you can sew one more line down the center of the elastic if you would like. With the 1.3″ elastic I did for sure.
So cute when finished! I love the finished result and play to make so many more. These would be great for PJ shorts as well.
Ok, let’s take a quick look at making these shorts with an elastic casing. This would make the shorts even more simple to share. To add a casing for the elastic, add 1″ to the top of the pattern when cutting out the shorts. Fold over 1.25″ and sew for the enclosed casing and leave a 2″ opening to thread the elastic.
Cut elastic to fit your childs waist. Thread the elastic through the opening and then sew the ends together to form a circle. Sew the threading opening closed. If desired sew around the top of the elastic with a zig zag stitch to secure it all in place. Both versions of the shorts look great.
J H says
Thank you! These are just what I need for the grandchildren.