Inside: learn how to sew short leggings to wear under dresses or just as shorts. Easy free sewing pattern for summer short leggings.
I’m excited to update this Summer Short Leggings Pattern Post.. I’ve got an updated printable legging pattern for you today for short leggings to wear under dresses {or just as shorts}
I don’t know about you, but my active daughter and dresses aren’t a great mix. So… I sewed up several shortie leggings to wear under dresses {or just as shorts} and we are set. Now she can climb, scooter and sit with her brothers and still choose the dress she wants to wear. I decided to share this summer shortie leggings free pattern with you so you can make them too! Bet you can’t make just one. Looking for the full leggings pattern? It’s HERE.
Share your photos in the Facebook Group Here.
short leggings for summer
It’s super fun for me see how much Rose has changed since I wrote this original post and this is a pattern I personally use every summer so I’m excited that it’s even better now for you all to use as well.
These shorts are a summer staple at our house and sometimes I will just cut off her long leggings that have holes in the knees {see tutorial to hem the cut offs here} But usually I also end up sewing several of these short leggings for summer wear. Rose loves them as shorts and wears them under every time she puts on a dress or skirt.
What’s new?? Basically I adjusted this pattern to be a slimmer fit. You can see in the new photos that the leggings are a slimmer fit. I wanted there to be less ease in the pattern so go by the size chart to choose you size. I also made the back rise just a bit higher for better coverage.
These also look great with a t-shirt… you can flare out the leg openings a bit to have looser shorts..
Why sew leggings shorts?
If you are wearing shorts you can sit and hang out with no underwear worries.. {not that my two year old cares… but I do!} legging shorts are the perfect addition to your kids summer skirts and dresses.
Plus they sew up super fast and are a cute addition to your summer wardrobe… I’ve been sewing Rose three or four pairs of these for summer every year for the past six summers. This summer is no different. I always shorten long leggings with holey knees, then I sew a few more paris of leggings shorts as needed. It’s a great way to get more wear out of the long leggings and use up scraps to sew leggings shorts.
I recently made Rose a dress from Eyelet fabric {you can see that dress here} and she wore this underneath for a peak free outfit. These shorts {and tank pattern} make the perfect under layer.
Other free summer shorts patterns to sew-
- Simple knit shorts pattern
- Gathered pocket shorts pattern
- Turn leggings into shorts
- Romper Shorts
- Girls Bermuda Shorts
How to sew Short Leggings
Go PRINT the pattern from MY SHOP and tape together. The size chart is on the pattern pieces. Basically this pattern is for HIP size 20″-32″
Some ways you might want to adjust… If your child wears diapers be sure to measure with the diaper on. You may want to cut a larger size to account for the diaper butt. You can also adjust the shortie leggings free pattern leg length {shorter or longer} AND adjust the rise if you want. The best way to do this is to compare to a pair of pants you like the rise height. The top INCH will be folded over, so account for that when you measure.
All seams are sewn with a 3/8 seam allowance.
You can check the size by testing against a current pair of leggings.
After you have made the changes to the pattern you want, cut two in mirror.
Turn the legs right sides together and sew the inseam front and back. I used black thread so you could see clearly.
Put the seams together in the middle, then sew the inseam, right sides together.
Measure around your child with 3/4″ or 1″ Elastic and cut to size. Don’t have your child handy? This is a great chart for elastic. Sew the short ends of the elastic together then pin to the inside top of your shorts.
Stretch and sew around, just a but down from the top of your fabric. I used a zig zag for the stretch.
Fold the elastic over once towards the inside and pin around.
Sew around the edge of the elastic. I like to sew with the right side up, so I can make my stitches neat and I use a double needle. You can also zig-zag. Need double need tips? Check out my video that explains it all!
Hem the legs with a zig-zag or double stitch as well. You can always shorten before you hem. I used a 3/4″ turned under once. Need more help with hemming knit fabric? Here is my tutorial post for how to hem knit fabric.
There you go! Make up a bunch and be set for summer! I have to make a dress for the polka-dot ones… They don’t match the dress I used for the photos, but it was what we had… haha.. anyway… for the active girl who still likes to wear dresses these short leggings are perfect. AND.. they sew up super fast so you can make lots.
Enjoy and happy summer. Remember to share your photos with our Facebook group! Here’s one more link to go grab the Short Leggings Free in my SHOP HERE.
Pamela says
These adorable plush flashlights are so soft that kids love them. They’re designed to look just like a teddy bear, but in the dark they provide a silent source of light and comfort to your child.
Sandra Jones says
Do you have a way to print the directions for piecing this together? I have printed the pattern and don’t see the directions in the download and would like to save a copy.
Margaret says
How much fabric does it take to make the shorts, a yard or less?
Emily says
way less than a yard.. You should be able to get a couple pairs from a 1/2 yard
jane feagans-king says
I love this pattern! I used something similar when my kids were littles, but the way you’ve graded this pattern is much nicer. My grandkids love that are always extra long and short leggings around in lots of fun prints and patterns.
Liz says
Is there a version for adult shorts? Thanks for this pattern!