Okay, so today I wanted to try making some long men’s shorts. I’ve seen a bunch of styles I like online and thought, “Why not give it a shot?” Plus, I needed a new pair, and making them myself seemed like a fun challenge.
Get Materials Ready
First things first, I gathered all my materials. I picked out this durable cotton fabric from my stash – it’s a nice, neutral color that will go with anything. I also made sure I had matching thread, a good pair of scissors, some pins, and my trusty sewing machine. Oh, and I printed out a basic shorts pattern I found online. Nothing fancy, just something to guide me.
Cut Fabric
Next, I laid out the fabric on my cutting table. I smoothed it out to get rid of any wrinkles – you really don’t want those messing up your cuts. I carefully pinned the pattern pieces onto the fabric, making sure to follow the grainline. Then, with my heart in my throat, I started cutting. It always feels a bit nerve-wracking to cut into fabric, but I took my time and made sure each cut was precise.
Sew the Pieces
Once everything was cut out, I moved to my sewing machine. I started by sewing the front pieces together, then the back pieces. I pressed the seams open with my iron after each step – it makes everything look so much neater. Next, I attached the front and back pieces at the side seams and inseam. Trying them on at this point was crucial; I made a few small adjustments to get the fit just right.
Add Details
- Hem the Bottom: I folded the bottom edge up twice and pressed it to create a clean hem. Then I stitched it down with a straight stitch.
- Add a Waistband: I measured my waist and cut a long strip of fabric for the waistband. I sewed it into a loop, pressed it in half, and then attached it to the top of the shorts.
- Make a Drawstring: I decided to add a drawstring for extra comfort. I cut a long, thin strip of fabric, folded it in half, and sewed it into a tube. Then I threaded it through the waistband using a safety pin.
Final Touches
Finally, I added belt loops, but to be honest, I’m not sure if I like them, I might remove them later. I pressed the whole thing one last time, and voila! My very own handmade long men’s shorts. They fit perfectly, and the fabric feels great.
Honestly, I’m pretty proud of how they turned out. It wasn’t the easiest project, but it was definitely rewarding. Now I’ve got a unique pair of shorts, and I learned a ton along the way. Might have to make another pair soon! This whole thing took me a few hours, and it was totally worth it.
