This children’s shorts pattern comes in two styles. You can change the length, add ruffles to straight shorts or remove pockets. These are high-waisted but I’m considering adding another version of low-waisted shorts.
I bought this beautiful fabric with the swarm of jellyfish in such vibrant colours from Moonbow Fabrics.
Did you know that jellyfish to pre-date the dinosaurs by millions of years?
Scroll to the bottom of the post to download the pattern, it’s available in A4 format.
You can turn the layers with sizes you don’t need off if you’re using Adobe Acrobat Reader. It will be easier to see the right lines. You can find the option at View -> Show/Hide -> Navigation Panes -> Layers
Start with printing the first page and make sure the test box is 5 x 5 cm.
You can try printing on different paper formats but always select printing to 100%. Let me know if you have any issues.
Sizing:
The pattern is available for 1-10-year-old children. Fit is loose.
If you’re not sure which size to choose, check the measurements charts https://moonlightpatterns.com/measurements-charts/
Pattern assembly (A4):
Tape the pages as in the pictures below and cut pattern pieces. For style A cut along the curved line, for style B cut along B lines.
Seam allowances:
Seam allowances are included. You can actually see them on the pattern itself.
Recommended fabrics:
Jersey or other knit fabrics. I bought mine here.
Extras: 2.5cm elastic for the waist
Fabric requirements:
Length: approx. 1-1.5m of fabric depending on the size and width of the fabric.
Cutting:
Front x2 mirrored pair
Back x2 mirrored pair
Pockets x4 (2 pairs)
2.5 elastic for the waist. For length subtract approx. 25% from child’s waist circumference
6cm wide jersey strips for hem finish (style A only). For length, I used a ratio of 1.5 x width of the leg circumference from the pattern.
Instructions (this is my preferred method; you can do it differently):
Cut all the pieces from jersey or other knit fabric with similar stretch
Align pocket pieces with the notches on front and back pieces and pin together with right sides together. Sew them together as in the picture below. You can use overlocker or zigzag stitch (or any other stretch stitch). Press open.
Sew side seams. Sew around the pockets as in the image on the left. I used an overlocker but you can use any other stretch stitch.
Style A only: Fold jersey strip lengthwise with wrong sides together, gather on two threads and sew to the bottom of both sides of shorts as in the picture. My strips are 1.5 times the length of the hem. Press open. Topstitch if you like.
Sew inside leg seams with right sides facing. Place one trouser piece with right sides facing and stitch centre front and back seam in one all in one. Try choosing the same thread colour as the frill.
Overlock or zigzag waistline, fold along the fold line and press with an iron. It will help you to create an even casing.
Topstitch along the seam allowance line with a stretch stitch. Don’t stitch all the way, leave a gap for the elastic.
Feed elastic through and sew its ends together. Finish topstitching the casing.
Style B only: Hem your shorts.
Ta-da! Be super proud of yourself, you’ve finished a pair of shorts for your little one 🙂
