How to Make Athletic Shorts With a Sewing Machine
Athletic shorts with an elastic waist are one of the simplest items to sew with a sewing machine. Sizing, style and length differ according to the individual sports and the individuals playing the sports. Sewing your own shorts means you can tailor them to fit your body and make them the length you prefer. A simple athletic shorts pattern requires only two pattern pieces and very little sewing experience. The project can be completed in a day.
Things You'll Need
- Fabric
- Simple shorts pattern
- Thread
- Scissors
- Pins
- 3/4 to 1 inch elastic
- Sewing machine
Instructions
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1
Purchase the fabric and a simple pattern for shorts with an elasticized waist. Pin the pattern pieces to the fabric, taking care to place them on a fold where required. Cut the fabric pieces out around the paper pattern. Remove the pins.
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2
Pin the fabric pieces together at the center seams. Make certain the right sides of the fabric are on the inside and you are working with the wrong side of the fabric out. Machine stitch the front and back seams together. Iron the seams so the fabric is open and folded outwards from the center of each seam and is lying flat against the fabric. Snip at the curved areas where indicated by the pattern maker. Pin and sew the shorts together at the crotch.
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3
Edge the seams with zig-zag stitching to prevent the fabric from fraying. Alternatively cut along them with pinking shears. Another option is to apply a liquid fray preventative.
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4
Sew the waist band at the top of the shorts. Fold a 1/4 inch portion under and pin, creating a casing wide enough to take the elastic comfortably. Stitch with the machine, leaving a space at one seam to thread the elastic through. Attach a safety pin or elastic puller to one end of the elastic and thread it through the waist band.
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5
Turn the shorts right side out. Fit the shorts and pull the elastic until you have the correct size. Pin it so it cannot move and mark it. Take off the shorts and sew the elastic together at the ends. Push it into the casing and stitch up the gap.
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6
Try on the shorts once more. Measure the desired length for the legs and mark. Remove the shorts, pin up the leg hems on the inside of the fabric with 1/4 inch folded under to prevent fraying and stitch.
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Tips & Warnings
Ensure that the elastic is not twisted before sewing together.
Be sure to choose the correct size pattern.
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
