How To

How to Choose Fabric for Spring Shorts

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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Shopping for fabric can be an adventure. From all-natural, organic cottons from the field to fibers which were manufactured inside a lab, your local fabric store is sure to have an impressive stock of fabrics for your spring wardrobe. Picking the right fabric for a pair of shorts, however, may take a little bit of hunting through the bolts. Shop with your eyes and your hands when you pick fabrics for a pair of shorts this spring.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Shorts pattern
  1. Step 1

    Look for fabrics which are lightweight, especially if you will be making a pair of dressy palazzo pants or casual and loose culotte shorts.

  2. Step 2

    Give the canvas, denim or spring-weight wool suiting section a once over before moving on to more traditional spring fabrics. These textiles are the perfect solution if you want to incorporate tailored gaucho pants into your spring work wardrobe.

  3. Step 3

    Shop for interlocking knit fabrics if you are making a pair of work-out or gym shorts for your spring exercise routine. Interlocking knits are typically made of cotton or cotton blends and may require the use of a serger to make the most of their stretchiness.

  4. Step 4

    Pick a pert Madras plaid print for your classic pair of Bermuda shorts. This spring staple is ideal in pastel and candy-colored plaids.

  5. Step 5

    Choose a fabric that will get you in the mood for your spring break vacation. Novelty Hawaiian prints can now be found in most fabric stores throughout the United States, bringing a bit of paradise to your neighborhood.

  6. Step 6

    Pick a spandex fabric if you plan on constructing a pair of hot pants for dancing the night away. This shiny and stretchy fabric is commonly used for swimwear and workout clothing due to its ability to holds its shape wear after wear.

  7. Step 7

    Choose a medium-weight brushed twill cotton fabric if you plan on making a pair of traditional khaki cuffed shorts. This combination of material and design is perfect for wear at cook outs and sporting events.

  8. Step 8

    Pick a coordinating print to match your spring swimwear if you are interested in making a pair of cover-up shorts. You can choose from sheer and gauzy prints or even water-wicking terry cloth for the perfect pair of swim shorts.

Tips & Warnings
  • Ask the fabric store for a free swatch of fabrics you are interested in using. You can then take the fabrics home and give them a test wash to see how well they stand up to the washing machine.
  • Select your pattern first so you will know how much fabric you need to buy.

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