Things You'll Need:
- Pair of denim jeans
- Sharp sewing scissors
- Washable marking pen
- Ruler
- Iron
- Ironing board
-
Step 1
Wash new jeans in hot water and dry them on the hottest dryer setting. Repeat a second time. This pre-shrinks the denim so that your leg lengths will remain of equal size. If you're using a well-washed worn pair of old blue jeans to make your shorts, disregard Step 1.
-
Step 2
Try on the pants, and lightly mark one leg at the length you want your shorts. Remove the pants.
-
Step 3
Iron the jeans from the ankles upward. Lay them flat on the ironing board and iron between side seams, one leg at a time. This ensures the pants lay evenly and you'll have straight cuts.
-
Step 4
Use a ruler to mark a straight line across one leg at the cut off point. Try the pants on again to double check the intended cut. If you're dissatisfied, make a new mark and repeat Step 4.
-
Step 5
Remove the jeans and place them back on the ironing board. Cut across your mark to remove the first leg.
-
Step 6
Fold the jeans in half lengthwise. Place them back on the ironing board with the cut side up. Match up the edges of the back of the waistband. Disregard the front of the waistband, as many jeans dip lower in the front.
-
Step 7
Use the cut leg as a template for your next cut. Remember to also use the ruler to mark a straight line. Cut across the line and hem the shorts if desired.
