How to Sew Boys' Cargo Shorts

Make him some cargo shorts.

Boys' cargo shorts are easy to make and even easier to customize with pocket decoration and trim. Choose a sturdy machine-washable cotton, cotton-polyester blend or nylon ripstop fabric in a neutral color like khaki or olive green. Always wash and dry your fabric before sewing to make sure you've accounted for shrinkage. A sewing machine isn't necessary, but it will make the job much faster.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Sewing pattern
• Fabric
• Notions (zipper, button, etc., as directed by your sewing pattern)
• Scissors
• Straight sewing pins
• Needle
• Thread
• Iron
• Trim (optional)

Instructions

Sewing the Basic Short

1. Use a tape measure to take the boy's measurements. Pattern sizes are based on measurements, and although most boys' patterns contain several sizes, you still need to know the boy's waist, hip and inseam measurements.

2. Buy a cargo short sewing pattern, fabric and notions from your fabric store.

3. Cut out the pattern pieces and pin them to your fabric with straight sewing pins.

4. Cut the pattern pieces out of your fabric. Leave the paper pattern pinned to the fabric so you'll remember which piece is which. Pattern pieces are marked with a number and a description ("Front B," "Back B," etc.).

5. Read the pattern's instructions to find out which pieces should be sewn together first.

6. Pin pieces together with straight pins before sewing them. Make sure the seam overlaps by the appropriate seam allowance (most patterns require 5/8 of an inch; the pattern's instructions will specify).

7. Turn the fabric over and sew pieces together. All sewing should be done on the wrong side of the fabric; the shorts will be inside out as you're constructing them.

8. Iron each seam after you sew it, pressing the seam allowance flat against the wrong side of the fabric.

9. Sew all pattern pieces together in the order indicated by the pattern's instructions.

Adding Pockets & Trim

1. Cut desired pockets for the sides, front or back of the shorts out of the remaining fabric.

2. Pin a 5/8-inch hem on three sides of the pocket (every side except the top). Iron this hem so it stays put.

3. Turn the shorts inside out and sew the pocket onto the hem from the wrong side of the fabric.

4. Add any desired trim such as grommets or binding tape.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with design by using a contrasting fabric to make the cargo pockets. Try camouflage pockets on solid color shorts, for example.

References

• Simplicity: Sewing 101, Anatomy of a Pattern and Fabric Selection

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Sewing: Tips on Technique