Garment Shorts
Level Easy
Sizes 00 – 22
Fabric 4-way stretch knit
Pieces 2
A snug, high-waisted biker short sewn from stretch knit, with a comfortable elastic waistband. Each leg is cut in one piece on the fold at the side, so all you sew is the crotch seam, the inseam and the waistband. A go-to layering piece for workouts or everyday wear.
Materials
- Main fabric: 0.7 m (3/4 yd) four-way stretch knit: cotton/spandex jersey, ponte, or athletic/swim lycra
- Elastic: 3.3 cm (1 1/4″) wide, cut to length (see the table below)
- All-purpose thread, or stretch/wooly nylon thread
- A large safety pin, to thread the elastic
- Ballpoint or stretch machine needle
Based on 150–160 cm (59–63″) wide fabric. Sizes 20 and 22 need the full 155–160 cm width, or about double the yardage on a narrower bolt.
Pattern pieces
- Pants, main fabric: cut 2, each on the fold at the side seam
- Waistband, main fabric: cut 1
Lay the pieces with the grainline on the lengthwise grain and the greatest stretch running around the body. Cut the notches, then mark the waistband foldline, center front and center back.
Get the pattern
Print-at-home PDF with all 13 sizes nested. Share your make with #sewcraftly!
Print at 100% and measure the test square before cutting.
Sizing guide
Drafted for a height of 1.68 m (5′6″). Choose your size by hip measurement: the stretch knit and elastic waistband give some ease at the waist and thigh.
Letter sizes: 00/0 = XXS · 2/4 = XS · 6/8 = S · 10/12 = M · 14 = L · 16 = XL · 18 = XXL · 20 = 3XL · 22 = 4XL
Body measurements
| cm | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 80 | 82.5 | 85 | 87.75 | 90.25 | 92.75 | 95.25 | 99.25 | 104.25 | 109.25 | 114.25 | 119.25 | 124.25 |
| Waist | 63.5 | 66 | 68.75 | 71.25 | 73.75 | 76.25 | 78.75 | 82.75 | 87.5 | 93.25 | 99 | 104.75 | 110.5 |
| Hips | 87.75 | 90.25 | 92.75 | 95.25 | 98 | 100.25 | 102.75 | 106.5 | 111 | 115.5 | 120.75 | 125.75 | 130.75 |
Finished garment measurements
| cm | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low hips, half | 41.12 | 42.26 | 45.27 | 44.56 | 45.83 | 46.87 | 48.01 | 49.74 | 51.81 | 53.88 | 56.3 | 58.6 | 60.89 |
| Thigh, half | 53.22 | 54.72 | 58.63 | 57.69 | 59.06 | 60.19 | 61.44 | 63.31 | 65.56 | 67.81 | 70.43 | 72.92 | 75.41 |
| Leg opening, half | 38.11 | 39.14 | 41.65 | 40.81 | 41.83 | 42.77 | 43.94 | 45.5 | 47.18 | 48.85 | 50.82 | 52.74 | 54.84 |
| Side length | 39.16 | 39.22 | 39.24 | 39.37 | 39.42 | 39.48 | 39.51 | 39.58 | 39.68 | 39.78 | 39.84 | 39.93 | 40.01 |
Low hips, thigh and leg opening are half-widths measured flat on one leg piece: double them for the full circumference. The shorts are drafted with negative ease, so they measure smaller than the body.
Elastic length
| cm | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elastic | 53.2 | 55.2 | 57.4 | 59.4 | 61.4 | 63.4 | 65.4 | 68.6 | 72.4 | 77 | 81.6 | 86.2 | 90.8 |
About your waist measurement minus 1–2″. Try it around your waist before cutting.
Sewing notes
Fit & style
Pick your size by hips. The finished shorts are smaller than your body: the fabric’s stretch and the elastic give the fit.
Fabrics
Use a knit with good four-way stretch and recovery. Avoid wovens and fabrics with little stretch.
Cutting & sewing
Pre-wash and press. Use a ballpoint needle, a walking foot if you have one, and a stretch or zigzag stitch.
Sewing steps
Seam allowances are 1 cm (3/8″) unless stated otherwise. Use a stretch or zigzag stitch throughout so the seams keep their give.
- Sew the crotch seams. Stitch the Back crotch seam, right sides together, and topstitch it 6 mm (1/4″) from the edge. Repeat for the Front.
- Sew the inseams. Pin Front and Back together at the inner leg, matching notches. Stitch and press open.
- Make and attach the waistband. Sew the casing into a loop, leaving a gap for the elastic. Fold it in half and stitch it to the top of the shorts.
- Insert the elastic. Thread the elastic through the casing, try the shorts on, stitch the ends together and close the gap.
- Hem the shorts. Turn up the hem and sew it with a zigzag stitch or a double needle. Press.
Full illustrated guide
Sew it step by step, with diagrams
The steps above are a quick overview. The full guide walks you through every step with clear illustrations, so you always know which side is which and where to stitch.
- 10 illustrated diagrams covering every step
- Detailed elastic waistband and hem techniques
- Sizing guide, fabric and elastic tables per size
- Printable PDF, instant download
$4
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Questions
What is in the paid guide?
The same steps as above, explained in more detail with a diagram for every action, plus the full sizing and fabric tables in one printable PDF. The pattern itself stays free.
Is seam allowance included?
Yes, 1 cm (3/8″) on every edge.
Can I use a woven fabric?
No. The pattern relies on four-way stretch to fit, so a woven won’t go over your hips.
How long should the elastic be?
Use the elastic table above, then try it around your waist. It should be snug but comfortable.
Happy sewing!