This week I decided that my daughter needed some shorts, and that rather than running to the store to buy some, I would pull out my sewing machine and use materials I had on hand to make her some. I am in no way an experienced seamstress, so after much trial and error, here is what I learned while trying to sew shorts:
- Read the whole pattern, look at the pictures, and visualize the instructions in your head before you even start.
- Shorts require at least four separate pieces, two front panels and two back. If the pattern instructs you to cut the back panel on the fold of the fabric - pay attention - you may need to cut the fold to make two pieces - or you will end up trying to fold origami for an hour and wondering why the shorts don't look right.
- The iron is your friend.
- When using "on-hand" supplies, if you can't locate a matching thread color go for contrast - this way it will look like you planned it instead of looking like you just didn't have the right thread.
- When stocking up on "on-hand" supplies, it is better to purchase 3/4th inch elastic - not 1 inch. Most children's pants call for 3/4th.
- Learn to use the foot of your sewing machine as a measuring guide - straight lines with little headache.
- If the pattern tells you to use a safety pin to guide the elastic through the waistband, do it. It will turn an otherwise 30 minute struggle into a 3 minute job.
- It is ok to rip out seams. Everyone does it. I do it a lot.
- When hemming the leg openings - start the machine at the inner leg so that the start and stop will not be as visible.
- Mark which side of the shorts is the backside right away - you will not be able to tell later and will wonder why the shorts look funny on your daughter.
Some Free Children's Shorts Patterns Available Online:
Create & Delegate: The Anyday Banded Shorts
The Long Thread: Skirt with Built-in Shorts
Handy Home via Sew Mama Sew: Easy Kid's Pants
I love your points ... you made me laugh!!
ReplyDeleteSo thoughtful to write this stuff down! I always think these things as I'm sewing (or rather, as I'm cursing under my breath while ripping out seams), and then forget the next time I sit down to sew.
ReplyDeleteOkay, that was funny! I love point four about the contrasting thread. I would also say that you forgot to add one pointer: Don't start a project on a Monday night at 10pm. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou should look at the free tutorial for pants on made.com. She just hosted a month of Celebrate the Boy and they went into good detail about how to make pants....Helen will be needing pants too. :-)
I'm going to refer to this post when I sit down to make my boys' shorts. I love saying, "my boys!"