Pants & shorts · Easy
Basic shorts sewing pattern
Simple shorts, also great as pajamas.
Choose your size
Each size has its own page with the full pattern, the cutting list and the measurements used.
Women's sizes (with bust)
Pattern preview
You will also need: lining.
Sewing instructions
General steps to sew this garment. Seam allowance is 1 cm (3/8") unless stated otherwise.
Supplies
- Woven fabric (cotton, linen, poplin…)
- Waistband elastic
- Matching thread and the right needle
- Prewash and press your fabric before cutting so it will not shrink after sewing.
- Print the pattern at 100%, check the test square and cut the pieces following the cutting list. Transfer notches, darts and button marks.
- Sew the outseams, then the inseams of each leg.
- Put one leg inside the other, right sides together, and sew the crotch seam in one go, matching the inseams.
- Fold the waist into a casing, thread the elastic with a safety pin, join the elastic ends and close the opening.
- Hem: double-fold to the inside, press and topstitch or blind stitch.
Cutting list
| Piece | Cut | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 2× | Main fabric |
| Front | 2× | Lining |
| Back | 2× | Main fabric |
| Back | 2× | Lining |
| Waistband back | 1× on the fold | Main fabric |
| Waistband front | 2× | Main fabric |
| Pocket lining | 2× | Main fabric |
| Pocket lining | 2× | Lining |
Measurements needed
| Measurement | How to measure |
|---|---|
| Seat circumference | Around the fullest part of the buttocks. |
| Seat back | Back part of the seat circumference, side to side. |
| Knee circumference | Around the knee, with the leg straight. |
| Hip circumference | Around the hips, at the level of the hip bones. |
| Waist circumference | Around your natural waist, the narrowest part of the torso. |
| Waist to knee | Along the side, from the waist to the knee. |
| Waist to seat | Along the side, from the waist to the fullest part of the buttocks. |
| Waist to hips | Along the side, from the waist to the hip line. |
| Crotch depth | Seated on a flat chair: from the waist to the seat, along the side. |
| Waist to thigh | Along the side, from the waist to the thigh line. |
| Thigh circumference | Around the top of the thigh. |
| Cross seam | From the front waist, between the legs, to the back waist. |
| Front cross seam | From the front waist to the crotch point. |
FAQ
Is the basic shorts pattern really free?
Yes. Every Kutopy pattern is free, with no sign-up and no watermarks. You can sew and sell what you make.
Which measurements do I need?
This pattern uses 13 body measurements. If you don't know them, pick a standard size or follow our measuring guide.
Does it include seam allowance?
Yes, it includes 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance (outer dashed line). You can remove it in the editor.
How do I print it at full scale?
In the editor pick your paper and tap "Download PDF". At home: numbered Letter or A4 pages you tape together. At a print shop or plotter: full size on one sheet, a 36" roll or large sheets. Always print at 100% and check the 10 × 5 cm test square.
