Supplies
Tools
Sizes
The pattern given here is in the 6-year-old (U.S. size 7) size.
To make a 4-year-old size (U.S. size 5/6), decrease the 6-year-old pattern by: 1cm (3/8 inch) at the top, 2 cm (3/4 inch) at the bottom, and 2 cm (3/4 inch) in total width.
To make a 2-year-old size (U.S. size 3T/4), decrease the 6-year-old pattern by: 2 cm (3/4 inch) at the top, 2 cm (3/4 inch) at the bottom, and 4 cm (1-1/2 inches) in total width.
Materials
For a pattern for a 6-year-old (U.S. size 7):
- 35 x 140 cm (14 x 55-1/8 inches) of fabric
- 48 cm (19 inches) of elastic with a width of 1 cm (3/8 inch)
- 46 cm (18-1/8 inches) for a 4-year-old (U.S. size 5/6)
- 44 cm (17-3/8 inches) for a 2-year-old (U.S. size 3T/4)
- Paper to draw a pattern on
Directions
Make the cut for the children's shorts
- Draw the pattern on a sheet of paper and cut it out.
- Fold your cloth in half, right sides facing each other.
- Position the pattern along the fold.
- Put the pattern back on the fold and repeat above steps.
NB : Be careful with stripes and checks; it's best when the patterns match up.
Assemble the children's shorts
- Baste and then sew the two pieces, right sides facing in, from the waist to the inseam, both front and back.
- Baste and then sew the inseam.
- Make a hem at the bottom of each leg:
- Fold 5 mm (1/16 inch) and then 10 mm (1/8 inch).
- Sew.
Make the waistband for the children's shorts
NB: The waistband is the sewn overlap you slip the elastic into.
- Make a waistband at the waist:
- Fold 5 mm (1/16 inch) and then 15 mm (3/16 inch).
- Sew, allowing an overlap of 3 cm (1-1/4 inches).
- Pass the elastic through the waistband with the aid of a safety pin.
- Sew together the 2 ends of the elastic.
- Close the opening with a selvedge stitch.
