Christmas Shorts

Project Creator: Shirley Capon
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE

Just in time for the festive season these comfortable Christmas Shorts are ideal for lounging around during the holidays and they make a great handmade child’s gift.

This how-to uses a Burda kids pattern, number 9526, and I made size 4. Any shorts pattern would be suitable, but this is one I had used before.

To this pattern I made the following modifications.

  • I made the shorts just to knee length.
  • I made one side from plain coloured fabric, and added an appliqué. On the other side I used a patterned fabric and added a pocket from the plain fabric.
  • I placed the pocket over the side seam of the patterned fabric.
  • I omitted the side front pockets.

I would encourage you to personalise any pattern you use, to make it uniquely yours. Follow the cutting instructions from your pattern.

Tools

Burda Kids Pattern 9526
> matching thread.
> a Brother sewing machine
> Iron
> Fabric Scissors

Materials Required

The Burda Pattern I have chosen recommends the following fabric amount per size: burda2
> I choose 2 fabrics for contrast – 1 patterned fabric and one plain coloured fabric

final

Step 1:
1-1-edited

Make a pocket. You can do this by sewing 2 pieces of fabric, 13cm x 13cm square with right sides together, leaving a small opening to turn to right side out. Press and top stitch approx. 2.5cm from the top.

Step 2:
2-1-edited

 

Join side seams of both plain and patterned fabric.

Step 3:
3-1-edited

Sew on pocket over side seam.

Step 4:
4-1-edited

Choose something to appliqué on plain side.
Eg. Christmas tree, gifts
I cut out a couple of the dogs from the patterned fabric. Draw design on paper side of vliesofix – draw the reverse of finished picture. Iron onto fabric and cut out. Remove paper and iron onto fabric. Using a appliqué stitch (blanket or zigzag stitch) sew around design.

Step 5:
5

Join inside leg seams.

Step 6:
6

Turn one pant leg inside out. Pull this pant leg, into the other pant leg, right sides facing. Stitch crotch seam, matching inner leg seams(follow instruction on your pattern) My pattern had a fake fly, so I only stitched to the bottom of the fly. Then I pressed the fly to one side and top-stitched on the right side. However, this is not really necessary!

Step 7:

I cut matching waistband pieces and then I sewed them together in a circle. Leave an opening in the centre back seam to insert the elastic.

Step 8:
8

Stitch one edge of waistband to top edge of shorts. Press down 15mm along other edge. Fold down over seam on the wrong side, enclosing seam. Stitch.

Step 9:

Cut elastic to fit child or use guide with the pattern. Thread using a bodkin. Sew end together securely.

Step 10:

Turn up hems and stitch.