Have an old t-shirt (or even a new one you don't wear much) that's just taking up space? Instead of letting it gather dust, why not transform it into a pair of incredibly comfortable and casual drawstring shorts? This project is so quick and easy, it's perfect for absolute beginners, a last-minute outfit, or even a fun craft session with friends.
Get ready to give your old tees a new life as your new favorite lounge or workout shorts!
Why You'll Love This Project:
Ultra-Easy: One of the simplest garment upcycling projects you can do.
Super Comfy: Made from soft t-shirt fabric, these shorts are incredibly cozy.
No Pattern Needed: Uses an existing pair of shorts as a guide, making it super accessible.
Eco-Friendly: Gives new purpose to an old item, reducing textile waste.
Quick & Satisfying: You can complete this project in under an hour!
What You'll Need:
1 Large T-Shirt: The bigger the t-shirt, the longer and wider your shorts can be. Look for a men's large or XL, or even a 2XL if you want very relaxed shorts. Make sure the fabric is not too thin or sheer if you plan to wear them out! Cotton jersey is ideal.
A Pair of Well-Fitting Shorts: These will be your guide for shaping the new shorts. Choose a pair that has the rise and leg width you like.
Sewing Machine: With a ballpoint or stretch needle (important for knit fabrics!).
Matching Polyester Thread.
Fabric Scissors.
Measuring Tape or Ruler.
Fabric Chalk or Washable Marker.
Pins.
Iron and Ironing Board.
Drawstring/Cord: About 1-1.5 yards (1-1.5 meters) of cord, ribbon, or even a shoelace for the drawstring.
Safety Pin or Bodkin: For threading the drawstring.
Step-by-Step Pattern & Sewing Guide:
Step 1: Prepare Your T-Shirt
Lay the T-shirt flat: Smooth out your t-shirt on a large, flat surface. Ensure the front and back layers are perfectly aligned.
Cut off the top: As shown in the image, you'll need to cut off the top part of the t-shirt, including the sleeves and neckline. Cut horizontally across the t-shirt, about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) below the bottom of the armholes. This top piece can be saved for other upcycles!
Step 2: Create Your Shorts Pattern (Using existing shorts!)
Fold your guide shorts: Take your well-fitting pair of shorts and fold them in half lengthwise.
Place on t-shirt: Lay the folded guide shorts onto the cut t-shirt bottom. Align the top edge of your guide shorts with the cut edge of the t-shirt. Make sure the side seams of the t-shirt are lined up.
Trace: Using your fabric chalk or marker, carefully trace around your guide shorts.
Add seam allowance: Add 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance along the crotch curve and inner leg seam.
Add hem allowance: Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) for the hem allowance at the bottom of the shorts.
Add waistband allowance: At the top (where you just cut the t-shirt), you'll need room for a drawstring casing. Add 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8-5 cm) above the waistband of your guide shorts. This will be folded down.
Cut the shorts pieces: Carefully cut out the traced shape through both layers of the t-shirt. You should now have two identical shorts pattern pieces.
Step 3: Sew the Shorts
Sew the Crotch Curves: Take your two shorts pieces. Place them right sides together, aligning the long, curved crotch seams (the "U" shaped part). Pin them together.
Stitch: Using a stretch stitch on your sewing machine (a zigzag stitch or a dedicated stretch stitch), sew along both crotch curves with a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance. Press seams open or to one side.
Sew the Inner Leg Seam: Now, open up one of your sewn shorts pieces. Lay it flat so the two crotch seams you just sewed are now facing each other. This creates the inner leg seam. Pin the entire length of this seam.
Stitch: Stitch this long inner leg seam with a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance, again using a stretch stitch. Press seam open. You should now have the basic shape of your shorts!
Step 4: Create the Drawstring Waistband
Prepare the casing: At the top raw edge of your shorts, fold down 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) towards the wrong side and press.
Fold again for casing: Fold down again by 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) (or enough to accommodate your drawstring comfortably) and press well.
Stitch the casing: Stitch around the bottom edge of this folded casing, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) gap open at the back or front of the waistband. This gap is where you'll thread your drawstring through. Make sure your stitching is parallel to the top edge and far enough from the edge to create a tunnel for your cord.
Step 5: Thread the Drawstring
Attach a safety pin or bodkin to one end of your drawstring.
Carefully thread the drawstring through the opening you left in the waistband casing. Guide it all the way around until it emerges from the same opening.
Remove the safety pin/bodkin. Tie the ends of the drawstring in a knot to prevent them from slipping back into the casing.
Step 6: Hem the Shorts
Try on the shorts: Put on your new shorts and check the length.
Mark Hem: Mark your desired hem length with chalk.
Hem: Fold the raw bottom edge of each leg up by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) towards the wrong side and press. Fold up again by another 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) and press.
Stitch: Stitch the hem in place using a stretch stitch.
Your New Favorite Comfy Shorts!
And just like that, you've transformed an old t-shirt into a pair of super comfy, stylish drawstring shorts! These are perfect for lounging at home, a quick run to the store, or even as sleep shorts. You'll be amazed at how simple and rewarding this project is.
Share your quick and easy t-shirt shorts transformations with us in the comments or on social media! Happy sewing!
No comments:
Post a Comment