It’s finally shorts weather! If you don’t have any shorts that fit or are just looking to add to your collection, follow these simple steps to cut pants into shorts.
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Materials
You will need the following items in order to cut your pants into shorts: A pair of pants that you want to cut into shorts, A sharp pair of scissors, A sewing machine (optional).
Needle and thread or sewing machine
If you’re using a needle and thread, look for a thicker thread that will be less likely to snap, and a needle that’s dull enough not to pierce your fabric too easily but sharp enough to go through it without too much effort. A sewing machine will make the process much faster, but it’s not strictly necessary.
Scissors
You will need a pair of scissors to cut your pants into shorts. Any sharp scissors will do, but fabric scissors will give you the best results.
Chalk or fabric pen
If you’re using chalk, make sure to use a light color so it will show up on your fabric. If you’re using a fabric pen, make sure it’s one that won’t bleed through the fabric.
Pins
In order to successfully cut your pants into shorts, you need to have the proper tools. The first thing you will need is a sharp pair of scissors. If your scissors are not sharp, they will not cut through the fabric cleanly and you may end up with frayed edges. In addition to scissors, you will need a straight edge or something similar to use as a guide. A ruler or even the edge of a tablecloth would work well. You will also need some pins to hold the fabric in place while you are cutting it. Finally, if you want to finish the raw edges of your shorts, you will need some sort of binding tape or ribbon.
Once you have gathered all of your supplies, you are ready to begin cutting your pants into shorts. The first step is to put on the pants and decide how short you want them to be. Once you have determined the length, use a pen or pencil to mark where you want to cut them. Next, take the pants off and lay them flat on a table or other flat surface. Using your straight edge as a guide, carefully cut along the line you marked earlier. Try to cut as evenly as possible so that both sides of the shorts are mirror images of each other.
Once you have cut the basic shape of the shorts out, it is time to finish the raw edges. If you are using binding tape or ribbon, simply measure and cut enough to go around all four edges of the shorts and then sew it on using a needle and thread or a sewing machine. Alternatively, you can serge all four edges with a serger machine if you have one available. This will give your shorts nice finished edges without any extra work on your part.
And that’s all there is to it! With just a few supplies and a bit of time, you can easily transform an old pair of pants into cute new shorts for summertime fun!
Preparing the Pants
To cut your pants into shorts, you will need a sharp pair of scissors and a fabric marker. start by putting on the pants and deciding how short you want them to be. Once you have decided, use the fabric marker to mark the spot on the pants where you will make the cut. Then, take the pants off and cut them along the line you marked.
Choose the pants you want to cut
When choosing pants to cut into shorts, look for a pair that fits you well in the waist and hips, and is the correct length. If the pants are too big, they will be baggy in the crotch area after being cut. If they are too small, they may be uncomfortable to wear. Once you have found a pair of pants that fit you well, try them on and mark where you want to make the cuts. For shorts that will sit at or just above the knee, make a horizontal line across the pant leg at the point where you want the shorts to end. If you want shorter shorts, make a line closer to the pant leg’s opening. Cut along the lines you have created with scissors, then try on the pants to make sure the new length is comfortable and flattering.
Try on the pants and mark where you want to cut them
Once you have your supplies, it’s time to get started. The first step is to put on the pants and determine where you want to cut them off. Keep in mind that the shorts will ride up a bit when you wear them, so don’t make them too short. Use a fabric marker or chalk to mark a line straight across the pants at the desired length.
Next, take the pants off and lay them flat on a cutting surface. Use a straightedge todraw a second line parallel to the first one, about 1/2 inch away from it. This second line will be your cutting line.
Now you’re ready to start cutting. First, cut off the waistband along the cutting line. Then, cut along the cutting line from one leg hole to the other. Be sure to cut through both layers of fabric so that your shorts will have two clean legs holes.
Once you’ve cut through both layers of fabric, open up the pants and lay them flat again. Use a pair of scissors to trim any loose threads or frayed edges around the newly cut leg holes. And that’s it! Your shorts are now ready to wear.
Cut the pants along the marked line
Start by putting on the pair of pants. Using a piece of chalk, mark a line where you want to cut the pants. Take the pants off and lay them out on a flat surface. Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut along the marked line. Be sure to cut evenly so that the shorts are symmetrical.
Hemming the Shorts
If you have a pair of pants that are too long or you simply want to make a pair of shorts, then you can easily do so by cutting the pants and hemming the shorts. This is a very easy process and only requires a few supplies.
Fold up the bottom of the shorts 1/4 inch
Fold up the bottom of the shorts 1/4 inch and press with an iron. If you don’t have an iron, lay a heavy book on top of the shorts while you’re folding them to keep them in place. Next, cut off the excess fabric so that you have a clean edge to work with.
Fold up the bottom of the shorts 1/2 inch and sew it in place
To get started, you’ll need a pair of scissors, a measuring tape, and a needle and thread or a sewing machine. If you’re using a sewing machine, you’ll also need some pins.
Start by putting on the pair of shorts that you want to hem. This will help you to get an idea of how long you want the shorts to be. Once you have an idea of the length, use a measuring tape to measure from the waistband down to where you want the shorts to end. Add 1/2 inch to this measurement for seam allowance.
Next, fold up the bottom of the shorts 1/2 inch and sew it in place. If you’re using a sewing machine, remove the shorts and set them up on your machine. If you’re hand-sewing, leave the shorts on and simply sew along the fold that you created. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam to secure it in place.
Now try on your newly hemmed shorts and enjoy!
Trim any loose threads
Before you get started, take a quick look at the shorts and trim any loose threads. This will help to prevent any fraying while you are cutting the pants. If you have a seam ripper, you can also use this to remove any unwanted stitches.
