Tools and materials:
- Measuring tape
- Washable marker
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Jeans
- Level
by Julia Lee
How to Cut Jeans Into Shorts in Just 6 Easy Steps
6 Materials
$0
45 Minutes
Easy
Want to know how to cut jeans into shorts? Then you've come to the right place! I really wanted to splurge on some new denim shorts, specifically the Bermuda ones. Since summer is around the corner, these shorts are truly functional. But then, I realized that I had a pair of jeans that I wasn't using. So instead of splashing out some hard-earned cash, I decided to take things into my own hands. Watch me as I transform my Levi's skinny jeans into something trendy. The tutorial is super easy, and it will show you the best way to cut jeans into shorts. Grab your scissors, and let's do this!
How to cut jeans into shorts
How to cut off jeans into shorts
Mark your jeans
Lay your jeans flat and make a mark on how long you want the inseam to be. For me, I wanted something a little longer, so I measured 7 inches. If you aren't sure of the measurements, cut your jeans a bit longer. Rather be safe than sorry!
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Remember, it's always best to cut something longer because you can't bring the material back if you go too short. Working in increments is key.
Best way to cut jeans into shorts
Next, zip and button up your jeans. Then, fold them in half. Lay it flat and make sure it's not creased. Find the mark you made on the inner seam and mark the outer leg, too. Make sure the mark is at the same place.
How to cut jeans into shorts step-by-step
Now draw a line across the pant section, but before you do that, you need to consider this golden rule - make sure your cut doesn't go straight across like you would do when shortening your pants at the hem line. You want to make sure it angles slightly upwards, from the inner thigh to the outer thigh. This will make the shorts sit properly when you wear them. If you are cutting shorter shorts, make the angle a bit more dramatic.
Draw a line
Be sure to draw your cut line across both pants.
How to cut jeans into jean shorts
Cut your jeans
Cut along the cut line. It may not come out as straight or perfect as desired, so be sure to adjust the edges with your scissors.
How to cut jeans into shorts tutorial
Try on and adjust
Wear your new shorts and see if the length is suitable. Also, move around in them, looking at every angle to see it fits just right. If you want to make them shorter, make those adjustments now before moving onto the next step.
Cutting jeans into shorts
Fray the bottom
Pull the thread along the edge, ensuring a cool frayed look. Make sure to fray the bottom evenly so it looks adequately distributed.
Sew the side seams
Reinforce the seams
As you can see, the outer seam's stitch is now a little loose. So go ahead and hand-stitch the sides so that it reinforces the stitches.
Sew the inner seam
You can sew the inner seam as well, but I personally just sew the outer seams. Maybe I'm lazy?
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You can always stitch the seams later if they come undone.
Throw in the wash
Throw in the wash and dryer
Throw your new shorts in the wash and put them in the dryer too. Like this, it will really fray those edges, including that desired fluffy fray.
Cut off the threads
Make final adjustments
I wanted a clean fray, so I cut off the excess threads. This step is totally optional, though.
Lovely DIY denim shorts
Here's the finished look - from old denim pants to new denim shorts. I am so chuffed with the way it turned out. I love the length, and I will definitely be wearing these more than if they were just plain denim pants. Cutting jeans into shorts is easy, and I hope you learned a few style and sewing hacks in this tutorial. I now have a new and refreshed look for Summer, and I can't wait for the sun to come out so I can strut these lovely denim shorts.
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