These Adorable Tie-Waist Shorts Actually Used to Be An Old Skirt

Tools and materials:

• DIY shorts pattern
• Skirt
• Scissors
• Rotary cutter
• Elastic
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Safety pin

This is the skirt before I decided to turn it into DIY tie-front shorts.

1. Cut out and sew the fabric

Fold your fabric right sides touching. Pin the DIY shorts pattern to the fabric and then cut. Sew along the curved sides (pictured above). Next, align the two seams you just sewed and lay the fabric down (still with the right sides touching).

Now, pin by the crotch area to form the shorts and sew where you pinned.  

2. Make the waistband

Use your pattern to cut out your fabric for the waistband - use a rotary cutter to cut it out (you can use weights to keep your fabric steady). Once your fabric is cut out, sew the short ends together.

Next, fold the waistband in half (lengthwise) so that it resembles the band pictured above. Sew the bottom closed, leaving a small gap. 

3. Add the elastic

Cut out a piece of elastic that is the length of your waist. Stick a safety pin into the elastic and then weave the elastic through the gap you left in the waistband. Push it through the entire waistband until it comes out the other side.

Sew the ends of the elastic together, stretch it to fit the waistband, and close the gap. Sew a line down the middle of the waistband to keep the elastic in place. 

4. Make the belt loops

With the shorts inside out, pin the waistband to the edge. Make sure to align the seams and sew. Next, double-fold all the raw edges and sew them to create a hem.

Now, cut out a small piece of fabric that is 3 inches by 1.5 inches and fold it like a bias tape. Fold each side towards the middle so that they meet and then fold it in half. Pin the fabric in that shape and sew. (For thick belt loops, do the same process but have the fabric be 3 inches by 2.3 inches.)

Measure the size of your belt loops and then use a rotary cutter to cut them out. Pin the belt loops in place and sew. Just remember when sewing the belt loops, sew right sides together to hide any raw seams. 

5. Make the belt

Cut out 40 inches of fabric, fold it in half lengthwise and sew around the raw edges. Leave a small gap. Use a small tool to turn the belt right side out and then secure the small gap. Weave the belt through the loops and tie a simple bow! 

DIY tie waist shorts tutorial

This easy tie waist shorts tutorial will help you perfect your summer style. These shorts with tie belt are easy, breezy, and pretty. This beginner-friendly tutorial will get just about anyone excited about sewing!