How to Sew Cute and Easy Mini Skirt Shorts
I wanted to make a pair of summer shorts that were loose enough to look like a mini skirt. They have an inner leg seam so you can wear them with the freedom of shorts, but they have the fullness of a cute skirt.
So, today, I'm going to show you how to sew a mini skirt that's really a pair of shorts!
The measurements I give will fit European size 38.
Tools and materials:
- 45 inch (115 cm) wide polyester or similar
- 2 inch wide elastic, 25 inches long
- Large safety pin
- Ruler
- Tailor's chalk
- Pins
- Scissors
- Rolled hem presser foot (optional)
- Sewing machine
- Serger (optional)
1. Cut out the pattern
Cut a 45 inch (115 cm) square from your fabric. Place it with the wrong side uppermost.
Fold it in half diagonally by bringing the top left point towards you.
Fold it in half again across the base, so the open edges are facing you.
See the video from 0:51 to 2:21 for how I measure and cut out the shorts.
2. Shape the front
Unfold the shorts. Measure 1 inch (2.5 cm) in from one side edge and draw a line. Cut along the line.
Measure and mark 2 inches (5 cm) down from the top edge on the same side.
Draw and cut a curve tapering from the top of the other side to the mark, to shape the front waist.
3. Sew the seams
Pin and sew the front and back crotch seams.
Refold the shorts so the crotch seams are in the center and pin and sew the inner leg seams.
Finish or serge all the raw edges.
4. Waistband
Cut a strip of fabric 40 inches (102 cm) wide and 5 inches (12 cm) long.
Join the short ends, with the right sides together.
Mark the width of your elastic from the seam allowance of the raw edge.
Sew a row of stitches around the waistband at the mark, to make the upper edge of the casing.
Fold the waistband in half with the wrong sides together. Mark the center opposite the seam.
Placing the seam to the center back of the shorts, pin and sew the waistband around the top edge, with the right sides facing. Leave an opening at the center back to insert the elastic.
Use a large safety pin to thread the elastic through the casing.
Overlap the ends of the elastic and sew them together securely.
Sew the opening closed.
5. Finishing
Turn up a narrow hem at the lower edge of each leg.
I find it easiest and quickest to use a special presser foot for this. I set my stitch to zigzag, the length to 2.5 and the width to 4.
Sew the hem with the right side uppermost, feeding the raw edge into the presser foot. Tie off and cut the ends.
Alternatively, turn up and sew a narrow double hem as usual.
How to sew mini skirt shorts
This is an easy way to sew a pair of shorts that look just like a cute mini skirt. The ruffled waistband and flirty hem add to the illusion.
I get so many compliments when I wear these and I'm sure you will too. They're perfect for summer in the city!
I'd love to know what you think of them. Please leave me a comment below and follow me on TikTok for lots more sewing ideas: @tugbaisler
Next, learn How to DIY a Cute and Easy Dress for Beginners.
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This is so cute! Beginner sewer question: Is the longer version of this a Culotte? Or would it be a different pattern?