A great pair of drawstring shorts is a wardrobe staple that's comfortable, practical, and easy to wear. Sewing your own shorts lets you customize the fit, choose your favorite fabric, and create a garment that's perfect for warm weather, lounging, vacations, or everyday casual wear. They're also an enjoyable project for beginner and intermediate sewists looking to practice pockets, elastic waistbands, and simple garment construction.
The Winslet's Marina Drawstring Shorts Sewing Pattern combines comfort with thoughtful details, including flared shorts, an elastic waistband, functional drawstring, side pockets, and back welt pockets. With its beginner-friendly construction and clear instructions, it's an excellent project for sewists who want to create a polished handmade pair of shorts.
Why Sew Drawstring Shorts?
- Create a comfortable pair of flared shorts suitable for everyday wear.
- Enjoy the comfort of an elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring detail.
- Practice useful sewing techniques including knife pleats, side pockets, welt pockets, and waistband construction.
- Sew a versatile garment that's ideal for warm-weather outfits, holidays, and casual weekends.
- Customize your fabric choice to create a unique handmade wardrobe staple.
Why Choose the Winslet's Marina Drawstring Shorts Sewing Pattern?
- Skill Level: Easy
- Design Features: Flared shorts with an elastic waistband, functional drawstring detail, side pockets, and back welt pockets.
- Available Sizes: US 02 - US 32 | UK 06 - UK 36 | EU 36 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
Prepare the following supplies before you begin:
- Fabric
- Sewing machine
- Sewing needles
- Thread (3-ply polyester)
- Fabric shears
- Pins
- Iron
- Tape measure
- Tailor's chalk
- Thread cutter
- 2-inch wide elastic band
Fabric Recommendations
The sewing guide recommends using:
- Medium-weight jersey
- Cotton
- Viscose blend fabrics
The sample garment shown in the guide is sewn in linen fabric, which is recommended because:
- It is easy to sew, making it ideal for beginners.
- It is perfect for summer wear clothing.
Size Charts
Check the size charts and measure yourself to select the correct size, using the garment and body measurement tables in the guide.
Verify how much fabric you need by referencing the fabric yield table in the guide.
Pattern Inventory: What Pieces to Prepare
Cut the following pattern pieces:
- Front Leg – Cut 2 Fabric
- Back Leg – Cut 2 Fabric
- Side Pocket – Cut 2 Fabric
- Welt Pocket – Cut 2 Fabric
- Drawstring – Cut 1 Fabric
- Welt Pocket Fusing – Cut 2 Fusing
The guide also notes:
- Use the A4/US Letter pattern if printing at home.
- Use the A0 pattern when printing at a copy shop.
Pattern Marking
Before cutting your fabric, transfer all the markings shown on the pattern. These include:
- Grainlines
- Front and back waistlines
- Front and back crotch
- Front and back inseams
- Front and back side seams
- Hip marking
- Pocket opening notches
- Pocket notches
- Welt pocket opening guideline
- Elastic stitchlines
- Pleat marking
- Fold notches
- Fly marking
- Hemline
Cutting Layout
Arrange your pattern pieces according to the cutting layout provided for your chosen fabric width (45" or 60").
The layouts are non-directional and are designed to help ensure each piece is cut on grain. Keep the grainline arrows parallel to the selvage, pin the pattern pieces securely before cutting, and purchase additional fabric if you're using directional prints or fabrics with a nap.
The cutting layout illustrations use the small size for representation.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Arrange the pattern pieces following the cutting layout diagrams, ensuring each grainline arrow runs parallel to the fabric selvage.
Trace and cut the fabric carefully, removing any marking lines as you cut. Be sure to clip all notches, as these will help align the garment pieces during construction.
Transfer all pattern markings, including circles, buttonholes, fold lines, and the center front marking on pieces cut on the fold, to the wrong side of the fabric before sewing.
Seam Allowance
Please follow the seam allowances as indicated on the pattern file layers. These are provided specifically for each piece to ensure accurate construction.
This pattern uses:
- 1 cm (0.38 inch) seam allowance all around.
- 3.8 cm (1.5 inch) at the hem.
- 6.9 cm (2.75 inch) at the waist.
- Side Pocket: 1.2 cm (0.5 inch) at the top and 1 cm (0.38 inch) on the remaining three sides.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
Step 1: Create the Knife Pleats
1a.
Fold the front leg piece along the pleat start line so that it meets the pleat end line.
1b.
Press the knife pleat well and secure it temporarily with a basting stitch to keep it in place.
1c.
Lock stitch along the waistline to permanently secure the pleat. Repeat the same process for the remaining front leg piece.
Step 2: Make the Welt Pockets
2a.
Cut the welt pocket fusing using the pattern piece provided. Place the adhesive side of the fusing against the wrong side of the welt pocket and press with an iron until securely fused.
2b.
Place the welt pocket onto one back leg piece, aligning it with the marked pocket opening. Stitch along the marked pocket opening.
2c.
Cut inside the stitched pocket opening as shown in the guide.
2d.
Push the welt pocket through the opening to the wrong side of the back leg.
2e.
Working from the wrong side, create an accordion fold so the folded edge meets the top of the welt opening. Press the fold firmly, then fold the welt pocket in half, align the sides, and stitch along the seamline.
2f.
Turn the back leg right side out and topstitch around all four sides of the welt pocket opening. Repeat the same process for the second back leg piece.
Step 3: Attach the Side Pockets
3a.
Place a side pocket piece onto the front leg with right sides together, matching the pocket opening notches. Sew between the notches and clip the inside corner of the pocket.
3b.
Fold the pocket piece to the wrong side of the front leg along the stitch line and press to create a crisp crease. Topstitch along the pocket opening edge to secure the pocket.
3c.
Attach the other side of the pocket to the back leg by placing the pieces right sides together and matching the pocket opening notches. Sew between the notches.
3d.
Fold the pocket in half and stitch along the bottom seamline. Position the completed pocket between the front and back leg pieces with right sides together. Repeat the same process for the second side pocket.
Step 4: Sew the Side Seams
Place each front and back leg together with right sides facing. Stitch along the side seam, taking care not to sew across the pocket opening. Repeat for the second leg.
Step 5: Stitch the Crotch
5a.
Align the two front crotch seams together and stitch along the front crotch seamline. Repeat for the back crotch seam.
5b.
Turn the shorts right side out. Fold the fly toward the right side on the front and topstitch along the fly guideline to create the decorative fly detail.
Step 6: Sew the Inseams
Align the inseams of the front and back legs and stitch along the inseam seamline.
Step 7: Create the Drawstring Openings
Create two drawstring openings at the front waistline by measuring 2 inches from the crotch line. Make two vertical cuts, each measuring 0.5 inches.
7a.
Fold the raw edges of each opening to the wrong side and topstitch around the edges to finish them neatly.
7b.
Alternatively, finish the openings using rivets.
Step 8: Prepare and Attach the Elastic Waistband
8a.
Cut the elastic to the required length according to your size. Fold the elastic in half and join the ends using a zigzag stitch.
8b.
Finish the top edge of the shorts by overlocking the waistline.
8c.
Place the prepared elastic around the waistline of the shorts, aligning it evenly and securing it with pins.
8d.
Fold the waist downward to enclose the elastic and stitch all the way around the waistband.
Elastic Length Guide
| Size | Elastic Length |
|---|---|
| XS | 25 inches |
| S | 27 inches |
| M | 29 inches |
| L | 31 inches |
| XL | 33 inches |
| XXL | 35 inches |
| XXXL | 37 inches |
Step 9: Finish the Hem
Fold the hem toward the wrong side once by 0.25 inches, then fold again along the hemline. Stitch around the hem to secure it.
Alternatively, you may use a flatlock stitch for the hem finish.
Step 10: Make the Waist Drawstring
10a.
Fold the drawstring in half widthwise with right sides together.
10b.
Stitch along the top edge and one side edge.
10c.
Turn the drawstring right side out. Fold the raw edges of the remaining open end inside and topstitch to close it neatly.
10d.
Use a safety pin to thread the completed drawstring through the drawstring openings in the waistband.
Ready to Sew Your Own Drawstring Shorts?
The Marina Drawstring Shorts Sewing Pattern is a fun and rewarding project that combines comfort, style, and practical details in one versatile garment. With its relaxed flared silhouette, elastic waistband, adjustable drawstring, side seam pockets, and back welt pockets, it's a great addition to any handmade wardrobe.
Whether you're sewing your first pair of shorts or adding another staple to your collection, the clear step-by-step instructions make this project approachable and enjoyable. Choose your favorite fabric, personalize the fit, and create a pair of shorts you'll love wearing throughout the warmer months.
Ready to get started? Pick up the Marina Drawstring Shorts Sewing Pattern and enjoy sewing a comfortable everyday essential you'll reach for again and again.
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Browse our Shorts Sewing Pattern Collection for more stylish handmade shorts that are perfect for everyday wear, vacations, lounging, and warm-weather wardrobes.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Marina Drawstring Shorts Sewing Pattern on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
