Kids' shorts are one of the most satisfying beginner sewing projects. They're quick to make, comfortable for everyday wear, and perfect for active little ones. With a simple construction and practical design, handmade shorts are a great way to build sewing confidence while creating garments children will wear again and again.
The Winslet's Jordan Kids Shorts Sewing Pattern is an excellent choice for beginners. This very easy pattern features a comfortable elastic waistband with a functional drawstring, making it ideal for everyday playwear. The detailed sewing guide walks you through every step, helping you achieve a neat, professional finish.
Why Sew Kids' Shorts?
- Create comfortable everyday shorts that are perfect for play, outings, and warm-weather activities.
- Sew a practical wardrobe staple that children can wear throughout the season.
- Customize your shorts by choosing from a variety of lightweight woven fabrics.
- Learn essential sewing techniques such as constructing leg seams, creating an elastic waistband, and making a drawstring.
- Complete a quick, beginner-friendly project that builds confidence while producing a durable handmade garment.
Why Choose the Winslet's Jordan Kids Shorts Pattern?
The Winslet's Jordan Kids Shorts Sewing Pattern is designed to help sewists create classic children's shorts with a comfortable fit and clean finish.
- Skill Level: Very Easy
- Design Features: Relaxed shorts with an elastic waistband and functional drawstring for an adjustable fit.
- Available Sizes: New Borns to 10 Year Olds
Supplies & Notions
Gather the following supplies before you begin sewing your shorts:
- Light to medium-weight woven fabric
- 3-ply polyester thread
- 1" (25 mm) wide elastic
- Sewing machine
- Sewing needles
- Pins
- Tape measure
- Fabric shears
- Thread cutter
- Tailor's chalk or fabric marking tool
- Iron
Fabric Recommendations
The Jordan Kids Shorts are designed for light to medium-weight woven fabrics that provide comfort, durability, and structure.
Recommended fabrics:
- Cotton poplin
- Twill
- Chino
- Chambray
- Linen blends
The sample garment shown in the sewing guide is sewn in cotton poplin, making it an excellent choice because it offers:
- A smooth, clean finish
- Light to medium weight with gentle structure
- Breathability for everyday comfort
- Good durability for active children
- Beginner-friendly handling for cutting, sewing, and pressing
- Crisp results that hold their shape well
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
Prepare the following pattern pieces before cutting your fabric:
- A. Front — Cut 2 from fabric
- B. Back — Cut 2 from fabric
- C. Waistband — Cut 1 from fabric
- D. Drawstring — Cut 1 from fabric
Pattern Marking
Before cutting your fabric, familiarize yourself with the pattern markings used throughout the guide. These include:
- Grainline
- Waist
- Side seam
- Inseam
- Crotch
- Hem
- Seam allowance
- Buttonhole markings
The guide also notes that the inseam measurement runs from the crotch seam down to the hem along the inside leg.
Cutting Layout
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams provided in the guide.
- Position the grainline arrows parallel to the fabric selvage.
- The layouts shown are suitable for both 45" and 60" wide fabric.
- The illustrated layouts use the 2Y size for reference.
- These layouts are intended for non-directional fabrics.
- Purchase additional fabric if using directional prints or fabrics with nap.
- Pin the pattern pieces securely before cutting to improve accuracy.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Before sewing, prepare your fabric carefully:
- Arrange all pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams.
- Ensure every grainline arrow runs parallel to the fabric selvage.
- Trace pattern pieces if cutting with fabric shears, then cut away any tracing lines.
- Cut all notches accurately to help align pieces during construction.
- Transfer all pattern markings, including buttonholes, circles, and fold lines, onto the wrong side of the fabric.
- Mark the center front on pieces cut on the fold for accurate alignment during sewing.
Seam Allowance
Use the seam allowances marked on each pattern piece. These are precisely included to ensure proper fit.
This pattern uses a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance all around and a 3.2 cm (1 1/4") seam allowance at the hem.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
1. Sew the Front and Back
1a. Place one Front (Pattern A) and one Back (Pattern B) with the right sides together. Align one side seam and sew.
1b. Repeat for the opposite side seam.
1c. Press the seam allowances toward the back.
2. Sew the Inseams
Fold each leg with the right sides together.
Align the inseam edges and sew from the crotch to the hem on both legs.
Press the seam allowances open or toward the back as preferred.
3. Join the Legs
Turn one leg right side out and insert it inside the other leg so the right sides are together.
Align the front crotch seam, back crotch seam, and inseams.
Pin carefully and sew the entire crotch seam in one continuous stitch from the back waist, through the crotch, to the front waist.
Press the seam allowance neatly.
4. Prepare the Drawstring
4a. Fold the Drawstring (Pattern D) in half lengthwise with the right sides together.
4b. Sew along the long edge and one short end.
4c. Trim the corners, turn the drawstring right side out, and press flat.
5. Prepare the Waistband
5a. Fold the Waistband (Pattern C) in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together and press.
5b. Fold the waistband with the right sides together and sew the short ends to form a loop.
5c. Create the buttonholes at the marked positions for the drawstring before attaching the waistband.
6. Attach the Waistband
Place the folded waistband onto the shorts with the right sides together, matching the raw edges.
Align the waistband seam with the center back and match the remaining quarter points.
Sew around the waist, leaving the casing opening as instructed for inserting the elastic.
Press the seam allowance downward.
7. Insert the Elastic and Drawstring
Thread the elastic through the waistband casing using a safety pin or bodkin.
Overlap the elastic ends and stitch them securely together.
Thread the prepared drawstring through the buttonholes and waistband casing.
Distribute the gathers evenly around the waistband and close the casing opening.
8. Finish the Hem
Fold each leg hem toward the wrong side along the hem allowance and press.
Fold again to enclose the raw edge.
Topstitch close to the folded edge to complete both hems.
Ready to Sew Your Own Kids' Shorts?
Kids' shorts are a fun, practical project that every sewist should have in their repertoire. With the Winslet's Jordan Kids Shorts Sewing Pattern, you'll learn useful techniques such as sewing inseams and crotch seams, creating an elastic waistband, making a functional drawstring, and finishing clean hems. The result is a comfortable pair of shorts that are perfect for everyday adventures.
Whether you're sewing for playtime, vacations, or warm summer days, this very easy pattern provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help you create a professional-looking garment with confidence. Download the pattern today and sew a pair of handmade shorts your child will love to wear.
Explore More Sewing Patterns
Browse our Kids' Sewing Pattern Collection for more comfortable handmade shorts, leggings, joggers, overalls, and everyday essentials for babies, toddlers, and kids.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Jordan Kids Shorts on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
