Since many of us are in the middle of summer, I thought it would be a good time to write about making summer shorts. These 5 quick and easy summer shorts patterns are (mostly) beginner friendly. I am a person that believes that if you don’t challenge yourself a little bit, you won’t really perfect your skill and move beyond the simplest choice. I also believe that just because you’re more advanced, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a super simple pattern using your fabric scraps. So, let’s get into it.
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The Patterns
McCall’s 8221
This is one of my most favorite summer shorts patterns. They are cute and comfortable.
I have made both views A and B. B is my personal favorite. They are at a comfortable length for me.
This pattern features inseam pockets and come in three lengths. There’s also an elastic waist. I made these in about an hour.
New Look 6055
This is a pattern where I have only made the pants but not the shorts. Since the pants were an easy project, I know the shorts have to be even easier.
As you can see above, there are two shorts versions. One, View E, seems to be a little bit shorter than the other, View D. Both of these have slant pockets, elastic and drawstring. As I stated, I haven’t made the shorts, I’ve only made the pants (View A). But those were easy to put together as well.
Itch-to-Stitch Sequoia Cargo Pants and Shorts
These are absolutely another favorite of my 5 quick and easy summer shorts patterns. The Sequoia is a pattern that is a bit more involved than a simple elastic waist. But don’t let that scare you!
Cargo shorts are terrific! This is a pattern that is definitely in my summer rotation when it comes to making shorts.
There are snaps, elastic and ribbed knit in the waistband as well as a front fly. She has a very good tutorial on how to assemble the waistband.
I have made this pattern twice. You can check out the Itch-To-Stitch shop here.
Colette Iris
Sadly, this pattern is out of print. But I still love it.
As you can see, this is rated as a “Beginner” pattern. If you know how to insert an invisible zipper, you can make these shorts!
The only alteration I made to mine was to make them a bit longer. Here is a picture of the first pair I made (many years ago)…
These shorts were part of a suit I made with matching blazer. Seamwork (formerly Colette) has a new pattern with the same name, but these seem to be a little different. And here is the blog post from the last time I made these shorts.
Kwik Sew 3854
Here is one I completely forgot about. I actually found this one when I was pulling out patterns for the YouTube video I made on this topic.
Now, if you look at this and think these are too short, don’t be discouraged. I almost always end up adding a few inches to the length of my shorts. I’ve not had a problem doing this and the results have been great. This particular pattern is one that I haven’t made yet. But I do like the two different styles. I have seen this made by other sewists, and it’s a very cute look.
Conclusion
So that’s my 5 quick and easy summer shorts patterns. What patterns are on your list? There’s still plenty of summer left here. Or there’s plenty of time to get ready for summer if you are in the southern hemisphere.
McCall’s 8221 New Look 6055 Kwik Sew 3854
