Why make shorts from old jeans?
- Scuffs, stretched knees, stains or holes - these trousers do not have to be thrown away. All flaws, if they are located on the legs, can be simply trimmed off, resulting in a neat and practical item.
- Handmade is still in fashion, so a handmade wardrobe item is sure to attract attention and help you stand out from the crowd.
- You can adjust the length, style and decorative features of future shorts yourself, and there is no doubt that they will fit perfectly.
How to cut jeans correctly?
If you have shorts, even old ones, the length of which suits you, just attach them to your jeans and make marks with chalk or soap. The trousers should not be laid out, but folded in half so that the side seams are strictly in the center - above and below the lying product.
If you don't have suitable shorts, you'll have to try on jeans. If you have an assistant, great, have him mark the cut line while you're wearing the jeans.
Otherwise, first draw a line on the folded jeans, then try them on and evaluate the result in the mirror, redoing the work if necessary.
If you plan to roll or hem the edge of the shorts, be sure to leave allowances, that is, cut off the legs with a margin.
Stages of work
The complexity of the work depends on the choice of model and method of processing lows. If, instead of the usual hem, you want to make cuffs, fringe or facings, then it will take a little more time. But the procedure will remain as follows:
- trying on trousers, during which you need to determine the length;
- measuring and shortening the legs;
- hem processing and final finishing.
Before starting work, the pants must be washed and ironed. It is important to clearly define the finishing and decoration. This determines what tools and materials will be needed for the job.
Video on the topic
Fashionable shorts with ripped edges
Specially created scuffs and tatters are still popular in fashion circles, so you can make trendy shorts even if you don't have a sewing machine.
Have your pant legs been cut? Add a few narrow slant cuts along the edge line. To create a frayed edge, use sandpaper. If you have enough time and a desire to get your hands on a fashionable item, decorate the edge with fringe.
As long as the shorts are not too short or too low, you should have enough room for additional decoration. You can make a few holes, tears, or scuffs, but don't overdo it, otherwise the item will turn into a rag.
Stylish boyfriend shorts
If you associate a torn edge with untidiness, simply fold the edge of the pant leg in half to the right side, making a cuff. This is the best way to do this with boyfriend jeans, turning them into boyfriend shorts.
Do not forget to iron the resulting cuff, but be prepared that frequent washing will lead to deformation of the edge - it needs to be processed. The easiest way is to use an overlocker; if you don’t have such equipment, buy a so-called “spider web” at a sewing store.
This is a thin tape that can be used to glue the edge of the product inward or outward, preventing the material from disintegrating into fibers. For this procedure, a hot iron is sufficient.
Preparation before creating shorts
When choosing pants that sit nicely on your hips, pay attention to the material. It is better not to alter jeans made of stretch fabric, as elastic threads can cause the pant leg to warp. Thick, non-stretchy denim is ideal. Before cutting off the legs, denim trousers should be washed to allow them to shrink a little. If you do this after the shortening procedure, the shorts may not be long enough.
Decide on the length. Denim pants can be turned into the following wardrobe items:
- capris (cut off in the middle of the calf, looking like cropped trousers, exposing the ankle);
- Bermuda shorts (just below the knee or to the middle of the knee, can be made from either skinny skinny jeans or wide boyfriend jeans);
- classic shorts (length ranges from 8 to 12 cm above the kneecap, best made from loose trousers, great for decorating or creating scuffs);
- short shorts (hem from 3 to 8 cm, this option to modernize women's jeans is suitable for young, brave girls).
Neat shorts - hemmed by machine
If you are new to sewing, we recommend basting the edge by hand first, then machine stitching. For experienced seamstresses, it will be enough to secure the edge with pins.
If you have a high-quality machine designed for dense materials, you can make a double hem, then the product will last even longer.
You need to sew the item from the wrong side so that the seam is neat.
If you placed the edge on a web tape, you can make decorative stitching on the front side - the fixed edge will no longer be deformed under the machine’s foot.
Exclusive products - use your imagination
If you want to impress those around you, you can decorate your new shorts in the most sophisticated way.
Here are some of them:
- lace cuffs;
- decorative lacing along the side seams;
- rhinestones and sequins;
- thermal applications and stripes;
- drawings with acrylic paints through a stencil.
If your jeans already have embroidery on the back pockets or studs, you may not need additional decoration. And if desired, the look with new shorts can be complemented with suspenders or a stylish belt.
Read about what else you can do with jeans and how to breathe a new look into them in the article “How to stretch jeans at home.”
Do not rush to throw away old things - in most cases they can be given a new life, which sometimes turns out to be better than the previous one. In the photo you can see stylish models of homemade shorts that look like a branded product.
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Shorts with tape on the sides and a chain on the pocket: master class
Photo: brit.co
The result of such decor will depend primarily on what kind of braid you choose. With colored braid, as in this case, the shorts will turn out to be brighter, and with pastel-colored braid, they will be calmer.
You will need:
- denim shorts,
- braid,
- a piece of thick chain,
- rivets and narrow pliers for fastening them (an option is metal decor that is glued to the fabric, and glue for it),
- threads (thin and thick, like “iris”) and suitable needles,
- sewing machine,
- scissors.
1. Attach the tape to the side seam of the shorts and measure the desired length, adding a couple of centimeters to the allowance (photo 1).
2. Sew one of the edges of the braid to the shorts close to the beginning of the waistband of the shorts as shown in photos 2-3.
3. Sew the braid on both sides by hand using blind stitches along the side seam (photo 4). If the bottom of your shorts is finished, it is better to tuck and hem the bottom edge of the tape; if not, you can leave the edge of the tape raw.
Photo: brit.co
4. Sew the chain to the pocket with thick colored threads (photo 1−2).
5. Install metal decor on the pocket, as shown in photos 3-4 (in addition to rivets, you can sew metal rings on the pocket or glue rhinestones). Ready!
Photo: brit.co
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Shorts with colored fabric insert: master class
Photo: blog.freepeople.com
In this way, you can not only decorate, but also revive shorts - for example, hide a stain or the consequences of unsuccessful decor.
You will need:
- denim shorts,
- a piece of suitable fabric,
- scissors,
- pins, threads, needle for hand sewing.
Photo: blog.freepeople.com
1. Start by cutting a piece of fabric to the desired size. To prevent the fabric from moving, pin it to the shorts with pins.
Photo: blog.freepeople.com
2. You can sew the fabric to the shorts by tucking the edges - then the fabric will not fray. You don’t have to process the edges of the fabric to achieve the “fringe” effect - to do this, do not tuck the fabric, but sew it on, stepping back a little from the edge.
Photo: blog.freepeople.com
3. Focus on the side, crotch, and front middle seams of the shorts on the sides, and on top of the pocket stitching. If your shorts are unfinished at the bottom, you don't need to sew the bottom hem. Sew the fabric at the zipper especially carefully. Here it is better to tuck the edge so that it does not fall into the clasp. Ready!
Photo: blog.freepeople.com
How to decorate a denim jacket with fringe
“Battered” shorts: master class
Photo: brit.co
Jeans with “artistic” abrasions turning into holes are also called “bat”. This method of decorating jeans was invented by Renzo Rosso, the founder of Diesel. More precisely, he first got this “beatenness” by accident, but Rosso, quickly getting his bearings, declared it a new trend. Torn or beaten jeans (and shorts) are still in fashion today. They are easy to make.
You will need:
- denim shorts,
- scissors,
- narrow pliers (tweezers will also work),
- grater (for example, here we use a mini grater for spices, but a regular size will do).
1. Using scissors, make several cuts on the shorts (photo 1).
2. Using narrow pliers or tweezers, pull out the longitudinal threads of the fabric (photo 2, 3, 4).
Photo: brit.co
3. Time to work with the grater. Rub the cloth with it until you achieve the desired effect. Ready!
Photo: brit.co
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“Battered” shorts with colorful lining: master class
Photo: blog.freepeople.com
A good option to “patch up” too “broken” shorts at the same time, while adding originality to them. How to make scuffs and holes, see the master class above.
You will need:
- denim shorts with scuffs and holes,
- a suitable piece of fabric (preferably cotton, fabrics with small floral prints look especially good paired with denim),
- thread and needle for hand sewing,
- a pair of pins.
Photo: blog.freepeople.com
1. Lay out the shorts on a work surface and place a piece of colored fabric under the front part of the leg with holes on the inside so that the front side of it is visible through the abrasions. Pin in several places.
Photo: blog.freepeople.com
2. Start sewing the fabric to the shorts by hand. You don’t have to worry too much about the neatness of the stitches - this decor was originally intended to be slightly careless.
Photo: blog.freepeople.com
3. Sew the fabric to the shorts both at the edges of holes and abrasions, and nearby.
Photo: blog.freepeople.com
4. The edge of the colored patch can be left peeking out from under the leg of the shorts. Trim the remaining unsewn edges of the flap from the inside out. Ready.
Photo: blog.freepeople.com
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Shorts with colored inserts on the sides: master class
Photo: brit.co
This way you can not only decorate regular shorts, but also increase their size if required. For decoration, it is better to use thicker cotton, but if the shorts are made of thin denim, a not very thick fabric will do. By the way, you can widen your shorts using the same method using a piece of denim.
You will need:
- denim shorts,
- a piece of suitable fabric and wide lace,
- sewing machine,
- scissors,
- pins, threads, needle.
1. Cut the shorts along the side seams as shown in the photo. Cut out two side pieces of the required length and width from colored fabric (see photo).
Photo: brit.co
2. Finish the upper edges of the side parts made of colored fabric using an overlocker or zigzag. Sew the side pieces along the side seams of the shorts. If desired, you can sew lace along the bottom of the colored parts. To make the seams stronger, they can be topstitched.
Photo: brit.co
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Shorts with colored lapels: master class
This method can be used to decorate regular shorts or lengthen shorts that are too short.
You will need:
- shorts,
- two pieces of fabric for lapels (you can take a different fabric for each leg),
- sewing machine and threads,
- scissors.
What to make from old jeans: 19 great ideas
Leopard print shorts: master class
Photo: mrkate.com
“Predatory” print is one of the trends of the season. Why not paint your shorts in leopard print?
You will need:
- denim shorts,
- fabric paint (if you want to first change the color of the shorts, you need liquid water-soluble paint; for prints - 2 types of acrylic for fabric),
- brush.
1. If you want to change the color of the denim, as in this case, you need to do this before applying the print. In this example, a red liquid fabric dye is taken - it needs to be diluted in water, adding salt, and the shorts should be soaked in the solution, and then rinsed. Use liquid or dry dye and follow the instructions on the package. Dry the dyed shorts.
Photo: mrkate.com
2. Now you can start applying the print. Choose two paint colors to suit your taste. In this version - yellow and dark blue.
Photo: mrkate.com
3. Place several spots of yellow paint on the shorts, first large ones, then smaller ones. When the paint has dried a little, add a pattern with blue paint to the yellow spots as shown in the photo. Don’t try to make the spots geometrically correct and too neat - improvise. When the job is finished, dry the shorts thoroughly. Some paints need to be ironed to set.
Photo: mrkate.com
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4 more options for decorating shorts: master class
This 4 and a half minute video shows 4 simple and quick options for decorating shorts - painting with fabric paint, creating an ombre effect using bleach, decorating with lace and decorating the back pockets with bright fabric. (If you don't like attaching the pieces with fabric glue, as was done in the last two options, you can carefully sew the lace or fabric to the pockets.)
