How to make fashionable shorts out of jeans - lifehacks and instructions

What jeans to make shorts from

You need to start with a choice - from what jeans you can make shorts. It can be favorite, but already irrelevant models, or specially bought pants. In order not to make a mistake with the style of the product taken as a basis, you need to have an idea in advance about what you can do from different old jeans.

Straight Fit or Relaxed Fit jeans will make on-trend shorts. Boyfriends, baggies, bootcut and classic straight pants are all suitable for creating the desired shorts model.

You can also look at men's jeans of the right size. The current trend is the high rise.

From skinny jeans only tight-fitting shorts can be made, but tight-fitting to the hips model will look good only on slender and long legs.

It is better to choose dense denim for trimming - it will hold its shape well and will be suitable for creating almost any model of shorts. Stretch jeans are not suitable for transformation into fashionable shorts - such fabric will be difficult to cut neatly, and the bottom edge will be rather ugly.

To what length to cut

Ultra-short shorts and bermudas are still the most fashionable in the near future. You can also opt for something in between and cut your jeans to mid-thigh.

Short shorts will be the perfect beachwear, especially if they are complemented by a raw edge. In this case, the jeans should not be cut horizontally, but diagonally in the V shape to emphasize the legs.

To create fashionable bermudas, cut loose jeans to the knee or just above it. Take into account that the fabric should be cut with a small margin for edging.

Tips and tricks

Here are some tips to cut your jeans perfectly and make comfortable and fashionable denim shorts:

• Be sure to wash jeans before you work - denim can shrink. If you skip this step, the shorts will shrink after the next wash and won't look as good on your figure as you'd like;
• Think about all the details and the style of your future shorts in advance. Study photos on the Internet, go shopping and try on several different models of shorts. Take note of their size and how they fit so you can decide on the length, tightness and fit;
• Turn the inside pockets of your jeans inside out before you start - that way you won't hit them with scissors;
• Make the back of the shorts leg 0.4-0.8 inches longer than the front - so the shorts will fit better;
• When marking, take into account the edge allowance. If you are planning a smooth machine stitch or a small fringe, leave an additional 0.8-1.2 inches of length. For lapels, leave an allowance of 2.5 - 3 inches.

Instruction

Fashionably cropping your jeans is much easier than it seems. Follow the step-by-step instructions to get the desired result:

1. Turning your favorite jeans into fashionable shorts should start with the marking of the desired length. Use a crayon, pencil or a dry bar of soap to mark where the jeans will be cut, taking into account the allowance for the bottom edge;
2. Fold the pants in half to make the shorts symmetrical, and secure the fabric with pins;
3. With sharp scissors, make a cut along the marked lines;
4. Trim the bottom edge the way you prefer.

3 ways of processing the bottom edge of denim are relevant:

• Machine stitching with imitation of factory stitching;
• Tucks;
• Fringe.

Let's look at each of the methods.

Machine stitching with simulated factory stitching

This seam treatment option will work for almost any occasion, including semi-formal looks.

Order of Action:

1. Tuck the edges of the pant legs inward by 0.8-1.2 inches and mark with contrasting threads;
2. Repeat the tucking and taping;
3. Stitch the hems on the sewing machine, a couple of millimeters away from the fold;
4. Remove the basting threads.

The hemmed bottom can now be steam ironed to give a neat shape.

Tucks

The other two options - tucks and fringe, are convenient and popular, because with them you can cut jeans and do not hem them. Spectacular shorts with tucks will be made of dark blue denim - the wrong side of such products is much lighter, thanks to which a beautiful contrast is created.

Wrap the bottom edge with the wrong side out several times - it all depends on the density of the fabric. Usually, 2-3 tucks are enough. Then iron the bottom edge with a steam iron - fashionable shorts with lapels are ready.

To be sure, you can thread the lapels on the sides of the pants with neat stitches. Or use a thermal tape with an adhesive backing to hem. Just place it between the main pant leg and the lapel, and then fix the construction with an iron.

Fringe

The raw bottom edge is perfect for short ripped denim shorts. Shorts with fringe will fit perfectly into the sporty and casual style, as well as the original boho. For this method, you will need manicure scissors and tweezers.

Make vertical cuts along the bottom edge of the shorts to the desired height. Use tweezers to pick up the horizontal threads and pull them out to create a beautiful fringe. You can add holes and scuffs in the same way.

How to decorate fashionably

If you want to add more individuality to your homemade shorts, decorate them with embroidery, patch pockets or painting with acrylic paints on fabric. Don't overdo it with the decor - minimalism is in fashion, so let the details of the decor be laconic.

You can make trendy denim shorts in grunge style, adding scuffs or changing the color by whitening the fabric in places. To create holes, make small cuts in the desired places and carefully pull out a few threads.

You can create a lightly laundered look by using bleach. Dilute the composition according to the instructions and immerse the shorts in the solution for some time. The duration of exposure depends on the concentration of the solution. After getting the desired shade, rinse the clothes thoroughly.

How to make shorts out of pants

Not only jeans can be used to create fashionable shorts . Pants made of linen, poplin, dense cotton are suitable. The main requirement is a loose fit in the thigh area, so that the bottom of the pant leg does not overstretch the legs.

From pants you can make shorts-bermudas or models up to mid-thigh length. The procedure is similar to shortening jeans:

1. Mark out the required length, leaving a 1-2 inches margin for trimming the edge;
2. Fold the pants in half, secure the fabric with pins and trim along the marking line;
3. Sew the bottom edge with an overlock.

In the case of pants, it is impossible to leave the bottom edge untreated - only denim shorts can have a fringe. The preferred option is a neat machine stitch or, more rarely, tucks.

How to turn a skirt into shorts

Needlewomen have figured out how to transform an old skirt into shorts. If you want to try it too, choose tapered skirt models:

• Sun;
• Half sun;
• Flare.

Such styles have a sufficient supply of fabric for re-cutting. It is more difficult with denim skirts, but they can also be turned into fashionable shorts. To do this, it will be necessary to buy fabric of the same color to increase it in the right places.

If you can't find the right shade of fabric, don't worry. Buy any similar denim and create ultra-trendy patchwork shorts.

To transform a skirt into shorts, you will need a pattern. You can find a ready-made version on the Internet or create your own, having previously measured the circumference of the waist and hips. The first method is easier, and the second will allow you to create an outfit that suits you best.

To transform the skirt into shorts follow the instructions:

1. Unzip the skirt and iron it;
2. Attach the pattern to it with pins;
3. Outline the pattern with chalk, pencil or a bar of soap, leaving 1-1.5 inches for seams;
4. Sweep the shorts, try them on, and make adjustments if necessary;
5. Machine stitch the seams

If you've ever tried altering old jeans into shorts, share your experience in the comments!

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