5 Simple Steps to Transform Your Pants Into Stylish Shorts

Pants being transformed into shorts

Tired of your long, baggy pants collecting dust in your closet? Don’t resort to throwing them away just yet! With a few simple steps and some basic sewing skills, you can transform those pants into stylish and comfortable shorts that are perfect for summer. Whether you have a pair of old jeans, khakis, or dress pants, this easy-to-follow guide will show you how to give them a new lease on life.

Before you begin, gather the necessary materials: a pair of pants, scissors, a sewing machine or needle and thread, a measuring tape or ruler, and a fabric marker or chalk. Once you have everything you need, you’re ready to start the transformation. First, mark the length you want your shorts to be on the inside of the legs. Make sure to measure carefully and leave some extra fabric for the hem. Next, cut off the excess fabric below the marked line, being careful not to cut too close to the seam.

Now it’s time to hem the raw edges of the shorts. Fold up the fabric about 1/2 inch and press it down with an iron. Then, fold it up again about 1/4 inch and pin it in place. If you’re using a sewing machine, stitch around the hem close to the edge. If you’re sewing by hand, use a small, even stitch to secure the hem in place. Finally, try on your new shorts and make any necessary adjustments to the length or fit. With a little effort, you’ll have a pair of custom-made shorts that fit you perfectly and make you feel confident and stylish all summer long.

Gather Your Materials

Transforming pants into shorts is a straightforward project that requires minimal supplies. To embark on this DIY endeavor, you will need the following materials:

Measuring and Measuring Tools

Tool	Purpose
Measuring tape	Measure the desired length of the shorts accurately
Fabric marker or tailor’s chalk	Mark the cutting line for the shorts

Cutting Tools

Tool	Purpose
Sharp scissors	Cut the fabric cleanly and precisely
Seam ripper (optional)	Remove existing inseams and hems if necessary

Sewing Tools and Supplies

Tool/Supply	Purpose
Sewing machine	Stitch the new hems and any necessary seams
Thread	Match the thread color to the fabric of your pants
Iron	Press the seams and hems for a professional finish

Optional Embellishments

Depending on your personal style, you may consider adding embellishments such as lace, ribbons, or studs to your shorts. Ensure that you have the necessary tools and supplies for any desired embellishments.

Prepare Your Pants

Before you begin cutting your pants into shorts, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:

1. Gather Your Materials

You will need the following items:

Pants
Scissors
Measuring tape or ruler
Tailor’s chalk or fabric marker
Iron and ironing board (optional)

2. Measure and Mark the Length

Decide on the desired length of your shorts. You can use the following table as a guide:

Shorts Length	Measurement from Crotch to Hem
Micro shorts	3-5 inches
Short shorts	5-7 inches
Mid-length shorts	10-12 inches
Long shorts	14-16 inches

Once you have decided on the length, measure the distance from the crotch seam to the desired hemline on both legs of the pants. Mark these points with tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker. Use a measuring tape or ruler to ensure the measurements are accurate and consistent on both legs.

3. Prepare the Pants

If the pants have creases, iron them out before cutting. This will make it easier to mark and cut the fabric accurately. Lay the pants flat on an ironing board or a table, aligning the seams and legs evenly.

Measure and Mark the Desired Length

To determine the desired length for your shorts, start by measuring your inseam. The inseam is the measurement from the crotch seam to the hem of the pants. To measure the inseam, lay the pants flat on a surface and measure from the crotch seam to the hem along the inside leg.

Once you have the inseam measurement, decide how long you want the shorts to be. A common length for shorts is 5 inches above the knee, but you can adjust this measurement to your own preference. Subtract the desired length from the inseam measurement to determine the length you need to remove from the legs.

Mark the desired length on both legs of the pants using a measuring tape or ruler and chalk or fabric marker. Ensure that the marks are even and parallel to the hem. You can use a level or ruler to draw a straight line connecting the marks.

Tips:

Try on the pants while still pinned to check the length before cutting. Adjust the marks if needed.
For a more professional finish, you can use a fabric pencil or tailor’s chalk to mark the desired length.
If the pants have side pockets, make sure to measure and mark the length accordingly, adjusting for the pocket placement.

Example:

Cut the Pants Legs

4. Determine the length of the shorts:

To determine the desired length of the shorts, fold the pants legs up to the preferred length. Crease the fabric along the desired length and mark it with a fabric pen or chalk. Ensure that the legs are folded evenly to avoid uneven cutting.

5. Unfold the pants and lay them flat:

Once the length is marked, unfold the pants legs and lay them flat on a table or work surface. Stretch the pants out to remove any wrinkles or creases that could affect the cut.

6. Cut along the marked line:

Using a sharp pair of scissors, carefully cut along the marked line. Hold the scissors perpendicular to the fabric and apply even pressure to create a straight, clean cut. Double-check the length before cutting to ensure that it is accurate.

7. Check the length and adjust if necessary:

Once the legs are cut, unfold the pants and try them on to check the length. If the shorts are too long or too short, trim or add fabric as needed to achieve the desired length. Remember to refold and crease the fabric before cutting or adding fabric to maintain evenness.

Hem the Shorts

With the waistband and inseam taken care of, it’s time to hem the shorts. You can either hand-sew or machine-sew the hem, depending on your preference and skill level. If you choose to hand-sew, use a needle and thread in a matching color, and follow these steps:

Fold up the bottom edge of the shorts to your desired length, and press it with an iron.
Fold the edge up again by about 1/2 inch, and press it again.
Stitch the hem in place using a blind stitch or a slip stitch.

If you choose to machine-sew the hem, use a sewing machine with a zigzag stitch, and follow these steps:

Step	Instructions
1	Fold up the bottom edge of the shorts to your desired length, and press it with an iron.
2	Fold the edge up again by about 1/2 inch, and press it again.
3	Set the sewing machine to a zigzag stitch, and stitch the hem in place.

Finishing Touches (optional)

Once you’ve hemmed your shorts, you can add some finishing touches to give them a more polished look. Here are a few ideas:

1. Create a faux cuff

To create a faux cuff, fold up the bottom hem of your shorts by about 1 inch. Then, fold the top edge of the cuff down by about 1/2 inch. Press the cuff with a warm iron to set it in place.

2. Add a lace trim

To add a lace trim, simply sew a piece of lace around the bottom hem of your shorts. You can use a variety of stitches, such as a straight stitch, a zigzag stitch, or a blind stitch.

3. Embroider a design

If you’re feeling creative, you can embroider a design on the front or back of your shorts. You can use a variety of stitches to create your design, such as a satin stitch, a backstitch, or a chain stitch.

4. Add studs or rhinestones

For a more edgy look, you can add studs or rhinestones to your shorts. You can use a variety of tools to attach the studs or rhinestones, such as a glue gun, a fabric glue, or a sewing machine.

6. Create a Pocket

To create a pocket, cut out a piece of fabric that is twice the size of the desired finished pocket. Fold the fabric in half, right sides together, and sew the sides and bottom. Turn the pocket right side out and press it. Topstitch around the edge of the pocket to secure it to the shorts.

Pockets	Materials
Front pockets	Two pieces of fabric for the pocket lining, two pieces of fabric for the pocket exterior
Back pockets	Two pieces of fabric for the pocket lining, two pieces of fabric for the pocket exterior, two pieces of fabric for the pocket welt

Tips for Perfecting the Fit

1. Choose the Right Size:

If the pants are too baggy or too tight, the shorts won’t fit comfortably. Measure the length and circumference of your thighs to find the ideal pants size.

2. Hem the Bottoms Evenly:

Mark the desired length on the pants and cut along the marked line. Fold the bottom edge over by about 1 inch and stitch it in place evenly.

3. Taper the Seams:

This step helps narrow the shorts at the hem, creating a more flattering fit. Fold the side seams inward by about 1 inch and stitch them together, starting from the bottom up.

4. Adjust the Waist:

If the waist is too loose, tighten it by taking in the back darts or waistband. If it’s too tight, let it out by carefully widening the darts.

5. Use Darts for a Custom Fit:

Darts are small triangular folds that can be added to the shorts to fine-tune the shape. Mark the desired dart placement and fold the fabric accordingly, securing it with a few stitches.

6. Consider the Inseam:

The inseam is the length from the crotch to the bottom of the leg. If the pants have a long inseam, you may need to shorten it to create a comfortable fit for shorts.

7. Finishing Touches:

Once the main alterations are complete, pay attention to details such as cleaning up any loose threads, reinforcing the seams, and ironing the shorts for a polished look.

Alteration	Adjustment	Effect
Hemming	Cutting and folding the bottom edge	Sets the desired length
Tapering	Folding and stitching the side seams	Narrows the shorts at the hem
Waist Adjustment	Adjusting the back darts or waistband	Tightens or loosens the waist
Darts	Adding triangular folds to the fabric	Provides a custom fit

Variations on the Basic Method

In addition to the basic method outlined above, there are several variations that can be used to customize your shorts. Experiment with these techniques to find the look that best suits your style.

8. Create a Curved Hem

For a more feminine and stylish look, create a curved hem on your shorts. To do this, simply measure and mark the desired length of the shorts along the outer leg seam. Then, use a ruler or curved template to draw a smooth, curved line from the bottom of the zipper to the marked length on the outer leg seam. Cut along the curved line and finish the hem as desired.

Variation	Description
Cuffed hem	Fold up the bottom of the shorts and sew in place to create a cuff.
Raw hem	Leave the bottom of the shorts unfinished for a more casual look.
Lace-up hem	Add a lace-up detail to the bottom of the shorts for a unique look.

Upcycling Old Pants into Shorts

Transforming old pants into stylish shorts is an easy and eco-friendly way to revitalize your wardrobe. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create custom shorts in no time:

1. Gather Materials

You’ll need:

Old pants
Ruler or measuring tape
Fabric scissors
Chalk or fabric marker
Sewing machine or needle and thread (optional)

2. Decide on the Length

Measure from the crotch to the desired hemline. Consider the length of your legs and the intended use of the shorts.

3. Mark the Hemline

Use chalk or a fabric marker to draw a horizontal line around the pants where you want the shorts to end.

4. Cut the Legs

Carefully cut off the legs along the marked hemline using fabric scissors.

5. Fold the Hem

Fold the raw edge of the hem twice toward the inside of the pants, creating a double-folded hem about 1/4 inch wide.

6. Press the Hem

Use an iron or a hot hair dryer to press the hem flat, creating a crisp edge.

7. Secure the Hem

You can use a sewing machine to stitch the hem in place or hand-stitch it using a needle and thread.

8. Clean the Edges

Trim any loose threads or frayed edges to give the shorts a neat finish.

9. Additional Details (Optional)

To customize your shorts further, consider the following optional steps:

Detail	How-To
Cuffed hem	Fold the hem up an additional 1-2 inches and secure with stitches.
Drawstring waist	Cut a strip of fabric and insert it through the waistband, securing the ends with ties.
Pockets	Cut out pockets from another piece of fabric and sew them onto the sides of the shorts.

Embroider or Appliqué

Add a personal touch to your new shorts by embroidering or appliquéing a design. This could be a simple monogram, a colorful animal, or even a scene from your favorite movie. If you’re not sure how to embroider, there are many online tutorials and resources available.

Add Lace or Trim

Give your shorts a feminine flair by adding lace or trim to the hems, seams, or pockets. This is a great way to add a touch of elegance to a casual pair of shorts.

Distress or Bleach

For a vintage or edgy look, you can distress or bleach your shorts. To distress them, use sandpaper or a pumice stone to create subtle tears or scuffs. To bleach them, use a mixture of bleach and water to create a faded or tie-dye effect.

Paint or Tie-Dye

If you’re feeling creative, you can paint or tie-dye your shorts to create a truly unique pair. There are endless possibilities when it comes to patterns and colors, so have fun and experiment.

Add Buttons or Studs

For a touch of punk rock style, add buttons or studs to the waistband, pockets, or hems of your shorts. You can use metal, plastic, or even fabric buttons to create your own unique look.

Create a Drawstring Waist

If you want a more comfortable and adjustable fit, you can create a drawstring waist. This is especially helpful for shorts made from stretchy materials like spandex or yoga pants.

Add Fringe or Tassels

For a boho-chic look, add fringe or tassels to the hems or sides of your shorts. This is a great way to add texture and movement to your outfit.

Embellish with Beads or Sequins

Add a touch of sparkle to your shorts by embellishing them with beads or sequins. You can sew them on in a simple pattern or create a more elaborate design.

Create a Patchwork Design

For a unique and eclectic look, create a patchwork design using different fabrics. You can use scraps of old clothes, fabric from a thrift store, or even remnants from other projects.

Customize the Pockets

The pockets on your shorts are a great place to add a personal touch. You can embroider them with your initials, add lace or trim, or even create a flap or closure.

How To Turn Pants Into Shorts

When the weather gets warm, there’s no need to put away your favorite pants. With a few simple steps, you can turn them into a pair of stylish shorts that will keep you cool and comfortable all summer long. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Gather your materials

You will need:

A pair of pants

A pair of scissors

A measuring tape or ruler

A piece of chalk or fabric marker

A sewing machine (optional)

Step 2: Determine the desired length of your shorts

Decide how long you want your shorts to be. Measure the length of your inseam from the crotch to the hem of the pants. Subtract the desired length of your shorts from this measurement to determine how much fabric you need to remove.

Step 3: Mark the fabric

Use the chalk or fabric marker to mark the new hemline on the pants. Be sure to mark both the front and back of the pants.

Step 4: Cut the fabric

Cut along the marked hemline, using the scissors. Be careful not to cut too much fabric.

Step 5: Finish the hem (optional)

If you want to give your shorts a more finished look, you can hem the edges. Fold the raw edge of the fabric under by about 1/4 inch and press it with an iron. Fold the edge under again by 1/4 inch and press it again. Stitch the hem in place using a sewing machine or by hand.