Summer is here and so are the most perfect pair of gym shorts! Today on HappiestCamper, we show you How To Sew Gym Shorts with Printable Sewing Pattern! They are perfect for lounging around and running, even if it’s just errands. These shorts look great and are super comfortable for all-day wear. Plus, with the included free printable pattern, you can size these shorts for the perfect fit. It has been getting warm in my house already, and we aren’t even to the peak of summer. These shorts have been my go-to since the kids got out of school. They are cute enough for me to be in public, but comfy enough that I can swap sandals for my house shoes when I get home and be perfectly happy. This sewing tutorial is a great on-ramp for anyone wanting to get into making their own clothes. This project requires minimal fabric and only a few short steps to make. We added the trim to these for some added flair, but you could leave it off for a simple look.
With the most comfortable elastic waist and the retro curved hemlines, you will want to be sure to make a few for the months ahead. Gather up your supplies from the list below and let’s get started!
What You’ll Need:
- 1 Yard Of 60” wide fabric – cotton, cotton blends, linen blends
- 3 yards of 1/2” double folded bias tape
- 1″ Wide Elastic
- Matching Thread
- Free Pattern
- Iron
- Pins
- Scissors
- Optional Rotary Cutter & Mat
- Measuring tape
- Thread nippers
- Sewing machine
- Fabric marker
- Bodkin or Safety Pin
Size Chart:
| Imperial (inches) | Small | Medium | Large |
| Waist | 28 | 30 | 32 |
| Hip | 38 | 40 | 42 |
The shorts has a 4” inseam with an elastic casing. This pattern is drafted for a height of 5’ 4”- 5” 5”. Wanting to sew this in a smaller size or a bigger size? Then check out our post on Pattern Grading.
Printing Instructions
This pattern has layers, so that you can choose to print only the size you need. To achieve this Adobe Reader must be installed on your machine or device. Adobe Reader allows you to click on the layers icon which will show you each size with an eyeball beside it. Click on the eyeball beside the size you do not want to print.
Before printing check that your printer is set to No scaling or Actual size. Set the Page orientation to Auto or Portrait. And then print page 1. Measure the 2” test square to see if it measures exactly 2”. If it does, print the remaining pages.
Trimming Pages
Cut off the right and top margins of each printed page before assembling the pattern. You can use tape or school glue to adhere your paper pattern together.
Pattern Assembly
After the pages have been printed and trimmed as instructed above, use the quarter circles located at the corner of each page for perfect alignment. When done your pattern should look like this:
Pattern Pieces Checklist
Once you have printed and assembled your pattern you will cut:
- Back – Cut 2 mirrored
- Front – Cut 2 mirrored
- Waistband – Cut 2
ELASTIC CUTTING GUIDE
WAISTBAND ELASTIC – Measure your waist and cut your elastic 1” smaller than your waist measurement
Seam Allowance
Use a 3/8” seam allowance unless otherwise instructed.
How To Sew Gym Shorts – Free Printable Pattern
Start this how to sew gym shorts with printable sewing pattern tutorial by washing and drying your fabric. This helps preshrink your fabric and prepares it for washing later so that your stitches don’t pull out or fray the first time you wash it. Plus, it helps make the fabric super soft. Once you have done this, use your pattern to cut out your fabric pieces.
Now we can start putting the gym shorts together. With right sides together, pin the two shorts front pieces together.
Sew them together at the crotch seam using a 3/8” seam allowance. I used a serger to create a clean edge, but you can do this on a regular sewing machine if that is what you have.
Repeat the above steps for the back pieces of the shorts.
Next on this how to sew gym shorts with printable sewing pattern tutorial, we will work on the waistband. Pin the two waistbands right sides together on the short ends.
Sew them together at the short ends with a 3/8″ seam allowance.
Now we can start putting it all together! Pin the front and the back of the shorts right sides together at the crotch seam and sew using that same 3/8″ seam allowance. I used the serger here again, but like before, you can simple sew using a regular sewing machine.
With this short put together, the next step on this how to sew gym shorts with printable sewing pattern tutorial is to add the trim. Open the shorts and pin the bias tape to the raw edges of the side seams and the legs. Make sure to use double-fold bias tape.
Sew the bias tape to the shorts, lining up the foot with the edge of the fabric.
Overlap the front and the backside seam of the short by 2” and pin.
Sew along the bias tape to secure the two layers together.
Fold the waistband wrong sides together. Pin the waistband to the shorts aligning raw edges.
Sew the waistband to the shorts leaving a 2” opening to insert the elastic.
Attach a safety pin to the elastic and channel the elastic through the waistband.
Overlap the elastic ends by 1/2” and sew .
Sew the opening left in the waistband closed.
And that’s it! Now you know how to sew gym shorts with printable sewing pattern! These fun shorts are perfect for going to the gym, taking a walk around the block, or just lounging at home. These simple shorts are a great first project for anyone wanting to get into making their own clothing at home. The free pattern make it easy to sew these for the perfect fit.
If you liked learning how to sew gym shorts with printable sewing pattern, make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board or share it with friends on social media. If you decide to make this simple project on your own, make certain that you take a picture afterward and tag us on social media as we love seeing the fabrics and color choices that people use!
How to Sew Gym Shorts - Printable Sewing Pattern
These gym shorts are as cute as they are comfy! This simple sewing tutorial shows you how to make your own in no time. Great for working out or just hanging out!
Materials
Tools
Instructions
- Print and assemble pattern. Use it to cut out fabric pieces.
- With right sides together pin the two shorts front and sew at the crotch seam.
- Repeat for the shorts back pieces.
- Pin the two waistbands right sides together and sew at the short seam
- Pin the front and the back of the shorts right sides together at the crotch seam and sew.
- Open the shorts and pin the bias tape to the raw edges of the side seams and the legs.
- Sew the bias tape to the shorts
- Overlap the front and the back side seam of the short bys 2” and pin.
- Sew along the bias tape to secure the two layers together.
- Fold the waistband wrong sides together. Pin the waist band to the shorts aligning raw edges.
- Sew the waistband to the shorts leaving a 2” opening to insert the elastic.
- Attach a safety pin to the elastic and channel the elastic through the waistband.
- Overlap the elastic ends by 1/2” and sew . Sew the opening left in the waistband closed.
- Enjoy your new gym shorts!
Recommended Products
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