Children’s shorts patterns

Children’s shorts patterns: making a garment that stands the test of time

Sewing a pair of shorts for a child takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the pattern and your skill level. They are one of the quickest items to make in children’s sewing, requiring very little fabric: 40 cm of 140 cm-wide fabric is enough for a 4–5-year-old (waist 104–110 cm), and 65 to 70 cm for a 10–11-year-old (waist 140–146 cm). This category includes patterns for children’s shorts for ages 2 to 12, with difficulty levels clearly indicated on each pattern sheet.

Choosing the right fabric for a children’s shorts pattern: weight and cutting behaviour

Cotton poplin (110–130 g/m²) remains the most suitable fabric for summer shorts: it breathes well, withstands repeated washing at 40°C without losing its shape, and cuts easily with standard sewing scissors. If you’re looking for durability for an active child, lightweight denim (200–220 g/m²) holds up much better to knee wear and rubbing against hard surfaces, but requires a jeans needle (size 90 or 100) to prevent skipped stitches.

For mid-season, French terry fleece (220–260 g/m²) makes for comfortable children’s shorts that are very versatile. However, avoid using it from June onwards in hot regions: the heat quickly becomes uncomfortable for the child. Linen, despite its visual appeal, creases too easily for everyday wear for 3–8-year-olds, except for occasional outfits.

Construction: the technical details that make all the difference in a pair of hand-sewn children’s shorts

The crotch seam bears the brunt of the mechanical stress on shorts worn by a child who is playing, climbing or running. A simple overlock stitch rarely lasts more than one season of intensive wear. The most durable method involves machine-stitching the seam (1 cm seam allowance), ironing the open edges inside out, then overlocking each edge separately. This flat finish withstands repeated friction much better than a French seam or a double overlock.

For an elasticated waist, the most common style in sewing patterns for children’s shorts, a 2 cm wide flat elastic is the most common standard. It slides into a 2.5 cm tunnel and provides a comfortable fit without constricting the waist. 1.5 cm braided elastic is suitable for smaller sizes (2–4 years), but from size 116–122 cm onwards, it tends to curl up on itself after several machine washes.

Reading a PDF pattern for children’s shorts: size chart and print settings

Most PDF patterns for children’s shorts offer sizes 2 to 12 years in a single file, with cutting lines overlaid by colour. Before printing, it is essential to check the calibration square (usually 10 x 10 cm at the bottom of the first page): an error of 2 mm on this square results in a difference of 1.5 to 2 cm in the finished hip circumference. Always choose the size corresponding to the child’s measured hip circumference, not their age: two children of the same age can differ in build by up to 6 cm.

Seam allowances vary depending on the designer. French brands such as Klafoutis, Le Papa de Jojo or Lilikou generally use a 1 cm seam allowance. Some patterns of American or Anglo-Saxon origin use 6 mm (1/4 inch). Check this information on the technical specifications sheet before cutting.

Pairing a children’s shorts pattern with other matching pieces

Printed cotton poplin shorts pair effortlessly with a plain cotton jersey T-shirt (160–180 g/m²) in a colour taken from the print. If you’d like to sew a matching T-shirt, the PDF sewing patterns for children’s T-shirts cover the same sizes and difficulty levels. For cooler days in early June or late August, shorts paired with a lightweight sweatshirt work well. You’ll find compatible designs in our selection of children’s jumper patterns.

If you’re looking to move on to more technical pieces, the children’s trousers patterns follow exactly the same construction method as shorts, with just one difference: the leg length and how the hem is finished (simple hem, elasticated or turned-up). It’s a natural progression once you’ve mastered making shorts.

• Children’s pyjama patterns: pyjama shorts with an elasticated waistband are often the first project undertaken in children’s sewing, ideal for getting started with a soft jersey fabric
• Children’s dress patterns: to add variety to your summer wardrobe using the same lightweight fabrics

What level of sewing skill is required to make a children’s shorts pattern?

Styles with an elasticated waistband and no pockets are suitable for beginners: just two techniques are needed – sewing in a straight line on the machine and finishing the seams with an overlock or zigzag stitch. Designs with slant pockets or patch pockets require an intermediate level, particularly for neatly turning corners. Make a first attempt using a basic fabric before using your favourite printed fabric.

How do you adjust a children’s shorts pattern between two sizes?

Choose the larger size for the hip measurement and adjust the waistband. A piece of elastic cut 5 to 6 cm below the measured waist circumference will adjust the fit without altering the pattern. To lengthen or shorten the leg, draw a horizontal line down the centre of the leg piece and add or remove between 1 and 2 cm. This alteration takes less than 5 minutes and does not affect the crotch seams.

How should you wash and care for homemade children’s shorts?

Shorts made from cotton poplin or French terry can easily be machine-washed at 40°C on a normal cycle. For lightweight denim, washing inside out at 30°C helps preserve the colour. Ironing at 150°C (cotton) or 110°C (jersey) restores the shape after washing. Waistband elastic generally lasts for 50 to 80 washes before losing its stretch: allow an extra 20 cm when purchasing, in case you need to replace it.