How To Make Easy Knit Shorties

Today’s contributor is Terra from Mama Says Sew. All posts written by Terra for Make It and Love It can be found HERE. 

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Super Easy Knit Shorties

Hi everyone, it’s Terra from Mama Says Sew!

I think little knit shorties are so cute on babies and toddlers, and I wanted to make some for my little one, but I couldn’t find a pattern. So I decided to adapt one I already had, and it was really simple! These shorts can be made in under an hour from cutting out fabric to wearing them!

They’re made with knit, so they’re soft and comfy for your little one to wear. They’re also great for using up scraps. They take very little fabric to make.

They work well for boys or girls and are a great summer wardrobe staple. Or you could pair them with tights or long socks in cooler weather.

A serger would make quick work of these little knit shorties, but I just have a basic sewing machine, which worked great for making them.

Want to make your own knit shorties?

Here’s what you need:

• Knit fabric
• Ribbing for the leg cuffs
• Other sewing supplies (needle, thread, sewing machine, etc.)
• An undies pattern or bloomers pattern with curved leg openings
• Basic sewing supplies (here’s a list of common sewing supplies, in case you need a few ideas)

***As always, if you need a bit of help with the basic sewing skills used in this tutorial, don’t hesitate to check out the Sewing 101 post for more help.

You’ll need to adjust the undies pattern. My little one wears size 18 months, and I used a size 6 underwear pattern, with an increased rise (to cover the diaper). My first try worked, but I made some adjustments with the rest of the knit shorties I made. I’ve made the underwear before and knew about how big they’d be when made. I recommend you start with some inexpensive knit (you can usually find some at Walmart for $1.50/yard) and make some test pairs.

You need a front and a back piece, and the leg bands. My front piece is on top of the back piece, and the front is not as wide as the back. The leg bands need to be a little shorter than the curve of the front and back leg opening. I just guessed, then trimmed off the extra.

With right sides together, sew the front and back at the side seams.

Fold the ribbing in half, then match the raw edges of the ribbing to the right side of the leg curve of your knit shorties.

Sew the ribbing to the leg opening, stretching the ribbing slightly as you sew.

Repeat for the other side, and press the shorties so the ribbing lies flat.

With right sides together, line up the crotch seam and sew it closed.

Cut a piece of elastic to your child’s waist size (or hip size-wherever the knit shorties are going to sit when worn), and zig zag the ends together so it forms a loop.

Line up the elastic with the top inside edge of the shorties, and zig zag stitch the elastic to the shorties, stretching the elastic to fit the waist.

Fold the waistband down, enclosing the elastic, and zig zag stitch again. Make sure to stretch the elastic again as you sew.

See? Weren’t those knit shorties super easy to make?

Enjoy!
-Terra

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