It's always a delight to have Erica back on the blog, especially since she consistently brings her creative touch to our patterns. Recently, she shared her Camp Shirts and Rush Hour Blouses, and today she’s here again to guide us through transforming our new Montauk Trousers pattern into shorts.
[Image: Turn the Montauk Trousers (or any tapered trousers) into shorts with this photo tutorial.]
The Montauk Trousers have quickly become one of my go-to patterns. They're incredibly comfortable, offering just the right amount of hip ease for long periods of sitting and walking without looking overly baggy. The elastic waistband ensures a quick and easy sewing process, making them a practical choice for everyday wear.
I initially tried View B with back welt pockets using midweight stretch denim when creating a tester version, pairing it with a Breezy Blouse. Those welt pockets were such a hit that I know I’ll keep referring to these instructions if I ever attempt them again on another pattern. These trousers, along with leggings, have become my stay-at-home wardrobe essentials. I lovingly call them my "lounge jeans," a perfect blend of comfort and style.
Following this first version, I was eager to dive into making a pair of shorts from the same pattern. Shorts are perfect for using up fabric scraps when stores are closed. Every summer, I make Art Museum shorts for my eldest son from this baby corduroy, and I had just enough leftover fabric—two half-meter remnants—to create a pair in my size with View A back pockets. Since I fall between sizes, after making the larger size for trousers, I decided on the smaller size for spring/summer shorts.
Here's a quick step-by-step tutorial for converting the trousers into shorts. It’s more than just cutting off some leg length—it requires a few additional adjustments.
First, because the legs taper toward the ankles, I wanted to ensure the hem would be smooth once the hem allowance was turned up. After taping together my PDF print-out, but before cutting out the pattern pieces, I trimmed the legs along the "lengthen/shorten" lines on both the front and back pieces. I aimed for a 7-inch inseam, but feel free to choose any length you prefer. Adding ½ inch to that measurement accounts for the seam allowance at the crotch, and then marking the desired hemline on the pattern with a tape measure ensures precision. This pink line represents the finished hemline.
Next, decide how deep you'd like your hem to be and mark it further down the leg. My hem allowance is 1½ inches. Using my clear, 24-inch quilting ruler, I drew two parallel lines (1½ inches apart) at these markings, ensuring they were parallel to the existing lengthen/shorten lines on both pieces. The pink line marks the final hemline, while the yellow line serves as the new cutting line.
Fold the pattern along the pink line, then cut along the size markings for your chosen size. This creates those unique angular notches along the side seams. Unfold the pattern after cutting, and you'll see the front and back pieces resembling this shape.
You can trim off the excess leg length below the yellow line if desired. Personally, I folded the extra leg length back up along the yellow line to store it for potential future use in full-length trousers. Now you're ready to cut your fabric!
No alterations were necessary for the other pattern pieces, like the pockets and waistband. To finish the hem, I folded and pressed the bottom edge up by ½ inch, then up again by 1 inch. Topstitching the hem from the right side at 7/8 inch from the edge gave it a clean finish, though a hand-stitched hem would also work beautifully.
One of the best features of Liesl + Co. PDF patterns is their layering system, allowing you to print only the sizes you need. It’s so much quicker to cut out my size without the clutter of other size lines.
These shorts, much like the Sunny Day Shorts for kids, offer endless possibilities for customization. Perhaps next time, I’ll add a small side slit to each side seam. Or maybe a solid-colored pair with a scalloped hem, or even some short shorts with mini pom-pom trim. The possibilities are endless, making this an ideal pattern to showcase special trims, like the cotton twill tape I used from my stash.
Paired with a Chai Tee for beach adventures or styled with a flowy blouse and heels for summer cocktails in Montauk, these shorts will undoubtedly become a warm-weather favorite.
Have you ordered your Montauk Trousers pattern yet? It’s available digitally on our website. Don’t forget to participate in our spring pattern challenge if you’re sewing the trousers, Belgravia Knit Dress, or Kensington Knit Skirt this season!
[Image: Final look of the converted shorts]
Women'S Injection Shoes,Women'S Casual Soft Shoes,Lady Injection Shoes,Lady Casual Shoes
Huaian sunrise shoes Co.,Ltd , https://www.xinruishoes.com