The most popular summer clothing is shorts and Bermuda shorts. You don't have to buy new shorts to update your summer wardrobe a little. After all, there is always the opportunity to make shorts from old jeans that are tired or don’t fit at the waist; we also have this option for alteration.
How to make shorts from jeans with your own hands - we will tell you in this material. In order to make denim shorts at home, you can do without a sewing machine, just scissors, a stiff brush, and a needle and thread to match the color of the jeans. If you want to make women's trendy cut-off shorts from old jeans, choose one of the types of decor suggested below. It is possible to make homemade cool and cool shorts with your own hands.
Denim shorts with laces and pocket decor.
Choosing jeans for making shorts
As a rule, to sew denim shorts, they do not choose much and use old and torn pants. However, taking this more seriously, you should always make sure that the end result is a beautiful and fashionable product. There are several basic tips for choosing:
Fashionable cutoff shorts
- If old jeans fit loosely at the waist, the shorts will be baggy;
- If the jeans were and remain tight, then the shorts can also turn out to be tight. It will not look very nice, since the legs will be compressed in the lower places. You can get rid of this, but the hemming process will take longer;
- You should not sew or hem jeans made of stretch materials into shorts, as when trimming the threads or fabrics will “fall out”, which will create discomfort;
- Pure denim pants are ideal. This is because they are straight cut, do not hug the legs too much and do not hang out. This is exactly what you need to sew shorts that will fit true to size.
Important! For sewing, you can use cotton denim fabrics of any color. They are almost perfect for this, and the process of making them often begins and ends with cutting the trousers to the desired length. Products can be for both children and adults.
Old jeans
Stylish boyfriend shorts
If you associate a torn edge with untidiness, simply fold the edge of the pant leg in half to the right side, making a cuff. This is the best way to do this with boyfriend jeans, turning them into boyfriend shorts.
Do not forget to iron the resulting cuff, but be prepared that frequent washing will lead to deformation of the edge - it needs to be processed. The easiest way is to use an overlocker; if you don’t have such equipment, buy a so-called “spider web” at a sewing store.
This is a thin tape that can be used to glue the edge of the product inward or outward, preventing the material from disintegrating into fibers. For this procedure, a hot iron is sufficient.
Options for shorts from old jeans
There are plenty of options to extend the life of denim pants by embellishing them or turning them into shorts. This section contains some of the best examples of remodeling:
- Short products;
- Bermuda;
- Classic;
- Capri.
Bermuda
Short shorts
Making cropped shorts from jeans is spot on, as they are one of the most fashionable items in women's summer wardrobes in many countries. Modern fashion emphasizes wear and tear, so old trousers are ideal for making. You can make a great thing for yourself, your daughter or a doll.
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Product before processing
Before trimming, you need to put on jeans and mark the places where it will be done. This could be the middle of the thigh or the upper part. Such products often have fringe at the ends. That is why the cutting line is moved a couple of centimeters lower.
The cut should be made so that the garment has a “V” shape. After cutting, you need to form a fringe. This is done manually or after cutting in a machine.
Product after processing
Bermuda
This look is perfect with loose pants. The process here is the same: put it on, measure the cutting line. If the Bermuda shorts have curved edges, then there is no need to “gut” them, but the cutting line should be moved even further so that there is room for a bend. The final length of the pants should reach the knees.
Painting option
Classic shorts
The simplest option. Its length should not exceed the length of Bermuda shorts. Classic shorts should have hems just above the knee. Before cutting off the legs, you should carefully consider the future appearance of the clothing. Cutting should be done on a flat surface along a line marked with a pencil or chalk. It is worth noting that oblique cuts in the shape of a “V” are not suitable for the classics.
Pulling out threads
Capri
This type is the longest because its edges reach the beginning of the calf muscles. They are somewhat reminiscent of skinny breeches. There is no fringe or cutouts in them. The edges of the trouser legs are decorated in the form of cuffs or cuffs.
Capri
Final stage
At the final stage, you can give men's denim shorts a good scuff using a grater or a piece of sandpaper. It is recommended to rub the seams around the pockets and along the edges well. In addition, you can cut holes in them. To do this, use scissors to make slits on the front side of the jeans. You can also lighten jeans using white. It is mixed with water in a ratio of one to two. At the same time, you can concentrate the whiteness in those areas that you want to make lighter. Thus, ordinary jeans can be turned into original and stylish men's shorts.
Step-by-step instructions for remodeling
These instructions are suitable for converting any pants into shorts. It involves assistance in determining the length of the future product, even cutting techniques and edge processing.
Repurposed homemade shorts
Determining length and markings
The question of how to hem denim shorts correctly is not yet closed. The process consists of fitting, trimming and decorating. Before cutting, you need to wash your pants. This is not required, but is recommended. Although the product will “shrink”, which will make it difficult to hem and determine the desired length, it will prepare the fabric well for a new life. You need to wash it in the normal mode or in the mode in which the clothes have been washed frequently.
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Important! In order for jeans to fit well again after washing and not pinch, you need to put them on and walk around the apartment for at least an hour. Only after this does the length determination begin.
Option with cut out pockets
The following lengths are popular among fashionistas:
- Shortened;
- Bermuda;
- Capri;
- Average.
The younger and slimmer the girl, the more she can trim. For women over 30, Bermudas and capris are more suitable. You can also make shorts like this for a boy, but not short. The male version (even for a child) assumes a strict style.
Shorts with fringes
It is also worth noting that it has become fashionable to wear shorts with huge pockets underneath them. It’s up to the person to decide whether to sew them in, hide them, or leave them as they are. Once the length is determined, you need to mark the cut line using a marker, pencil, chalk or pins.
Smooth cutting
The next step is pruning. To do this smoothly and beautifully, you need to follow certain rules. It is best to use sharp and sharpened tailor's scissors. Ordinary ones will not work; they will jam during cutting.
Cutting trouser legs should be done on hard and level surfaces.
As already mentioned, it is best to mark straight lines on yourself. To do this, trousers are put on and the places where the incision will be made are marked. After this, the pants are removed and cut in the right places. To ensure that the length of the trouser legs is equal, for each of them the distance from the waistband to the cut is determined.
Marking and cutting process
Edge
There are also some tips after trimming:
- If there is fringe at the edges, then the length should be longer;
- Seam allowances are required for classic style shorts;
- In cases of hemming the edges, it is worth leaving up to 7 centimeters for hems, lapels and processing.
All this is edge work and involves additional processing of the edges of the trouser legs, regardless of their type. Jeans with fringes, roll-ups or cuffs both require hem finishing. Forming various edges and embellishments is discussed in the next section.
Lace edge
Fashionable shorts with ripped edges
Specially created scuffs and tatters are still popular in fashion circles, so you can make trendy shorts even if you don't have a sewing machine.
Have your pant legs been cut? Add a few narrow slant cuts along the edge line. To create a frayed edge, use sandpaper. If you have enough time and a desire to get your hands on a fashionable item, decorate the edge with fringe.
As long as the shorts are not too short or too low, you should have enough room for additional decoration. You can make a few holes, tears, or scuffs, but don't overdo it, otherwise the item will turn into a rag.
Decoration methods
The most popular decoration method is fringe. To create it you will need tools that are found in every home. One way is to throw the item in the washing machine, but this may not give 100% results. In addition, people paint things, decorate them with embroidery, lace and rhinestones, and tuck them.
Decor options
Torn edges
To decorate with torn edges and fringe, you need to take sharp scissors, blades or a knife, and then follow the instructions:
- Bend one pant leg in half and cut horizontally several times;
- Pull out the transverse fibers from the material;
- When a hole is formed, pull out more threads along the edges.
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Additionally, the threads can be profiled using tweezers. Fringe works well with cotton and denim jeans. This is more difficult than simply tucking up a pant leg, but it’s also more beautiful.
Fringe
Painting
The original method is called “ombre”. It consists of gradient coloring. The process begins after trimming and involves painting with dry paint of one or more shades.
Gradient painting
A small amount of coloring material should be diluted in warm water and part of the product should be placed there for a couple of minutes. After this, the shorts are taken out and another part of the dye is diluted in the water. The color becomes more saturated. The trouser legs are lowered to a shorter length. The result is a gradient pattern of different shades.
Another option involves painting the entire product at once. To do this, the dye is diluted in water and a couple of tablespoons of salt are added to it, pouring it all into the washing machine. Shorts are washed in it, which are then rinsed in water and vinegar. This will fix the paint more securely to the fabric.
American flag painting
Use of lace and rhinestones
Quite an interesting way of decorating. The combination of denim and lace looks stylish, and the decoration process does not take much time. In general, the process contains the following points:
- The strip-shaped lace material is cut to the length of a pocket;
- Sew on top of pockets;
- Rhinestones are attached to the edges of the pockets using glue or rivets.
Important! If desired, lace is also sewn to the bottom and edges. Rhinestones can be an independent element of clothing design.
Lace is a stylish decoration element
Embroidery decoration
Beautiful embroidery on fabric and appliqués will also be a good decoration solution. While sewing and gluing the latter is not difficult, embroidering on jeans is not a task for beginners. For this you will need threads of different colors, beads, rhinestones and an idea for decoration.
Embroidery example
In addition to how to sew shorts from jeans, there are many ways to bring them back to life, but this one is one of the most original. With these steps you can turn trousers into several types of “new” clothes for every taste, which are very easy to sew.
Neat shorts - hemmed by machine
If you are new to sewing, we recommend basting the edge by hand first, then machine stitching. For experienced seamstresses, it will be enough to secure the edge with pins.
If you have a high-quality machine designed for dense materials, you can make a double hem, then the product will last even longer.
You need to sew the item from the wrong side so that the seam is neat.
If you placed the edge on a web tape, you can make decorative stitching on the front side - the fixed edge will no longer be deformed under the machine’s foot.
Suitable Length
Before cutting your jeans into shorts, you need to wash them in the usual way. After this, the material will shrink a little and you will be able to choose the ideal length. In order for the clothes to fit your figure again, you should put them on and walk around in them for about an hour. After this, you can already determine the desired length.
There are several variations in this case. Among the most popular and sought-after of them are the following:
- shortened. These types of jeans are most often preferred by young girls. In this case, you can even make turn-ups on the shorts. Due to this, they will look much more stylish and impressive. True, this length is suitable exclusively for those with slender legs;
- Bermuda shorts Visually similar to breeches. The length of jeans can be slightly above the knee or up to it. This option is ideal for everyday use. This length can be used to make shorts for men and women. They look great in tandem with regular T-shirts and T-shirts;
- Capri. As a rule, they reach the center of the calves. In order to correctly determine the place of the cut, you just need to put on your pants and draw a line in the right place using a soap or chalk;
- average length. Classic jeans are approximately ten centimeters above the knee. In such clothes, the legs are not very exposed, but even on the hottest day it will be very comfortable.
Important! Don't forget about the pockets on your jeans. Often in shortened models they casually peek out from under the clothes. This is the trend of the current season. Whether to leave the pockets in this form or hide them is a purely personal decision.
Top 3 easy options for cutting off pants to fit shorts
Jeans never go out of style from season to season. Denim shorts are popular both in the summer on the beach and in the city. You just have to choose the right model. Boyfriends, Bermuda shorts, overalls, shorts-skirts, capri pants - for every taste and color. The relevance of the style is determined by the fit, texture and decor. Tired of your old high-waisted jeans, these will make fashionable summer shorts. The fit at the waist and short length will visually lengthen the legs. Give preference to the rough texture of jeans, it looks feminine on fragile girls and it is easier to make holes and scuffs on it. Decorate the shorts:
- stripes;
- metal fittings;
- embroidery from beads or bugles;
- beads;
- embroidery with floss threads;
- drawings with acrylic paints;
- lace, etc.
Choose any old jeans, decide on the desired length and add decoration. The result will exceed expectations.
Video
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When it comes to stylish clothing items, men's cutoff shorts are one of the most striking. They symbolize freedom of style and are great for summer holidays. An important advantage of these clothes is that you do not have to spend money on buying them. These men's denim shorts can be easily made with your own hands. At the same time, you can use different elements and techniques that will add originality to your style.
Sailor shorts
In order to make these shorts in a nautical style with your own hands, you will need masking tape, white shorts, blue paint, rope and tape, and glue.
We glue strips of masking tape to the shorts at equal intervals.
Then we paint the shorts with spray paint or apply it with a special sponge if it comes in a can. We do this in turn on both sides.
When the paint has dried, carefully remove the tape.
To make an anchor print, take a special stencil and paint it with red paint.
We make a braid from the rope, which will be a belt for sailor shorts.
And secure it to the red tape with glue.
The result is very cute, beautiful shorts in which you can go to the beach or walk along the sea coast.
Tools and materials
It is advisable to have a large mirror in the house, in front of which it is convenient to try on clothes. It’s good if you have a sewing machine, but if you don’t have one, you can hem the hem by hand. But it’s impossible to do without an iron; only ironed bottoms will look neat.
For measurements you need a measuring tape and a regular school ruler. Scissors are sufficient for cutting tools. To apply marks on fabric, use chalk or a special marker. Sewing or stationery pins, a needle for hand sewing, and a thimble will not be superfluous. It is also necessary to select threads of the required thickness and color for the finishing stitch.
In addition to tools, immediately prepare finishing materials. This could be lace, decorative braid, pieces of contrasting fabric for cuffs. Denim shorts are often decorated with rhinestones, fringes, and studs.
How to beautifully cut children's denim pants
The season is not over yet, but the child has already grown out of jeans. They fit perfectly at the waist and hips, but are already short. It's a shame to throw away such things, give them another chance.
Cropped shorts look flattering, but kids are very active and extra knee protection wouldn't hurt. If your knees are worn out on your jeans, decorate your shorts with bright patches.
Instructions on how to make shorts from jeans:
- Pre-wash and dry your pants.
- Try it on your child and determine the desired length.
- Cut off the legs and decorate the shorts.
Jeans become short and skinny, take cotton fabric and insert it into the side seams. Use this fabric to cover the cuffs of the shorts. You will get interesting shorts with stripes.
