December 9, 2012

Star Wars Shorts Tutorial

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I know, I know... It's December. I should be doing more Christmasy type tutorials BUT I live below the Deep South.... LOL I live in the Bottom of the South! And it's WARM here... Today I have windows and doors open to let the air in.... Definitely still shorts weather. Besides, these are LONG shorts. LOL  And you can always adjust the length and make yours into pants. ;)



What I used:

1 yard of Star Wars cotton

1/4 yard of black cotton for the pockets

1/2" elastic





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I took a pair of Colin's pants and folded the legs up a few inches. I put the side of the pants on the fold of the fabric. Then I used them as a template, cutting wide around them for seam allowance.





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Using the leg I just cut as a guide, I cut the second leg.





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Fold up the fabric for the pockets into 4 layers. Cut out your front pockets. I just free style it. ;) But this way they are all the same.







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Now, while you still have 4 layers, cut out the back pockets.







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Now, sew the 2 of the back pockets together, making one. Leave the top open! Turn right side out and press.  Keep going until you have 2 back and 2 front pockets.





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Now, fold in the tops 1/4" and press. Sew the tops closed.





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Now, place your front pocket where you would like it to be.  Mine is 3" from the top. Also, this helps to make sure both pockets are evenly placed.  Also measure the distance from the sides.





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Now, pin your pockets in place and sew them on! :)





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Now, fold one pants leg with right sides together, and pin up the inseam. Sew from the bottom of the leg up to where the curve for the crotch starts.





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You are going to want to use a finishing stitch here. That way you won't have threads all over the place after washing. ;) Usually you want the finishing stitches to be closer to the edge but with my new foot, the feed dogs don't want to work well unless there is fabric between them and the foot.





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After you have both legs done, turn one right side out and slide it into the other leg. Pin around the crotch curve and sew your seam!





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With the pants inside out, pin up the leg bottom by 3/4" and press. Then fold up again by 1" and press. Pin it and sew up the hem! :)







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Still with the pants inside out, fold over the waist by 1/4" and press. Then fold again by 1" , press and pin. Now, sew along the edge, making sure to leave an opening to insert the elastic.







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Now, pin the ends of your elastic with safety pins. You can either hold tightly to one end or pin it to the fabric or yourself.  You can also buy a handy dandy elastic inserter..... But seriously, the safety pins work very well.

Insert the elastic through the casing. Then pull out both ends.







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Now, sew the elastic ends together using a zigzag stitch.





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Sew your elastic casing closed!



Turn right side out and you will have a happy little boy!! LOL



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Now, this was not one of the tutorials that I had planned... LOL It just sort of happened.  I'm also making him some more dino pants today! LOL



Anyway, I hope you like the tutorial!!! :)













11 comments:

  1. Really cute pants and .Colin looks really pleased. I'd day this is a winner.

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  2. Meant to say "say" not day. Sorry about that.

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  3. Now what was "un-Christmasy" about that? A happy little boy with new Star Wars pants seems very much like Christmas to me!

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  4. THANK YOU, Regena!!! :)
    He is VERY pleased!!! LOL

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  5. No worries!!! I understood! And I am CONSTANTLY fixing my own typos... LOL

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  6. That is an AWESOME way to put it, Pam!!!! :D Thank you!!!

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  7. My son would freak out over Star Wars pants/shorts! Is it from Joanns? Great Job, once again, girl!

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  8. THANK YOU!!!!
    Yes!! I got a yard when Joann's was having a sale! 50% off!! WOOO HOOO!! LOL I wish I had bought more... He wants a whole outfit now! LOL

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  9. I think you made Collin very happy.... his shorts are adorable.. Happy sewing.
    yes......it is HOT here too.. I have the doors and windows open and still sweating.ha.
    Of course, the weather station is saying it is turning cold next week.. In the 40's.

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  10. Thank you!!!

    WOW!! In the 40s!! The lowest we will get next week will be in the 60s! CRAZY!!!!!
    I am starting an outfit for Cailey in flannel but I have to wonder if she will ever be able to wear it! LOL

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  11. […] made shorts for Cailey! LOL  I’ve made everything BUT shorts!! You can find the tutorial HERE. If you feel better using a pattern I suggest THIS ONE from Squiggly Twigs Designs. You might […]

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