10 Short Pants Pattern Women Free Sewing

Your closet looks like a graveyard of sad denim and boring leggings.

Store prices for basic shorts are getting truly offensive lately.

Grab your machine because we found the best ways to dress your lower half without spending a fortune.

1. High Waisted Linen Shorts

• Best For: Sunday brunch or pretending you own a villa in Italy
• Vibe: Effortless rich aunt
• Why it works: The elastic back keeps things comfortable while the front looks tailored and expensive.

Linen is the ultimate fabric for surviving a humid afternoon without melting into a puddle. Choose a neutral oatmeal or sage green to make these look like they cost three digits. You can easily modify the length to keep things modest or show off those legs.

Pro Tip: Pre-wash your linen twice because that fabric shrinks more than your motivation on a Monday morning.

2. Scalloped Hem Sleep Shorts

• Best For: Sleeping or looking cute while eating cereal at noon
• Vibe: Soft girl aesthetic
• Why it works: The curved edges add a designer touch to basic cotton pajama bottoms.

Use a lightweight cotton lawn or a soft flannel for these breezy bottoms. The scalloped edge requires a bit of patience with the sewing machine but the payoff is huge. Pair them with a matching camisole for the full set look.

Pro Tip: Use a fabric marker to trace the scallops before cutting to ensure they actually match on both legs.

3. Paperbag Waist Culottes

• Best For: The office when the air conditioning is broken
• Vibe: Professional but secret pajamas
• Why it works: The ruffled top hides the elastic waistband and creates a flattering silhouette.

A tencel blend or rayon drape makes these move beautifully when you walk. They offer more coverage than standard shorts while still letting your skin breathe. These look incredible with a tucked-in bodysuit and some platform sandals.

Pro Tip: Add extra-long belt loops to accommodate a chunky statement belt for a more polished look.

4. Vintage Style Tap Shorts

• Best For: High-waisted fashion lovers and pin-up enthusiasts
• Vibe: 1940s Hollywood starlet
• Why it works: Side zippers create a smooth front profile that looks amazing under tight tops.

Look for a silk satin or a crisp cotton poplin to achieve that classic vintage structure. These usually feature a slight flare at the leg which makes your waist look tiny by comparison. They are perfect for a summer picnic or a themed garden party.

Pro Tip: Install an invisible zipper on the side to keep the lines clean and professional.

5. Drawstring Sporty Runners

• Best For: Actually running or just running to get iced coffee
• Vibe: Sporty spice energy
• Why it works: The contrast binding gives them a nostalgic athletic look that never goes out of style.

Use moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics or a simple jersey knit for maximum comfort. The drawstring allows you to adjust the fit after a heavy lunch. You can mix and match neon colors with black binding for a bold 80s throwback.

Pro Tip: Use a double needle for the hem to get that professional stretchy finish that won’t snap.

6. Pleated Front Walking Shorts

• Best For: Sightseeing or looking like you have your life together
• Vibe: Classic preppy chic
• Why it works: Pleats add volume and structure without making the garment feel heavy.

A mid-weight twill or chino fabric provides the necessary body for those crisp pleats. Navy blue or khaki are the safest bets for a wardrobe staple that lasts for years. They hit just above the knee for a sophisticated and modest length.

Pro Tip: Edge-stitch the pleats for a few inches at the top to keep them lying flat against your stomach.

7. Ruffled Hem Bloomers

• Best For: Layering under dresses or wearing as loungewear
• Vibe: Whimsical cottagecore
• Why it works: The elasticated leg openings create a cute puffed shape that feels very feminine.

Choose a delicate eyelet lace or sheer voile for a romantic feel. These are surprisingly fast to sew because the fit is meant to be loose and airy. They provide a great solution for thigh chafing under your favorite summer skirts.

Pro Tip: Use soft plush elastic for the leg holes so they do not dig into your skin after hours of wear.

8. Boxy Denim Cut Offs

• Best For: Music festivals and messy DIY projects
• Vibe: Grungy cool girl
• Why it works: Sewing your own denim shorts allows you to get the perfect rise that store brands miss.

Source some non-stretch raw denim for a rigid look that breaks in perfectly over time. You can leave the hems raw for a distressed look or do a thick cuffed hem for more structure. Add some embroidery on the back pockets to make them uniquely yours.

Pro Tip: Use a heavy-duty denim needle and topstitching thread to get those thick golden seams.

9. Wrap Front Skort

• Best For: Biking to work or windy days
• Vibe: Modern minimalist
• Why it works: You get the aesthetic of a mini skirt with the security of built-in shorts.

A crepe or gabardine fabric works best to ensure the front flap hangs correctly without wrinkling. The asymmetrical design is very trendy and hides the fact that you are wearing pants. It is the ultimate best of both worlds garment for active people.

Pro Tip: Add a small button closure on the inside flap to prevent it from shifting while you walk.

10. Wide Leg Lounge Shorts

• Best For: Binging your favorite show on the couch
• Vibe: Maximum cozy comfort
• Why it works: The extra wide leg allows for total freedom of movement and airflow.

Soft bamboo jersey or French terry will make you never want to take these off. They feature a simple wide elastic waistband that does not pinch or roll. These are the easiest project for beginners because the fitting is very forgiving.

Pro Tip: Add deep patch pockets because everyone deserves a place to put their phone and snacks.

Our Top Recommended Finds

• A rotary cutter and mat help you cut through slippery fabrics like silk or rayon without the jagged edges scissors leave behind.
• Glass head pins are essential because they will not melt if you accidentally run over them with a hot iron while pressing seams.
• A magnetic seam guide ensures your seam allowances stay perfectly straight even if you get distracted by a podcast.

Which of these will you try first?

Making your own clothes is the ultimate power move against fast fashion.

You get the perfect fit and the satisfaction of telling people you made it yourself.

Are you going for the comfy lounge look or the structured office shorts?