The weather in NYC lately has been calling for shorts, but that doesn’t mean your denim needs to have any shortage of style. With a ton of stretch and a comfortable hand, this metallic denim from Mood is perfect for the high-waisted silhouette of these Sequoia Shorts. Try them in this black option for an edgy summer look, or opt for a vibrant coral or blue for an absolutely adorable vibe!
Fabrics & materials used:
- 1.5 yards Italian Black Stretch Denim with Metallic Silver Laminate
- 1/4 yard Mood Exclusive Le Cirque Charmant Elephant Printed Cotton Poplin
- 1 pkg Black Heavy Duty Snaps
- 1-2 spools Black 100m Gutermann Extra Strong Thread
- Schmetz Jeans/Denim Machine Needles
- MDF058 – The Sequoia Shorts Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart below for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 30.
Begin with the pockets of your shorts. You can use a lining or pocketing, or choose a fun poplin print like this adorable elephant option! Lay your facings on top of your pocket lining, with all faces upward like you see above, and zig-zag stitch into place along the curves.
On the wrong side of your pocket, trim the lining along the curve of your denim facing, fold under and press like you see above. Edge-stitch along the fold and then line up your pocket with the front panel of your jeans. Placing your fabric faces together, sew along the curve of the pocket and notch the seam allowance like you see below.
Fold your pocket over to the wrong side of your front shorts panel, press along the curve, and edge-stitch. Finish up your pockets by folding your lining in half and sewing along the bottom.
Add your front yoke along the top of your front shorts panel, faces together. Fold upward, and edge-stitch along the seam.
Next, add your fly facing to one of your fly extensions.
Fold it over toward the wrong side of your shorts and stitch into place.
Attach your two front panels at the rise, just below the fly extensions.
Following the guidelines on your pattern, top-stitch your back pockets into place and then add your lower and upper back yokes respectively. Fold and edge-stitch like you see below.
Attach your back panels along the rise and then stitch down your seam allowance.
Connect your the front and back of your shorts at the in-seam and again, stitch down your seam allowance like you see below.
Attach your waistband along the top of your shorts, fabric faces together, and then flip upwards.
Fold your waistband in half and tuck in all of your raw edges. Stitch around its entirety and then add your belt loops at the center back, sides, and front.
Lastly, follow the directions on the back of your heavy duty snaps to add 7 along the front of your shorts. I strongly recommend a plier kit; it makes inserting snaps a total breeze.
Double fold the hem of your shorts and you’re ready to roll!
9 comments
Flattering shorts up to size 30!! Bless your soul. I’m usually leery of anything above the knee but I’m moving to a desert climate soon so I’ve been keeping an eye out for cute hot weather wear. Thanks so much!
I’m in the midst of making these shorts. So cute. Seems like you are missing the pocket facing piece on the pattern so I stole it from the Nolana jeans.
I am confused. I am in the process of beginning these shorts, and my pocket pieces don’t look like the images. The lining material should fit on the front pieces, right? Am I missing something?
Yes, I was missing something. I used the pocket opening facing from the Nolana pattern too. Thank you GOTTULASTUDIOS. If you are reading this looking for the piece it is page 5 of the Nolana pattern. You only need to print that one page. (Page 6 of the PDF).
This sat on my table all summer and I’m finally getting them done….almost finished and I’m loving the fit…..I think I may have to make another….!!!!
I used my measurements for the pattern size but somehow it ended up about two or three sizes too big. Maybe because I’m using stretch knit?
Anyway, I have learnt how to tailor as well with this!
Also, really appreciate the other comments on what pattern piece is missing
Hey Ellie, I had the same problem! They’re huge on me, even though I actually went a little small on the waist measurement because I wanted them snug and figured I could move the snaps a little if they weren’t working. So sad :(. At least they were a fun sew!
does the material need to be stretch? I have fabric with no stretch that i would really love to use with this patter. I am very new to sewing.
Hi, Victoria! Stretch is not required for this pattern. 🙂