When the sunny days settle in, nothing is more practical than a good pair of shorts. Cool, comfortable, easy to match, it's the piece you slip on without a second thought for a picnic, a walk or a day at home. And above all: it's a quick and rewarding sewing project, perfect for treating yourself without spending the whole weekend on it. At ikatee, we've selected four easy patterns to dress the whole family this summer, from 1 month up to size 52. Here's an overview.
Why shorts are the ideal summer sewing project
Before we introduce our models, a word on what makes shorts so pleasant to sew. It's a short garment, so it uses little fabric — the perfect chance to use up your remnants or to treat yourself to a beautiful material without breaking the bank. It requires few pieces and goes together quickly: you get a wearable result in just a few hours.
Most summer shorts rely on an elasticated waist, which removes the headache of closures and precise fitting: the elastic adapts, and comfort is immediate. So it's a project that is accessible to beginners, while remaining satisfying for experienced sewists who love making multiple versions. In short, shorts tick every box of a good summer project.
1. SINGAPOUR: the women's shorts with a thousand options
The SINGAPOUR pattern is our go-to for easy-to-wear women's shorts. Its strength? An ultra-comfortable elasticated waist and impressive modularity: the same pattern lets you sew shorts, but also wide-leg or straight-leg trousers, with no fewer than four waistband versions (classic, classic with a tie, paperbag or paperbag with a tie). Enough to fully personalise your piece according to the look you're after.
Available in sizes 32 to 52, as a downloadable and projector-ready PDF, at an easy level, SINGAPOUR lends itself to all the flowing fabrics of summer: viscose, washed linen, lightweight poplin. It's the pair of shorts you sew in several fabrics, since it changes character so much from one version to the next.
2. BERLIN: the on-trend shorts-and-trousers cut
Fancy a slightly more fashion-forward look? The BERLIN pattern also offers a women's trousers-and-shorts duo with an elasticated waist, in a cut with real character. Available in sizes 32 to 52 as a downloadable and projector-ready PDF, it plays the card of relaxed elegance, ideal for a slightly dressier summer outfit.
Like all our patterns, BERLIN comes with a video tutorial that walks through every step: perfect for getting started with confidence, even if you're new to elasticated-waist garments.
3. DAKAR: the easy, comfortable children's shorts
For children, the DAKAR pattern is a must-have. This unisex pattern for flowing trousers and shorts follows little ones from 3 to 12 years, in a bohemian, relaxed spirit that's perfect for the holidays. Flowing cut, comfortable waist, easy sewing level: it's the kind of project you sew one after another in several fabrics to fill the summer wardrobe.
Available as a downloadable and projector-ready PDF, DAKAR also comes with its video tutorial, a valuable help for nailing the finishes first time.
4. NEW YORK: the baby shorts full of options
For the littlest ones, the NEW YORK pattern is a real Swiss army knife. This unisex trousers-or-shorts pattern covers sizes 1 month up to 4 years and offers a rare wealth of options: two lengths, four types of waistband, four pocket options (including a kangaroo pocket) and three hem finishes, including an adorable elasticated ruffle version.
At an easy level, as a downloadable and projector-ready PDF with a video tutorial, NEW YORK lets you sew a whole summer of colourful baby shorts, never the same one twice.
Sewing in a batch for the whole family
One of the great pleasures of sewing shorts is the « batch » effect. Once the pattern is printed and the first piece assembled, the second goes much faster: you've mastered the assembly, and the steps flow one after another. It's the ideal opportunity to sew matching shorts for the whole tribe — the same material from baby to mum, or, on the contrary, a different colour for each. Since most of these patterns also come in a trouser version, you can even vary the lengths within a single family, without changing pattern. Enough to fill the summer wardrobe in a single sewing weekend, and take some lovely coordinated holiday photos.
Which fabric to choose for your summer shorts
The choice of fabric does a lot for the comfort and look of your shorts. For a flowing, cool version, go for a viscose, a washed linen or a lightweight poplin. For a slightly more structured, city-shorts cut, a lightweight twill or a fine gabardine will give more body. For children and babies, favour soft, sturdy cottons that are easy to wash: double gauze, poplin, or a nice supple washed linen.
Also think about the elastic: a good-quality flat elastic, of the width indicated in the instructions, will guarantee the comfort and durability of the waistband.
Over to you
With these four patterns, you have everything you need to dress the whole family in handmade shorts for summer, from baby to mum, at an accessible level and with a video tutorial every time. Start with the SINGAPOUR women's shorts and trousers pattern on ikadepottee.com, or pick the model that matches your project. A beautiful cut of fabric, a few hours of sewing, and there's the summer wardrobe complete.
