Have you ever wondered how to cut trousers into shorts? It’s actually a very simple process that can be done in just a few minutes. And the best part is, you don’t need any special skills or tools. All you need is a pair of sharp scissors, a measuring tape, and a few minutes of your time.
First, you’ll need to decide how long you want your shorts to be. Once you’ve decided on a length, measure up from the bottom of the trousers and mark the spot with a piece of chalk or fabric pencil. Then, fold the trousers in half lengthwise and line up the marks you made earlier. Use the scissors to cut along the folded edge, making sure to cut through both layers of fabric.
Once you’ve cut the trousers, you’ll need to finish the edges. You can do this by folding the edges over and sewing them down, or by using a fabric glue. If you’re using fabric glue, be sure to apply it evenly and press the edges together for a few minutes to ensure a good bond. And that’s it! You’ve now successfully cut trousers into shorts.
Assess Trousers for Shortening
Before chopping into your trousers, it’s crucial to assess their suitability for shortening. Consider the following factors:
Fabric and Cut:
- Soft, Drapable Fabrics: These fabrics, such as cotton or linen, are ideal for shortening. They’re less prone to fraying or creating visible lines.
- Stiff, Structured Fabrics: These fabrics, like wool or tweed, require more precision to avoid bulky hems or awkward folds.
- Trouser Cut: Assess the overall cut of the trousers. Wide-leg or boot-cut styles may not look proportionate if shortened excessively.
Hem Structure:
- Original Hem: Examine the existing hem. A single-folded hemline is easiest to shorten, while a double-folded or rolled hem may require more fabric to create a new hem.
- Seam Allowance: Check the amount of seam allowance (extra fabric) inside the trouser leg. This allowance determines how much fabric can be removed for shortening.
- Cuffs: If the trousers have cuffs, consider how they impact the shortening process. Cuffs may need to be removed or altered to maintain the desired style.
Desired Length:
- Personal Preference: Determine the desired length based on your personal preferences and the occasion. Consider factors such as height, calf width, and shoe style.
- Fashion Trends: Consider current fashion trends and the length that complements your shoes and other clothing items.
- Body Proportions: Take into account your body proportions to ensure the shortened trousers flatter your figure.
Fold Cut Edges Over and Hem
Trim the Excess Seam Allowance
Once you’ve secured the folded edges, use sharp scissors to trim any excess seam allowance. Aim to leave approximately 1/4-inch from the folded edge for a clean and professional finish.
Use a Blind Stitch or Regular Hem
Depending on the desired look, you can choose between a blind stitch or a regular hem. A blind stitch is sewn from the inside of the garment, creating an invisible seam that blends seamlessly with the fabric. A regular hem, on the other hand, is sewn from the right side of the garment, resulting in a visible stitch that adds a decorative touch.
Hem the Shorts
To hem the shorts, follow these steps:
| Blind Stitch | Regular Hem |
|---|---|
| Insert the needle into the fold from the inside of the fabric. | Fold the hemmed edge under again by 1/4-inch. |
| Take a small stitch along the crease of the fold, catching only a few threads of the fabric. | Secure the hem with small, even stitches along the folded edge. |
| Continue stitching around the entire hem, taking careful attention to conceal the stitches. | Once the hem is complete, press it to set the stitches. |
Fold Pants in Half
Fold your pants in half lengthwise, with the side seams aligned. This will help you to cut even legs and to ensure that the shorts are symmetrical.
Determine the Desired Length
Measure the length of your pants from the crotch to the desired hemline. Add 1-2 inches to this measurement for the hem. Mark the desired length on both legs with a fabric pen or chalk.
Cut the Pants
Use sharp scissors to cut the pants straight across at the marked length. Be careful not to cut too close to the crotch seam.
Optional: Cuff Shorts for Added Style
If desired, you can cuff the shorts for a more polished look. To do this, fold up the hem of the shorts by 1-2 inches and press it with an iron. Fold up the hem again by the same amount and press it again. Stitch the hem in place by hand or machine.
Hem the Shorts
Fold up the raw edge of the hem by 1-2 inches and press it. Fold up the hem again by the same amount and press it again. Stitch the hem in place by hand or machine.
Finish the Crotch Seam
If the crotch seam is not finished, it is important to do so now. This will prevent the seam from fraying and will make the shorts more comfortable to wear.
Press the Shorts
Press the shorts with an iron to remove any wrinkles and to give them a professional finish.
Enjoy Your New Shorts!
Your new shorts are now complete! You can wear them with a variety of outfits and enjoy the comfort and style they provide.
Trim Excess Fabric for a Clean Finish
9. Fold the Hem
After trimming the excess fabric, fold the raw edge of the hem by about 1/4 inch. Press this fold using an iron or a hot hair dryer. Repeat this step for the other hem.
Next, fold the hem again, this time by 1/2 inch. The folded edge should completely cover the raw edge of the hem. Press this second fold well.
Using a sewing machine, stitch around the hem, as close to the folded edge as possible. Make sure to use a strong thread that matches the color of your trousers. Start and end your stitching at the side seams.
| Fold Width | Fold Count | Stitching Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 inch | 1 | N/A |
| 1/2 inch | 2 | Close to the folded edge |
How To Cut Trousers Into Shorts
Summer is the perfect time to break out your favorite pair of shorts. But what do you do when your favorite pair of pants are too long? Don’t worry, you can easily cut them into shorts with a few simple steps.
Materials:
- Trousers
- Scissors
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Tailor’s chalk or fabric marker
Instructions:
- Put on the trousers and mark the length where you want the shorts to end with the tailor’s chalk or fabric marker.
- Take off the trousers and lay them flat on a table.
- Measure the distance from the crotch to the mark you made in step 1. This will be the length of the shorts.
- Fold the trousers in half lengthwise, aligning the legs.
- Cut along the line you marked in step 4.
- Unfold the trousers and try on the shorts. If they are too long, you can trim them until they are the desired length.
- Hem the shorts to finish them off.
Tips:
- If you are not sure how long you want the shorts to be, start by cutting them a little longer than you think you want them.
- You can always trim the shorts shorter, but you cannot add fabric back on if you cut them too short.
- Hemming the shorts will help to prevent the fabric from fraying.
People Also Ask About How To Cut Trousers Into Shorts
1. How do I know what length to cut my trousers to?
The best way to determine the length of your shorts is to try on the trousers and mark the length where you want them to end with tailor’s chalk or fabric marker.
2. What if I cut my trousers too short?
If you cut your trousers too short, you can always try to add fabric back on by sewing a hem. However, this can be difficult, so it is best to err on the side of caution and cut the shorts a little longer than you think you want them.
3. How do I hem my shorts?
There are several ways to hem your shorts. The most common method is to fold the fabric up by about 1 inch and sew it down. You can also use a blind hem stitch, which is a more invisible way to hem your shorts.
- Cut along the line you marked in step 4.
