How to make shorts (adult)

1. Materials & tools

Materials (adult shorts)

• Fabric (cotton, linen, sheeting or denim) — 110 cm wide × 90 cm
• Waist elastic (2–3 cm wide) — the waist measurement

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Adult clothes” → “Shorts (adult)” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the rise, inseam, waist and hip. Adjust the inseam for the length you want.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Trace the pattern
   The right curve is the crotch (center-seam side), the left straight edge is the side.
2. Cut 4
   Cut 2 mirror pairs (4 pieces). Keep directional prints the right way up.
3. Finish the edges
   Zigzag or serge the edges.

4. Sewing

4-1. Sew the center (crotch) seams

1. Sew the crotch curve on the front pair and the back pair, right sides together.
2. Clip the curve; press open or to one side.

4-2. Sew the inseam

1. Open out, place right sides together and sew the inseam in one pass, matching notches.

4-3. Sew the sides

1. Sew the side seams right sides together; press.

4-4. Hem the legs

1. Double-fold and press each leg hem, then topstitch 2–3 mm from the edge.

4-5. Elastic waist

1. Fold the waist for the elastic and stitch, leaving an opening.
2. Cut the elastic 2–3 cm shorter than the waist, thread it, sew the ends and close the opening.

5. Tips & variations

• Length: adjust the inseam for above-the-knee or longer.
• Cuffed: add a folded cuff for a tailored look.
• Pockets: add patch or in-seam pockets.