DIY Toddler Shorts: Super Easy Pattern Drafting & Sewing Tutorial

Updated at: 28/01/2025

Toddler clothes can be surprisingly expensive, and tiny humans grow out of them at lightning speed! That's why making your own is such a smart and satisfying solution. This tutorial focuses on creating adorable and practical DIY toddler shorts, perfect for playtime, summer days, or adding to your little one's wardrobe. We’ll guide you through a super-simple pattern drafting process, eliminating the need for complicated measurements and pre-made patterns. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to craft custom-fit shorts that reflect your child's personality and your own sewing style.

Forget expensive store-bought options and embrace the joy of creating something special for your toddler. This project requires minimal sewing experience and readily available materials, making it ideal for beginners. Ready to get started crafting comfy and cute shorts your little one will love? Let's dive into the step-by-step sewing instructions!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • sewing machine
  • measuring tape
  • ruler
  • fabric
  • elastic
  • optional: French curve
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is crucial at all times during the project, especially when using sewing machines or sharp tools. Keep needles and pins out of reach of toddlers.
  • Always use fabrics specifically designed for children's clothing. Choose soft, breathable materials that meet safety standards and are free from harmful chemicals.
  • Check the finished shorts carefully for any loose threads, small parts that could be choking hazards, or any potential sharp edges before allowing your toddler to wear them.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Take Measurements

    • full waist circumference (at belly button level), full hip circumference (at the fullest part), and crotch depth (distance from sitting surface to waistline).
    Take three measurements: full waist circumference (at belly button level), full hip circumference (at the fullest part), and crotch depth (distance from sitting surface to waistline).
    Take Measurements

  2. Draft Front Pattern Piece

    • Create a rectangle. The top is one-quarter of the hip circumference, and the side is the crotch depth. Add a crotch extension (one-quarter of hip circumference), divide it in half, and create a smooth curved crotch line. Reduce the bottom by about 1 inch from the crotch extension and create a straight perpendicular line down, then connect it to create the inner leg seam with a curved line. Lower the top by 1/4 inch and add 1 inch to the side seam for ease.
    Draft the front pattern piece: Create a rectangle. The top is one-quarter of the hip circumference, and the side is the crotch depth. Add a crotch extension (one-quarter of hip circumference), divide it in half, and create a smooth curved crotch line. Reduce the bottom by about 1 inch from the crotch extension and create a straight perpendicular line down, then connect it to create the inner leg seam with a curved line. Lower the top by 1/4 inch and add 1 inch to the side seam for ease.
    Draft Front Pattern Piece

  3. Draft Back Pattern Piece

    • Create a rectangle matching the front's dimensions. Add a crotch extension (half of the hip circumference measurement), divide the top in half, and lower the top 1/4 inch. Angle the top line to allow more room for the buttocks. Take 1/2 inch away from the center back and connect the points with a straight line. Create a smooth curved crotch line. Add 1 inch to the side seam for ease. Create the inner leg seam, matching length with the front piece.
    Draft the back pattern piece: Create a rectangle matching the front's dimensions. Add a crotch extension (half of the hip circumference measurement), divide the top in half, and lower the top 1/4 inch. Angle the top line to allow more room for the buttocks. Take 1/2 inch away from the center back and connect the points with a straight line. Create a smooth curved crotch line. Add 1 inch to the side seam for ease. Create the inner leg seam, matching length with the front piece.
    Draft Back Pattern Piece

  4. Create Waistband

    • Place pattern pieces side by side. Measure the top from one end to the other. This is half the waistband length. The width is twice the elastic width plus 1/4 inch for ease.
    Create the waistband: Place pattern pieces side by side. Measure the top from one end to the other. This is half the waistband length. The width is twice the elastic width plus 1/4 inch for ease.
    Create Waistband

  5. Cut Fabric

    • Cut two mirrored front pattern pieces, two mirrored back pattern pieces, and the waistband on the fold. Add seam allowances (if not included in your pattern).
    Cut the fabric: Cut two mirrored front pattern pieces, two mirrored back pattern pieces, and the waistband on the fold. Add seam allowances (if not included in your pattern).
    Cut Fabric

  6. Sew Pockets (Optional)

    • Sew the pockets (if applicable).
    Sew the pockets (if applicable).
    Sew Pockets (Optional)

  7. Sew Side Seams

    • Sew side seams (right sides together).
    Sew side seams (right sides together).
    Sew Side Seams

  8. Finish Hem (Optional)

    • can be done last).
    Finish the hem (optional: can be done last).
    Finish Hem (Optional)

  9. Sew Crotch Seam & Join Legs

    • Sew the crotch seam and join pant legs.
    Sew the crotch seam and join pant legs.
    Sew Crotch Seam & Join Legs

  10. Add Waistband

    • Add the waistband with elastic.
    Add the waistband with elastic.
    Add Waistband

Read more: Raglan Sleeve Sewing Tutorial: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • For easier drafting for children, assume the waist is at belly button level.
  • Use elastic or yarn to easily mark the waistline on the child.
  • Measurements can be in inches or centimeters; the math remains the same.
  • Add extra width to the side seams for ease and to accommodate growth.
  • Ensure inner leg seams match in length for a clean finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inaccurate Measurements

Reason: Incorrectly measuring the child's waist and leg length results in shorts that are too tight, too loose, or the wrong length.
Solution: Double-check your measurements and use a flexible measuring tape to ensure accuracy.

2. Uneven Seam Allowance

Reason: Inconsistent seam allowance leads to shorts that are lopsided or don't fit together properly.
Solution: Use a seam gauge to maintain a consistent seam allowance throughout the sewing process.

3. Ignoring Fabric Stretch (for stretchy fabrics)

Reason: Not accounting for fabric stretch when cutting and sewing stretchy fabrics like jersey can result in shorts that are too tight or distorted.
Solution: Pre-wash the fabric, add extra seam allowance to account for shrinkage and stretch and use a stretch stitch when sewing.

FAQs

What kind of fabric is best for toddler shorts?
Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or jersey knit are ideal for toddler shorts. Avoid anything too stiff or scratchy.
Do I need a sewing machine for this project?
While a sewing machine makes the process faster and easier, you can sew these shorts by hand. It will just take longer.
How do I adjust the pattern for a different size?
The easiest way to adjust the pattern is to measure your toddler's waist and inseam, then proportionally adjust the pattern pieces accordingly. Add or subtract length and width as needed.