Creating your own relaxed shorts using stretch velvet is a rewarding DIY project that combines simplicity with a touch of luxury. With just a few yards of stretch velvet, elastic, and some basic sewing supplies, you can craft a comfortable and stylish garment.
Follow this detailed step-by-step guide to make your own stretch velvet shorts, perfect for lounging or casual outings.
Materials Needed for DIY Stretch Velvet Short
- 2 yards of stretch velvet from Ice Fabrics
- Safety pin
- 3 yards of elastic
STEP 1: Pin the Pattern
Begin your project by laying out the stretch velvet fabric on a flat surface. Take pattern pieces 14 and 15, which correspond to the front and back sections of your shorts. Carefully pin these patterns to the fabric, ensuring that the pins are secure all the way to the midline. This step is crucial as it ensures your cuts will be accurate, resulting in a better fit for your finished shorts.
STEP 2: Cut the Pieces
Using a sharp pair of fabric scissors, cut out the pieces you have pinned. Once cut, align the right sides (the outer, visible sides when worn) of the front and back pieces together. It's essential that the right sides face each other so that when you turn the shorts right side out after sewing, the seams will be hidden inside. Pin along the crotch area and the side seams to prepare for sewing. This process will shape the basic form of your shorts.
STEP 3: Stitching
With your sewing machine set to a zig-zag stitch, begin sewing along the pinned areas. The zig-zag stitch is vital when working with stretch fabrics like velvet, as it allows the seam to stretch with the fabric, preventing the threads from snapping when the garment is worn. Ensure that your stitching is even and that you remove the pins as you sew to avoid damaging your sewing machine.
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STEP 4: Checkpoint
At this point, you should have the basic shell of your shorts assembled. The garment should resemble shorts, with the right sides still facing each other. Check your seams for any irregularities or missed sections, which can be corrected before you proceed.
STEP 5: Elastic Cutting
Measure your waist or the point where you want the shorts to sit. Cut a piece of elastic according to this measurement, but make sure to cut a little extra to overlap for sewing. Fold over the top edge of the shorts to create a casing for the elastic. The fold should be wide enough to allow the elastic to pass through easily. Secure this fold with pins, leaving a small opening to insert the elastic.
STEP 6: Checkpoint
Before inserting the elastic, ensure that your fabric's folded edge is evenly pinned around the circumference of the shorts’ waist. The garment should look neat, with the top edge prepared but still without the elastic.
STEP 7: Insert Elastic
Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic to help feed it through the casing. Use the safety pin as a guide to pull the elastic through the entire circumference of the waistband. Ensure the elastic does not twist inside the casing as you pull it through.
STEP 8: Sew the Elastic
Once the elastic is through, adjust it to fit comfortably around your waist without bunching or being too loose. Overlap the ends of the elastic and use a zig-zag stitch to sew them together securely. After connecting the elastic ends, close the opening in the fabric casing by stitching it shut.
STEP 9: Hemming
The final step is to hem the bottom edges of the shorts. Fold the fabric at the bottom edge to the inside about ⅝ of an inch, pin in place, and stitch around. This not only prevents the fabric from fraying but also gives your shorts a finished look.
Your DIY Stretch Velvet Shorts Are Ready!
Your stretch velvet relaxed shorts are now complete! These shorts combine the elegance of velvet with the comfort of a relaxed fit, making them perfect for a variety of occasions, from a cozy day at home to a casual outing.
Crafting your own clothing can be a deeply satisfying experience, especially when working with luxurious fabrics like stretch velvet. Not only do you end up with a unique garment, but you also gain valuable sewing skills along the way. Enjoy wearing your new creation!