Don’t we all love those comparison blogs? A chance to see a couple different patterns worked up in the same fabric base. So, Amie, Jessica and Melissa sewed up different women’s shorts patterns all in Stretch Twill.
To read about finishing techniques or watch finishing videos, click the buttons below
Sonia Estep Designs Bahama Bottoms
Sizes: Women’s 00-30
Size Made: 8
Drafted For: 5′ 5″
Pattern Options: drawstring, four inseam lengths, front patch pockets, and back patch pockets with flap.
Fabric used: White Stretch Twill
Comments: If you are nervous about sewing wovens or are a beginner this is a great pattern to start with. The pockets aren’t mandatory and the Phee Fabrics blogs and YouTube channel has amazing techniques to help along the way, like French Seams!
Violette Field Threads Lilly (misses)
Sizes: 0-16
Size Made: 16
Drafted For: 5′ 6″
Pattern Options: high rise, regular rise, low rise, faux flat elastic front
Intended Fit: Slim fit, and designed to hit top of mid thigh.
Options Made: Regular rise
Fabric used: Charcoal stretch twill
Comments: I love that this pattern had a lining sewn into it. In the construction steps, it mentions that 2 sets of mirrored front pieces are needed, 2 main, and 2 lining (4 total). Since this pattern is in Misses sizes, it is not very inclusive. The print guide, cut chart, and instructions are limited.
Fit: I was concerned that these would be too tight, and not fit with them being “slim fit so I reduced the seam allowance by 1/8″. This has made them more of a relaxed fit. The pattern calls for 1″ elastic but I used 1.5″. For the next pair I’m going to attempt making the inseam shorter.
Striped Swallow Coachella
Pattern Options: Relaxed fit, Slim fit, 2″ inseam, 4″inseam, low rise, mid rise, high rise, trim and bias tape options.
Intended Fit: Relaxed or Slim Fit
Options Made: Slim Fit, 2″ inseam, mid rise
Fabric Used: Coral Stretch Twill
Comments: I love this designer’s patterns. There is no cut layout, all pages are printed landscape, make sure to check your settings in case you need to change them. The pattern does call for trim, which I left off because of them being dual purpose. The problem is that I kind of had to wing it because there are no instructions on how to sew these shorts up with no trim. I want to try the relaxed version next time, and see how that compares to the slim fit version.
Made By Rae Rose Pants/Shorts
Sizes: Women’s sizes XXS – XL, Plus Sizes 1-5
Size Made: XS
Drafted For: 5′ 6″
Pattern Options: High-waisted pants and shorts sewing pattern with slash pockets and a pleated or gathered front. The front waist is flat while the back waist is elasticized. Choose from three lengths: long, cropped, or shorts
Options Made: High waisted shorts with pleats and slash pockets
Fabric Used: Navy Stretch Twill
Comments: Sizing is true to size. I did take a little extra seam allowance to slim them down through the hips and thigh.
Made For Mermaids Women’s Lucy Shorts
Sizes: Based on colors
Size Made: Green
Drafted For: 5′ 5″
Pattern Options: 3.5″ curved and straight hems, 4.5″ curved and straight hems, trim and bias tape options.
Intended Fit: Relaxed low rise shorts
Options Made: 3 1/2in curved hem
Fabric Used: Black Stretch Twill
Comments: Easy to follow instructions. Quick sew. These shorts are low rise but it is easy to adjust the rise if you wanted a higher rise. You can also do the ruffle hack, like the ones pictured by following this blog.
Patterns For Pirates Linen Loungers
Sizes: XXS- Plus 3X. There is also a kids version called Little Loungers
Size Made: XL
Drafted For: 5′ 5″
Pattern Options: Curved hem, shorts length, cuffed shorts, button tab, bermuda length, capri length, pant length, elastic waistband, yoga waistband, back pocket, exposed front pocket, slat pockets, grommets and tie option, faux fly
Intended Fit: Loose, Relaxed fit
Options Made: Curved hem, shorts length, back pocket, elastic waistband, faux fly
Fabric Used: Navy Stretch Twill
Comments: I found that these have a mid rise fit. Basting your back pockets on first with help achieve the desired placement. The instructions include a faux fly but I did mine the way I’m used to.What I did was with right sides together, sew around the faux fly using a 1/4in seam allowance until you get to the curved crotch, then switch to 1/2in seam allowance. Clip all of the curves, then turn right side out. Fold fly over the front of the shorts, then top stitch the fly down and around the fly like shown in pattern. That’s it!
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