You ever find yourself searching for the perfect shorts—something comfy, cute, and just the right length—only to realize that nothing in stores really fits the way you want? Yeah, same. That’s why we’re making our own.
The Savannah comfy shorts pattern is the best of both worlds: a flattering semi-fitted shape with a comfy elastic waistband (no zippers, no fuss), plus a faux fly detail that makes them look extra polished. The front has vertical seams that give a nice structured look, and the sides wrap around from the back—fewer seams, less bulk, more comfort. Oh, and the shaped hem? Such a small thing, but trust me, it makes a difference.
Now, if you’re thinking, “Okay, but is this gonna be one of those projects that looks easy and then turns into a total headache?”—nope. I’ve got you. We’ll take it step by step, and I’ll share a few tricks to make things go smoother (because let’s be real, nobody likes unpicking stitches).
So, grab some fabric—something lightweight and breathable is a great choice—thread up your machine, and let’s make some magic. You ready? Let’s do this.
Best Fabrics for the Shorts
Fabric choice? Huge deal. It’s what separates “Ooo, I love these!” from “Why do my shorts feel like cardboard?” Here are three solid picks:
1. Linen (AKA: The Breezy Favorite)
Light. Airy. Perfect for summer. Linen’s a classic, but yeah, it wrinkles if you so much as look at it. If that bugs you, grab a linen blend—same breezy feel, fewer crinkles.
2. Chambray or Soft Cotton Twill
Want a bit more structure without losing comfort? Chambray’s like denim’s relaxed cousin—lightweight, easy to sew, and doesn’t make you feel stiff. Twill is great too, especially if you’re into that “chino shorts but comfier” vibe.
3. Rayon or Tencel (For That Buttery Drape)
Soft. Flowy. Feels like pajamas but looks polished. Rayon and Tencel drape beautifully and keep you cool. Just go slow when sewing—rayon’s slippery and loves to misbehave.
Honestly? Just pick something you’d actually want to wear. Scratchy, stiff fabric won’t magically get better once it’s sewn. Trust your gut.
Fabric Consumption
Printing Your Pattern
For a hassle-free printing experience, check out our guide: How to Print Your Sewing Patterns the Right Way.
Cutting the Fabric
Main Fabric:
- Back piece of shorts – 2 pieces
- Front piece of shorts – 2 pieces
- Center waistband – 1 piece
- Elastic waistband – 1 piece (cut on the fold)
Interlining:
Center waistband – 1 piece
Seam allowances
All parts of the garment have the necessary seam allowances.
Accessories & Tools You’ll Need
- Household sewing machine
- 3-thread serger (overlock machine)
- Iron (with or without steam)
- Ironing board or pressing table
- Sewing machine needles suitable for medium-weight fabric
- Pins or fabric clips
- Paper scissors and fabric scissors
- Pressing cloth or ironing mesh
Additional Materials and Accessories
- Sewing thread (for both a regular sewing machine and a serger)
- Interfacing
- Elastic band for the waistband
Sewing the Comfy Shorts
Cutting and Preparation
Step 1: Cut out the garment pieces according to the pattern.
Assembling the Front
Step 2: Place the front pieces right sides together, align the center seams, pin, and stitch. Finish the seam allowances and press.
Step 3: Mark the placement of the topstitching along the fly on the front of the garment, then stitch.
Assembling the Back
Step 4: Use an iron to stretch the center seams of the back pieces until ease appears.
Step 5: Place the back pieces right sides together, align the center seams, pin, and stitch. Finish the seam allowances and press.
Joining the Front and Back
Step 6: Join the front and back pieces right sides together, align the inseams, pin, and stitch. Finish the seam allowances and press them toward the front.
Step 7: Finish the raw edges of the front and back pieces, then stitch them together up to the control mark. Press the seam allowances.
Hemming and Topstitching
Step 8: Fold the hem allowance to the inside and baste it in place, then lightly press.
Step 9: Topstitch the seam lines and hem. Remove the basting stitches and press the seams.
Attaching the Waistband
Step 10: Interface the center section of the waistband. Stitch it to the main waistband piece to form a loop, then press the seam allowances toward the center section.
Step 11: Fold the waistband in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press along the fold.
Step 12: Place the waistband on the garment, right sides together, align one edge with the upper edge of the garment, pin, and stitch.
Elastic and Finishing
Step 13: Sew the elastic to the inside of the waistband, attaching it to the seam allowances of the center section.
Step 14: Press the waistband seam allowances upward.
Step 15: Turn the raw edge of the waistband under by ⅜ inch (1 cm), then baste it in place along the seamline from the wrong side, overlapping it by 1/16 inch (0.1 cm).
Step 16: Topstitch the waistband along the edge from the right side of the garment.
Step 17: Evenly stretching the elastic, sew two parallel rows of stitching along the waistband.
Step 18: Press the finished garment and enjoy wearing it!
Final Stitch: You Got This!
And that’s it! Your perfect pair of DIY shorts is just a few seams away. Whether you’re rocking breezy linen, soft chambray, or that buttery rayon drape, you’re about to have a pair of shorts that fit you—not some random store size that never quite gets it right.
Remember, sewing isn’t about perfection. It’s about making something you love, learning as you go, and maybe swearing at your seam ripper once or twice (totally normal). So take your time, enjoy the process, and when you slip on those finished shorts? Strut a little. You made those.
Now, go wear ‘em with pride!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best fabric for these shorts?
Honestly? It depends on what you want. If you’re making these for hot weather, go for something breezy like cotton, linen, or rayon. Want them to look a little fancier? Chambray or Tencel will do the trick. And if you’re all about comfort (who isn’t?), a lightweight French terry or even jersey knit could work. Just avoid anything stiff—these shorts are meant to move with you, not fight back.
Are these shorts beginner-friendly?
Oh, for sure. If you can sew a straight line (or close enough), you can make these. No zippers, no complicated closures—just simple, straightforward sewing. And hey, if you mess up? That’s what seam rippers are for. We’ve all been there.
How do I stop my waistband elastic from twisting?
Ugh, the dreaded elastic twist. The trick? Stitch it down. Sewing two parallel rows along the waistband locks it in place so it doesn’t roll or shift. Plus, it looks way more polished.
Do I really need to sew the faux fly?
Nah, it’s totally optional. If you’re in a “let’s just get these done” mood, skip it. But if you want them to have that real shorts look without dealing with an actual zipper (no thanks), the faux fly is a nice touch.
My hems always end up uneven. What am I doing wrong?
Probably nothing—hems just have a mind of their own sometimes. The best fix? Press them before you sew. If your fabric is slippery, throw in some extra pins or even hand-baste first (yes, it takes longer, but it helps). And if you have a walking foot, now’s the time to use it.
Can I change the length?
Of course! Want more coverage? Add a couple of inches. Feeling bold? Trim ‘em shorter. One of the best parts of sewing is making clothes that fit exactly how you want.
What if I mess up?
Then you’re officially a sewist, my friend. Mistakes happen, and honestly? No one but you will notice. Keep a seam ripper handy, take a deep breath, and remind yourself—it’s just fabric. Worst case? You turn a mistake into a creative design choice. (Or call it a “feature” and move on.)
