Ellis Shorts
Warm weather is here, and those sweet little legs we could just cover in kisses need to stay cool, so we’re bringing you a pair of lightweight, comfortable shorts for the littlest ones in the family. The Ellis Shorts have elastic at both the waist and the leg hems, giving them a slightly puffed shape that looks absolutely adorable.
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew lightweight children’s shorts with elastic at the waist and leg openings. The gathered hems create the Ellis Shorts’ softly puffed shape.
An optional cord runs through the waistband and ties in a bow. The pattern can be sewn in knit or woven fabric.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Cut the front and back pieces on the fold.
- Choose needles and seam finishes for knits or wovens.
- Sew the side and crotch seams.
- Make the waist and leg casings and insert elastic.
- Prepare the waistband openings and thread the cord.
Fabric and sewing choices
The sample uses knit fabric, but the pattern also works in a non-stretch woven. Lightweight muslin is suggested as a cool woven option.
Use a ballpoint, jersey, or stretch needle for knits and a universal size 80 or 90 needle for wovens. A serger is optional; zigzag stitching can finish the edges.
Make it your own
Replace the waistband cord with ribbon or lace trim. For woven fabric, size the buttonholes to suit the trim and test one on scrap fabric first.
Measure the child’s waist and thighs when possible. The class explains how the elastic’s stretch affects the finished fit.
Pattern sizing
The pattern includes sizes from 0–3 months through 5–6 years and marks the optional waistband buttonhole positions.
The video class is accompanied by an A4 Ellis Shorts pattern.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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