diy super easy flowy shorts

   Gahh I have to say I am pretty excited about this post! I have attempted and failed more than just a few times at making shorts. But I started recently, whenever I decide to make something, (since I don't know how to follow patterns) to write/draw out a plan and basically just think through every step before I start. This way, I end up having a lot less unfinished projects and wasted fabric. So these are the first pair of shorts I have tried to make with this strategy and they are also the first ones to actually work out! :) So ya I am pretty happy.
   They are really really easy in my opinion. To me the worst part was just the measurements. I spent one afternoon on them in all. But that is including planning them out (which takes me a really long time haha) and also taking them in when I made them way too large. I am guessing for someone to just follow the tutorial it would take even less time!
   So here it is! Hope you try it out :)

   You'll need...
     - enough elastic to go around your waist
     -a lightweight, flowy fabric
     -other shorts as a guide. (you won't cut them or anything!)

   Firstly, find out your three measurements. I'll write mine in as an example to help you guys follow along better.
 #1. Measure from your crotch (is there a nicer word out there for that?? I would love to learn it.) to the smallest part of your waist. Add 2 in.  
When I measured, I gave it a little extra cause I wanted them to fall a little low and be pretty baggy. so 16+2=18           
                            Measurement #1 = 18 in.
#2. For this part, it is easiest if you take your fabric, place one end on your belly button and the other on the middle of your back. You're trying to see how baggy or flowy you want your shorts. (Refer to picture on the left.) So just give n' take and see what you like. *Remember it is for HALF of the shorts. Not all around your waist. 

To give you an idea of the proportions... Half of my waist in diameter (from belly button to middle of back) is 12.25. I originally did 32 in. as my over all decided figure. Which I later found was wayyy too big.. I didn't spend much time on this step :/ I think 24 or so may have been better... But I'll still use the original number as the example.            Measurement #2 = 32 in.  

#3. Measure from your crotch to where you want your shorts to end on your leg. Add 0.5 in.

6=0.5=6.5          Measurement #3 = 6.5 in.

Now let's start!

 1.Take your measurement #2 and divide it in half. Fold your fabric over like in the picture so it is at the length of your measurement. 

2. Add about 3 inches or so. You'll see why in the next pic. 

 Soo this is a bit confusing :/ Please do ask questions if you don't understand.

3. The picture really explains how to place the shorts better than I can in a written explanation. It lines up with the edge you made from the first picture. And it goes as low as your measurement #1. 

(*The measuring tape is along the cut edge. Just to make sure you see the shorts aren't just randomly placed.)

4. Start from the top of the crotch and measure down until it is as long as your measurement #3. Mark this all the way down with chalk or pins. 

5. Now cut!

6. And repeat for the other side. I simply just placed the piece I just did onto more fabric and cut around it to avoid all the measuring again.

 7. Align the two pieces of fabric together one on top of the other with the good sides in. Now, for the pink lines, sew the front piece to the back piece. For the yellow, if you don't understand how I explained in the picture, open up the shorts. You should be able to easily see how they will be shaped and the pieces you need to sew together will be evident. If not, look at the next picture. 

 8. Now, Take the waist and fold it inside about two to three inches. Make sure your elastic will fit inside. The picture shows where to sew! Just do that all around the waist. (Without your elastic inside.)

 9. Now open up the seam like in the picture. 

10. Then take your elastic, connect it to a safety pin if you need to, and run it along inside until you have both ends coming out the hole. 

 11. Sew the elastic together well. 

12. And then just hand stitch the hole closed or you can easily use your machine to just go over that part again. (Try not to sew any part of the elastic to the pants. It will mess with the bunching.)

   And now all you have to do is hem the leg holes! I originally planned on just hemming them normally but as I was trying to choose a length, I decided I actually liked the messy, rolled up look. For that I simply pinned it on the sides, front and back and then went with a thread and needle and made a few little knots where the pins where. I'm sure I will have to go back though and redo it every now and then cause it isn't the strongest way to hold it together.

   Oh and for the belt! All I did was lay two pieces of long fabric together, draw out the shape of the belt with chalk, pin it all together and then sew along the lines leaving a little gap to turn it right-side-out. And lastly I turned it right-side-out and then hand-stitched the hole closed! 

I hope it wasn't too confusing! If you have any questions at all feel free to ask!

Thanks for reading :) 

Linky parties: Homemaker on a Dime; Serendipity and Spice; Alderberry Hill; Lines Across; Sumo's Sweet Stuff; Craft-O-Mania