12 Shorts Patterns to Sew for Summer (and some are even free!)

Shorts can be such an easy, low pressure garment garment to sew! They don’t require as much fitting as pants since shorts are generally worn looser in the bum and and there aren’t any leg fitting issues to be dealt with. Plus, shorts don’t take much fabric, so you can even sew some cute summer shorts from scraps you have left over from other garments! They can be made in all kinds of fabrics too — I love easy, breezy fabrics like rayon and linen for summer clothes of all kinds, shorts included.

I’ve rounded up a great variety of shorts sewing patterns for women for you! There’s something for everyone here, denim and non denim shorts patterns, high waisted shorts, running shorts, and even some FREE shorts patterns to sew.

Let’s get to it!

12 Shorts Sewing Patterns for Women

1. I’ve personally used the Prefontaine Shorts Pattern and loved it. I used a rayon fabric and they turned out to be nice, easy and lightweight shorts for the Hawaii weather. This pattern is also available for kids!

2. The Seamwork Nantucket Shorts are great and easy to fit. The waistband is interesting with the grommets and drawstring.

3. I own this Kwik Sew shorts and tank pattern. I love the design of these shorts for running and hiking and made from the right fabrics, I also think they’d be great board shorts for water sports.

4. If you need a sewing pattern for real, legit running shorts with a built in liner, look no further than Greenstyle. The Balboa Shorts are perfect for running and working out and they have an optional liner! I love the idea of customizing the length and waistband of my running and tennis shorts!

5. I love the look of the Soline Shorts and Culottes by Staystitch. This style would be perfect for linen or a rayon linen blend and would look so good on one of my teenage daughters, who would love this high waisted design.

6. For a very easy shorts sewing pattern, check out the Ivana Shorts. This pattern is perfect and a great price with tons of five star reviews on Etsy! I plan to buy this one and use it for both myself and my daughters. These shorts have pockets, are high waisted, and I love shape of the hemline.

7. The ever popular Lander Pants pattern also includes the Lander shorts. These have been a massive hit in the sewing community, and they seem to look great on everyone, so you can trust that this pattern will not disappoint.

8. I own McCall’s 8099 and I like that they have an elastic waist and the rolled up hem. I think they’ll be easy to fit and they’ll be great in the more typical bottom weight fabrics like denim.

FREE Shorts Sewing Patterns for Women

1. Mood has several free shorts patterns! My favorite are the Piper Shorts.

2. Try the free unisex shorts pattern from Wardrobe by Me. This would be a great basic pattern for beginners, or if sewing easy shorts for gifts!

3. Peppermint Mag will send you the free Skye Shorts pattern just for signing up for their email list. Looks like a great and simple style.

4. Lastly, Lady Beekeeper has created a pattern for running/yoga shorts that she drafted using a Lululemon pair. She’s posted the pattern as a free download.

Happy shorts sewing! And if summer is wrapping up where you live, check out my list of pants sewing patterns to try. I’m determined to get my pants fitting skills perfected this year!

Cheers,

Nikki