How to Cut Pants Into Shorts

Learn how to cut your pants into shorts with this easy DIY guide. With just a few supplies and some simple instructions, you’ll be ready to rock your new shorts in no time!

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Measuring and Cutting the Pants

Before you cut your pants into shorts, you’ll need to measure them. Doing so will ensure that your shorts are the right size and that they’ll fit you well. To measure your pants, you’ll need a measuring tape and a pair of pants that fit you well. Once you have those items, you can follow these steps:

Measuring the inseam

Cutting pants into shorts is a great way to deal with pants that are too long, or to create a new style for the warm weather. The first step is to measure the inseam, which is the seam that runs from the crotch to the hem on the inside of the leg. To do this, put on the pants and have someone else measure from the crotch seam to wherever you want the shorts to end. Alternatively, you can lay the pants flat and measure from the inseam to your desired length. Once you have your measurement, add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to account for hemming.

Cutting the inseam

The inseam is the measurement from your crotch to the bottom of your ankle. To take this measurement, have a friend help you. Place the measuring tape at your crotch, making sure the tape measure is level all the way around. Then, have your friend measure from your crotch to the bottom of your anklebone.

Next, you’ll need to cut the inseam. To do this, lay your pants out flat on a table or cutting surface. Using a ruler or a straight edge mark a line where you will be cutting the inseam. Make sure that this line is perpendicular to the pant leg’s seam.

Once you have marked the line, cut along it with sharp scissors. Be sure to cut slowly and evenly for best results.

Now that you have cut the inseam, you are ready to move on to measuring and cutting the rise!

Hemming the Shorts

You will need a pair of sharp scissors, a measuring tape, a fabric marker, and patience. The first step is to try on the pants and mark where you want to cut them off with the fabric marker. Then, measure the inseam of the pants (this is the seam that runs from the crotch to the bottom of the leg). Add 2 inches to this measurement and mark that distance from the fabric marker on the pants.

Hemming the legs

Cut the legs of the pants to the desired length. Measure up from the bottom of the pant leg to where you want to make the cut. Make a mark at this location with a piece of chalk. Place the pants on a flat surface, such as a table, and line up the marks you made with a ruler or measuring tape. Draw a straight line along the ruler or measuring tape using the chalk. Cut along this line with sharp scissors.

Hemming the waistband

If ’re cutting the legs of your pants off to make shorts, you’ll need to hem the waistband so that it doesn’t fray. To do this, start by folding over the top edge of the waistband by about ½ inch. Iron this fold down so that it stays in place. Then, use a sewing machine to stitch along the fold. To make sure your stitches are strong, use a zigzag stitch or a straight stitch with a wide stitch width.

Optional: Adding Embellishments

If you want to cut your pants into shorts, you’ll need to start by cutting off the excess fabric. You can then add embellishments, such as fringing or lace, to give your shorts a unique look. In this section, we’ll show you how to cut pants into shorts and add embellishments.

Adding lace

Lace can be a beautiful addition to any project, and pants are no exception! Whether you’re looking to add a vintage touch or simply want to spice up a basic pair of shorts, lace can be the perfect embellishment.

To add lace to your pants, start by cutting the pants into shorts. Then, use a ruler or measuring tape to mark where you’d like the lace to go. Next, cut a length of lace that’s long enough to go around the entire circumference of the shorts. Once you have your length of lace, glue or sew it onto the shorts. Finally, trim any excess lace and enjoy your new shorts!

Adding sequins

Adding sequins to your cut-off shorts is a great way to add a bit of sparkle and personality. You can purchase sequins in a variety of colors, so you can really customize your look. You’ll also need a needle and thread, or a sewing machine.

First, decide where you want to place the sequins on your shorts. A simple design might just be a line of sequins running down each leg, but you could also get creative and do something more intricate. Once you have your design in mind, start sewing the sequins onto the shorts. If you’re using a needle and thread, make sure to knot the thread tightly after each sequin to prevent them from falling off.

If you’re using a sewing machine, you can sew the sequins on in one continuous line. Just make sure that the presser foot is able to move easily over the Sequins, or they may break. Once you’re done sewing on the sequins, try them on and enjoy your new sparkly shorts!

Adding fringe

Adding fringe to the bottom of your cutoffs is an easy way to add a little bit of style to your look. Start by cutting a strip of fabric that is about 2 inches wide and as long as you want your fringe to be. Then, cut the strip of fabric into thin strips. Next, take a fray check solution and apply it to the edges of the strips of fabric. This will help keep the fabric from fraying. Once the fabric is dry, take a needle and thread and start stitching the strips onto the bottom of your shorts. Make sure to leave enough space in between each strip so that they can move and flow when you walk.