Summary
Highlights
To draft the pattern, you will need patterned paper, rulers (meter rule, right-angle ruler), a drawing utensil, a tape measure, scissors, and a French curve. Essential measurements include waist circumference, hip circumference (at the widest part), hip depth, crotch depth, and desired shorts length.
Start with the front of the shorts. Draw a horizontal and vertical line at right angles on your pattern paper. Measure 1 inch down from the top line for the waistband elastic allowance. Then, measure and mark the desired shorts length from this first line, extending it with a horizontal line. Add another 1-inch mark below the hemline.
Measure and mark your hip depth across horizontally and connect the marks with a line. Repeat this process for the crotch depth, measuring a few inches down from the hip depth line. Label these lines as 'hip', 'crotch', and 'thigh/hem'.
Divide your hip circumference by four and mark this measurement on all horizontal lines (waistband, hip, crotch, hem). On the crotch line, extend outwards by 2 to 2.5 inches for the crotch extension. Use a ruler to connect the waist to the hip vertically, and then use a French curve to connect the hip to the crotch with a smooth curve. If the hemline doesn't meet the crotch extension, extend it and draw a vertical line from the crotch to the hem.
Measure and mark a half-inch seam allowance around the sides of your pattern, connecting these marks with your ruler and French curve. The top and bottom already have 1-inch allowances. If not using a serger, add an additional half-inch to the top for neatening raw edges. Cut out the front pattern piece and label it clearly with 'front half', 'elastic waist shorts', and 'cut 2 pieces'. You can also note seam allowances.
To create the back pattern, place the cut-out front piece right side down on a fresh piece of patterned paper and pin it for stability. Trace around the entire front pattern. The main difference for the back will be the crotch area: extend the crotch line about 2 inches vertically. Use your French curve to connect the inseam line with this newly established crotch line.
Remove the front pattern piece and label the new pattern 'back half of the shorts', indicating 'elastic waist shorts' and 'cut 2 pieces'. Mark any seam allowances and the size of the pattern for future reference. Finally, cut out the back pattern piece.
This video fulfills a request for an elastic waistband shorts pattern. The creator encourages viewers to check out other pattern-making tutorials for joggers, spaghetti strap dresses, and garment construction. The next video will demonstrate how to use these drafted patterns to make the actual shorts.