Introduction: Hot Pants From T-shirt
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Make your own hot pants or booty shorts from a t-shirt! I got this tee from Randofo when he was promoting his new Simple Bots ebook (check it out!). I don't wear a lot of t-shirts, but I new I needed a new pair of shorts to kick around the house in.
I traced the pattern from my favorite existing pair of shorts and turned them into a pattern for these hot pants. It didn't take long, and with some careful cutting, I was able to preserve to logo (for the most part) and everything.
So go find an old t-shirt (or ask Randofo if you can buy a Simple Bots one like mine!) and get sewing!
I traced the pattern from my favorite existing pair of shorts and turned them into a pattern for these hot pants. It didn't take long, and with some careful cutting, I was able to preserve to logo (for the most part) and everything.
So go find an old t-shirt (or ask Randofo if you can buy a Simple Bots one like mine!) and get sewing!
Step 1: Cutting
I wanted the main logo to go right across the booty of the shorts. That's how these things go, right? I don't usually wear logos either, but for this project, it seemed perfect.
As I said, I used a pair of my favorite shorts to make the pattern. I included a jpg of this pattern (because I don't know how to turn it into a pdf!). When you make your own pattern, don't forget to add seam allowance before cutting the fabric! I left 1" on all sides.
To preserve the main graphic, I needed to slit the shirt and add panels in to compensate for the legs. You can see from the patterns I uploaded and the pictures I took what I mean by this. I didn't actually create a center back seam, but left the top of the shirt as one piece.
So carefully cut a slit in the back of the shirt, and graft in two leg panels. I used a serger, but you can use a traditional sewing machine.
When sewing knits, be sure you're using an appropriate needle and a zigzag or stretch stitch so the threads won't break!
As I said, I used a pair of my favorite shorts to make the pattern. I included a jpg of this pattern (because I don't know how to turn it into a pdf!). When you make your own pattern, don't forget to add seam allowance before cutting the fabric! I left 1" on all sides.
To preserve the main graphic, I needed to slit the shirt and add panels in to compensate for the legs. You can see from the patterns I uploaded and the pictures I took what I mean by this. I didn't actually create a center back seam, but left the top of the shirt as one piece.
So carefully cut a slit in the back of the shirt, and graft in two leg panels. I used a serger, but you can use a traditional sewing machine.
When sewing knits, be sure you're using an appropriate needle and a zigzag or stretch stitch so the threads won't break!
Step 2: Fronts to Backs
Sew your back panels together along the crotch seam. Normally you would do this last, but since we have an abbreviated center back seam, it doesn't make sense to do it that way.
Cut your front panels and join along the crotch seam.
Now sew your fronts and backs together along the side seams.
Cut your front panels and join along the crotch seam.
Now sew your fronts and backs together along the side seams.
Step 3: Finishing
Turn the edges of the waistband and legs up 1" (or however much seam allowance you made). Sew down with a zigzag or stretch stitch. (you can see I've done this in photo 1)
Measure a piece of elastic around your waist and then decrease it by 1-2" so it will stretch and fit snugly.
Pin the elastic together and mark center front and back points on it by folding it in half and using a marker.
Align the elastic marks with the centers of the front and back of the shorts. Pin midway at the sides as well (see photo 1). That's all the pinning you'll do because you'll stretch the elastic as you sew it on to the waistband.
Using a zigzag or stretch stitch, sew along both edges of the elastic to attach it to the waistband, stretching as you go so the fabric and elastic lie flat together (see photo 2).
Check out your work - you're done!
So go preserve your favorite t-shirts and enjoy your custom made hot pants while you check out the new Simple Bots ebook!
Measure a piece of elastic around your waist and then decrease it by 1-2" so it will stretch and fit snugly.
Pin the elastic together and mark center front and back points on it by folding it in half and using a marker.
Align the elastic marks with the centers of the front and back of the shorts. Pin midway at the sides as well (see photo 1). That's all the pinning you'll do because you'll stretch the elastic as you sew it on to the waistband.
Using a zigzag or stretch stitch, sew along both edges of the elastic to attach it to the waistband, stretching as you go so the fabric and elastic lie flat together (see photo 2).
Check out your work - you're done!
So go preserve your favorite t-shirts and enjoy your custom made hot pants while you check out the new Simple Bots ebook!