Here are the best sewing patterns for women’s shorts that we’ve found on the internet, including 7 free PDF downloads! In this article we’ll discuss size range, design features, recommended fabrics, pattern format, and whether they’re suitable for beginners or not. Here’s a list of the pattern styles we’ll cover, click on the heading to go to the relevant section:
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Contents list:
- Free patterns
- Elastic waist
- Denim
- Smart & tailored
- Bermudas
- High-waisted
- Interesting design details
- Paperbag waist
- Sports shorts
- Pajama shorts
Free short patterns:
“City” Sports Shorts
Download now from Purl Soho – FREE
- Sizes: Kids 2-11. Waist: 19”-25” (48 – 63.5 cm). Women’s hip: 33” – 46” (84 – 117 cm).
- Design: Gym shorts with classic tulip hem. Mid-rise. Elasticated waist. Bound edges.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics. For example, cotton blends, cotton lawn, quilting cotton, chambray, linen, viscose, or rayon.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 or US letter size. Photo instructions are included within the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This pattern would be suitable for a confident beginner with some sewing experience. Attaching the bias binding could be difficult for a complete beginner but the photos and instructions are clear.
“Skye” Flowy Shorts with Pockets
Download now from Peppermint Mag – FREE
- Sizes: A – P. Hip: 35” – 60” (89 – 153 cm).
- Design: Flared shorts. Flat, curved front yoke with elasticated back waistband. Slash pockets.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some drape. For example, cotton blends, cotton lawn, chambray, linen, viscose, or rayon.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 or US letter size. Illustrated instructions are available as a separate download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this pattern would be suitable for an adventurous beginner with some previous sewing experience. The shorts include some more advanced sewing techniques such as attaching a yoke and sewing slash pockets, so a complete beginner may struggle with this pattern.
“Spring” Paperbag Waist Shorts with Drawstring
Download now from Peppermint Mag – FREE
- Sizes: UK 8 – 16. Hip: 36” – 42” (91.5 – 106.5 cm).
- Design: Paperbag waist shorts with drawstring detail. High-rise. Inseam pockets. Curved hem with slight high-low effect.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics. For example, cotton blends, cotton lawn, quilting cotton, chambray, linen, viscose, or rayon.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 or US letter size. Illustrated instructions are available as a separate download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The shorts are a simple style with minimal fitting involved. In seam pockets are a great introduction to adding pockets and a stable fabric can be used to make the sewing process easier.
“Piper” Paperbag Waist Shorts with Cuffs and Belt
Download now from Mood – FREE
- Sizes: US 2 – 30. Hip: 34.5” – 63” (87.5 – 160 cm).
- Design: Paperbag shorts with elasticated waist. High-rise. Faux tie belt. Patch pockets on the back. Turn up cuffs.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics. For example, cotton blends, cotton lawn, quilting cotton, chambray, linen, or viscose for a more drapey look.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 or US letter size. Photo instructions are available in the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a great introduction to shorts and pants sewing. The style and the construction is simple, with no tricky fastenings or difficult pockets.
“Myrtle” Fitted Pleated Shorts
Download now from Mood – FREE
- Sizes: US 2 – 30. Hip: 34.5” – 63” (87.5 – 160 cm).
- Design: Women’s shorts. High-waisted with four pleats on each side. Flat, fitted waistband. Invisible zipper closure. Back darts. Leg length can be shortened or lengthened as required.
- Fabric: Medium weight woven fabrics with or without stretch, like cotton sateen, suiting, and linen. Viscose or rayon could be used for a drapey finish.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 or US letter size.
- Instructions: Photo instructions are available in the blog post but they are sparse with very few photos.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate sewist with some previous garment sewing experience as these shorts are fitted and include sewing pleats and an invisible zipper, and the instructions are minimal.
“Anything But Basic” Short Leggings in Different Lengths
Download now from DIBY Club – FREE
- Sizes: US 00 – 36. Hip: 34” – 67” (86 – 170 cm).
- Design: 2 waistbands: tall or short. 4 lengths: mini shorts, knee length-shorts, capris and ankle-length leggings.
- Fabric: Medium weight knits with at least 50% 4-way stretch and strong recovery.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4 or US letter size. Detailed, illustrated instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The style is simple, and the illustrated instructions walk you through all the steps. Some previous experience working with stretchy fabrics would be helpful.
Shorts with elastic waists:
“M8221” Elastic Waist Flowy Shorts with Optional Ruffles
Buy now from Something Delightful – $13.97
- Sizes: XS – 2XL. Hip: 31.5” – 50” (80 – 127 cm).
- Design: Women’s elasticated waist shorts. A-line shape. Optional ruffle detail. Two length options. Inseam pockets.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some drape. For example, cotton blends, cotton lawn, quilting cotton, chambray, linen, or viscose.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 or US letter size. Paper pattern also available. An instruction booklet is included for both versions.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This is one of the McCalls ‘learn to sew’ patterns so perfect for beginner sewists. There’s minimal fitting involved and no tricky closures or details.
“Dani” shorts with optional button front and fly detail
Buy now from True Bias – $16
- Sizes: US 0 – 18 and 14 – 32. Hip: 34” – 61.5” (86 – 156 cm).
- Design: High-waisted shorts with partial or full elastic waist. Topstitched waistband. Inseam and pacth pockets. Small paperbag waist. Leg cuffs. Optional button front and zip fly closure.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics. For example, cotton blends, cotton lawn, quilting cotton, chambray, linen, or twill.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, US copyshop, A4 or US letter size. An instruction booklet is included within the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think The fully elasticated waist would be suitable for a beginner as it’s a simple style with no tricky closures. The fly front view with the double button closure would be better suited for an intermediate sewist as it’s more difficult to sew.
Denim shorts:
“The Walker” Stretch Denim Shorts with Rise and Length Options
Buy now from DIBY Club – $9.99
- Sizes: US 00 – 36. Hip: 34” – 67” (86 – 170 cm).
- Design: Traditional 5-pocket denim shorts for stretch fabric. Medium or high-rise. Fitted silhouette. Zipper fly and button closure. Three length options: short, mid-length, and bermuda.
- Fabric: Medium to heavy weight stretchy woven fabrics like stretch denim, stretch corduroy or stretch twill.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4 or US letter size. An instruction booklet is included within the download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is suitable for intermediate sewists as they include some advanced sewing techniques such as sewing a zipper fly, curved pockets, and a waistband. Some fitting knowledge is required as well.
“Dawn” High-Waisted Rigid Denim Shorts
Buy now from Megan Nielsen – AUD $28 – 32 (approx. $19 – 22)
- Sizes: US 0 – 20 and 14 – 30. Hip: 24″ – 58″ (61cm – 147 cm).
- Design: High waist. Fitted at the waist and hips. 4 styles: tapered, straight, or wide leg, and shorts version. Tall, regular, and cropped lengths. Front fly with multiple buttons (no zip). Front and back pockets. Belt loops.
- Fabric: Rigid, heavyweight woven fabrics like denim, linen, twill weave fabrics, and corduroy.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, US copyshop, A4 or US letter size. Paper pattern in sizes 0 – 20 also available at an additional cost.
- Instructions: Illustrated instructions are available with the pattern. There’s also a photo sew-along and additional resources here.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think it suits intermediate sewists as this is an involved project with tricky details ilke the button closure and the curved pockets. Some fitting skills are also required as this garment is supposed to have a close fit through the waist and the hips.
Smart & tailored shorts:
“Frida” Classic Shorts with Length Options
Buy now from Wardrobe by Me – €10 (approx. $10)
- Sizes: US 0 – 16. Hip: 33” – 45” (84 – 114 cm).
- Design: Classic style smart shorts. Slanted front pockets. Back darts. Curved waistband. Front fly zipper. Belt loops. Three inseam length options.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabrics. For example, cotton twill, cotton sateen, denim, linen, or chambray.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4 or US letter size. An illustrated instruction booklet is included within the download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. The pattern designer recommends intermediate sewists who already know how to handle some of the techniques involved in this pattern like attaching a zipper fly, sewing a waistband and binding seams.
“Pietra” Paneled Shorts with Partial Elastic Waist
Buy now from Closet Core Patterns – $16 – 20
- Sizes: US 0 – 20 and 14 – 32. Hip: 33” – 63” (84 – 160 cm).
- Design: Flat front high-waisted shorts. Elasticated back waist. Front panels with slanted pockets on the hip line. Pants views are also included.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabrics. For example, linen, chambray, denim, or twill. For a lighter weight pair use a viscose, rayon, or crepe.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, US copyshop, A4 or US letter size. A paper pattern in sizes 0-20 is available at an additional cost.
- Instructions: An illustrated instruction booklet is included with both versions. There are additional resources available here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a good pattern for an advanced beginner. There are some slightly more involved techniques like the paneling detail, pockets and partially elasticated waist, bt the instructions are clear so an advanced beginner could tackle this pattern.
“V1815” Sailor Style Wide-Leg Shorts
Buy now from Something Delightful – $22.40
- Sizes: US 8 – 24. Hip: 31.5” – 48”. (80 – 122 cm).
- Design: Semi-fitted sailor-style shorts. High-rise with pleats and decorative buttons. Wide legs. Back darts. Full-length trousers are also included.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabrics. For example, linen, chambray, denim, or twill.
- Format: Paper pattern. An instruction booklet is included.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is better suited for an intermediate sewist as there are some advanced techniques involved in sewing these shorts such as creating the button front facing, buttonholes and pleats. Some fitting knowledge is also required as it’s a fitted style.
“Maritime” Mid-rise Fitted Shorts
Buy now from Grainline Studio – $14
- Sizes: US 0 – 18. Hip: 35” – 47” (89 – 119 cm).
- Design: Fitted, medium-rise shorts. Curved front pockets and patch back pockets. Fly front closure.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabrics with some structure. For example, linen, chambray, denim, or twill.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, US copyshop, A4 or US letter size. An illustrated instruction booklet is included within the download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is better suited for an intermediate sewist due to some of the construction techniques involved like sewing the zip fly closure, the waistband, and the curved slash pockets.
“Effie” High-Waisted Shorts with Curved Hem
Buy now from Seamwork – $16
- Sizes: US 00 – 30. Hip: 34” – 64” (86 – 162 cm).
- Design: High-waisted shorts with a curved hem. A-line silhouette. Front and back darts. Extended waistband with double buttons. Curved slash pockets and patch back pockets.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabrics. For example, linen, chambray, canvas, light denim, or twill.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4 or US letter size. Projector files available. An illustrated instruction booklet is included within the download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is suitable for an intermediate sewist since the shorts include details such as sewing curved hems, attaching a fitted waistband, and sewing in a zipper fly. Some fitting knowledge is required as well.
“Esther” High-Rise Classic Shorts
Buy now from Tessuti – AUD $15 – 20 (approx. $10 – 14)
- Sizes: UK 6 – 16. Hip: 36” – 46” (91 – 116 cm).
- Design: Classic high-waisted shorts. Forward side seams. Invisible zipper and button closure at the side. Narrow waistband. Vintage-inspired design.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabrics. For example, linen, cotton, wool, or silk.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4 or US letter size. A paper pattern is available at an additional cost. An illustrated instruction booklet is included with both versions.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This pattern would be suitable for an advanced beginner with some previous sewing and fitting experience. Some of the construction techniques like sewing an invisible zipper and the waistband could be challenging for a complete beginner.
“Angelia” Mid-Rise Shorts with Different Design Options
Buy now from Itch to Stitch – $12
- Sizes: US 00 – 20. Hip: 33” – 48” (84 – 122.5 cm).
- Design: Mid-rise shorts with different design options. Zipper fly closure.
- View A: Simple, classic shorts with no pockets. 4” (10 cm) inseam.
- View B: Cargo shorts with multiple patch pockets with tabs and flaps. 4” (10 cm) inseam.
- View C: Bermuda length shorts with front patch pockets. Drawstrings at the waist and the hems.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabrics. For example, linen, cotton, denim, twill, and poplin.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4 or US letter size. Instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? View A could be suitable for an advanced beginner who is comfortable with sewing a zipper fly. Views B and C would benefit from some precision and experience due to the amount of topstitching involved.
“Flint” Wide-Leg Shorts with Button or Tie Closure
Buy now from Megan Nielsen – AUD $24 – 29 (approx. $16.50 – 20)
- Sizes: US 0 – 20 and 14 – 30. Hip: 34″ – 58″ (86 – 147 cm).
- Design: Wide-leg cropped pants or shorts. High-waisted. 2 waistband options: bow or buttons. Side pockets. Opens at the side. Tucks and darts. No zipper.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with no stretch and some drape. For example, denim, linen, cotton poplin, suiting fabrics, or rayon and silk for a drapey finish.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, US copyshop, A4 or US letter size. A paper pattern is available for sizes US 0 -20 at an additional cost. Illustrated instructions are included with both versions. There’s also a free expansion pack available to turn them into overalls.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this pattern is suitable for advanced beginners with some sewing and fitting experience. The closure methods are both relatively simple and a stable fabric can be used.
“Lander” High waist, wide leg jeans with button fly & big pockets
Buy now from True Bias – $16 – 20
- Sizes: US 0 – 18. Hip: 34″ – 46.5″ (86 – 118cm).
- Design: High waisted shorts with wide legs. 3 lengths: shorts, ankle length, and boot length. Big patch pockets at the front and back. Button fly. Belt loops.
- Fabric: Medium to heavyweight woven fabrics with little to no stretch, such as twill, linen, corduroy, and denim.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, US copyshop, A4 or US letter size. A paper version is available at an additional cost. Illustrated instructions are included with the pattern. There’s also a zipper fly expansion pack available at an additional $6.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think it suits intermediate sewists with some prior sewing and fitting experience. The fly closure, the fitted waistband and the topstitching could be challenging for a beginner.
Bermuda shorts:
Tailored Pleated Shorts (+ Video)
Buy now from KianaBonolloDesigns on Etsy – approx. $10.50
- Sizes: US 00 – 14. Hip: 34” – 44” (86 – 112 cm).
- Design: Wide-legged bermuda shorts. Double pleats on the front. Back darts. Zipper fly closure. Belt loops.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabric with some drape. For example, linen, crepe, chambray, twill, viscose, or rayon.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, US copyshop, A4 or US letter size.
- Instructions: Instructions are included with the pattern download and there is also an instructional YouTube video available here.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is better suited for an intermediate sewist with some sewing and fitting experience due to the zipper fly closure, the pleats, the darts and the waistband. However, the designer has an additional YouTube video available here which advises how to make the pattern easier to sew.
“V9008” Pleated or Flat Front Bermuda shorts
Buy now from Something Delightful – $6.99
- Sizes: US 6 – 22. Hip: 32.5” – 46” (83 – 117 cm).
- Design: Medium-rise shorts. Pleated or flat front. 3 length options: short, bermuda, or knee-length. Contoured waistband. Zipper fly and button closure. Belt loops. Back yoke.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabric with some drape. For example, linen, crepe, chambray, twill, viscose silk dupioni, suiting fabrics, or rayon.
- Format: Paper pattern with instruction booklet.
- Suitable for beginners? No. An intermediate sewist is better suited to this pattern since there are some difficult techniques involved such as inserting a zipper fly, sewing in pleats and attaching a contoured waistband. A beginner with little sewing and fitting experience would likely struggle with this pattern.
High-waisted shorts:
“Goji” High-Waisted Drawstring Shorts
Buy now from Deer and Doe – €12 (approx. $12)
- Sizes: EU 34 – 52. Hip: 33.5” – 48” (85 – 122 cm).
- Design: Women’s high-waisted shorts. Elasticated waist. Drawstring finish. Optional slight paperbag waist. Big patch pockets on the front. Vertical shaping seams on the front and the back. Skirt view included.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabric with some drape. For example, linen, crepe, chambray, twill, viscose silk dupioni, suiting fabrics, or rayon.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, US copyshop, A4 or US letter size. Illustrated instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This pattern is suitable for advanced / confident beginners since the shorts are a simple style with no tricky fastenings to sew in. The elasticated waist makes these an easy to sew and fit garment but there are some techniques involved that will keep the process interesting such as adding pockets and a drawstring.
“Winslow” Culotte Shorts with Box Pleats
Buy now from Helen’s Closet – $16
- Sizes: US 0 – 34. Hip: 33” – 62” (84 – 157 cm).
- Design: Wide-legged, high-waisted, culotte shorts. Large box pleats on the front and the back. Large in-seam pockets. Invisible zipper closure at the back. Interfaced waistband.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabric with drape. For example, linen, crepe, Tencel twill, viscose, or rayon.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4 or US letter size. An illustrated instruction booklet is included within the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this pattern would be great for a beginner with some sewing experience looking to improve their skills with sewing shorts and pants. The shorts are a simple design with some testing elements included such as inserting an invisible zipper and waistband.
Shorts with interesting design details:
“Palisade” Shorts with Cross-Over Pocket Detail
Buy now from Papercut Patterns – NZD $20 – 30 (approx. $12 – 18)
- Sizes: UK 6 – 20. Hip: 32” – 49” (82 – 124 cm).
- Design: High-waisted shorts with flat front and elasticated back. Front and back leg seams with no side seams. Cross-over pockets details on the sides. Faux fly. Shorts and trouser views included.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabric. For example, cotton, linen, chambray, denim, twill, viscose, or rayon.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4 or US letter size. A paper pattern is available at an additional cost. An illustrated instruction booklet is included with both versions.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is suitable for intermediate sewists as the cross-over detail on the pockets and the faux fly could be fiddly for a beginner with little or no sewing experience.
Paperbag waist shorts:
“M8118” Paperbag Waist Shorts with Belt
Buy now from Something Delightful – $13.97
- Sizes: XS – 2XL. Hip: 31.5” – 50” (80 – 127 cm).
- Design: Women’s high-waisted, paperbag waist shorts. Wide legs. Elasticated waist with belt. Leg cuffs.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabric. For example, cotton, linen, chambray, denim, faux leather, crepe, viscose, or rayon.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4 or US letter size. A paper pattern is also available. An instruction booklet is included with both versions.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think a confident beginner could have a go at this pattern. The design of the shorts is simple to sew and the elasticated waist is easy to fit. There are no tricky zippers or buttonholes to sew.
“Miller” Paperbag Waist Shorts with Bow Tie
Buy now from Seamwork– $16
- Sizes: US 0 – 26. Hip: 35” – 58” (89 -147 cm).
- Design: High-waisted, paperbag waist shorts. Wide legs. Elasticated waist with a bow tie. Inseam pockets.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven or knit fabric. For example, cotton, linen, chambray, denim, faux leather, crepe, viscose, jersey, ponte, or French terry.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4 or US letter size. An illustrated instruction booklet is included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this pattern would be a great one for a beginner wanting to advance their sewing skills. The elasticated, tie waist makes the shorts easy to sew and to fit, and the shorts can be made from a stable fabric that is easy to work with.
Sports shorts:
“Plateau” Sport Shorts with Curved Hem
Buy now from Closet Core Patterns – $16 – 20
- Sizes: US 0 – 32. Hip: 33” – 63” (84 – 160 cm).
- Design: High-rise sports shorts. Unique, wrap-around pockets. Elasticated, drawstring waist. Back patch pockets. Curved Hem. Jogger-length also included.
- Fabric: Medium-weight knit fabrics. For example, cotton fleece, polar fleece, ponte, double knit, or French terry.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4 or US letter size. A paper pattern in sizes US 0 -20 is available for an additional cost. An illustrated instruction booklet is included with both versions.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This pattern is suitable for an advanced beginner looking to advance their sewing skills with knit fabrics since a stable, non-stretch knit can be used. The elasticated, tie waist makes the shorts easy to sew and to fit and the pockets add an interesting sewing challenge.
“Venice Beach” Retro Sport Shorts with Binding
Buy now from Green Style – $12
- Sizes: B – M. Hip: 32” – 62” (81 – 157.5 cm).
- Design: Women’s retro style sports shorts. Elasticated waist or contoured waistband. Side panel. Contrast binding. Drawstring closure. Curved hem. Optional pockets. Three inseam options: 2.5″, 3.5″ or 4.5″ (6, 9, 11 cm).
- Fabric: Medium-weight knit fabric. For example, cotton fleece, polar fleece, ponte, double knit, or French terry.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4 or US letter size. Projector files available. An illustrated instruction booklet is included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this pattern would be a great one for a confident beginner with some experience with sewing with knits. The shorts are a simple style and easy to fit but adding the binding at the edges could be fiddly for someone with no sewing experience.
Pajama Shorts
Unisex pajama pants with elastic waistband (+ Video)
Download now from Patterns For Pirates – FREE
- Sizes: 2XS – 3XL. Hip: 33″ – 58″ (84 – 147 cm).
- Design: Pull-on pants with an elastic waistband. Loose fit. No side seam. Multiple lengths: men’s/higher rise, women’s/lower rise, short shorts, knee length, and pant length with 30″, 32″, 34″, and 36″ inseam lengths.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with no stretch. For example, flannel, cotton broadcloth, poplin, etc.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0. A4 or US letter size.
- Instructions included? Yes. A video tutorial is also available.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This is a very simple pattern and the video tutorial would be helpful for a beginner.
What to read next:
- How to Sew EASY Pajama Shorts for Beginners + Video Tutorial
- 49 Stylish Sewing Patterns for Women’s Pants
- 11 Easy Top Sewing Patterns for Beginners
This article was written by Sally Gauntlett and edited by Nisan Aktürk. It was originally published on 13 September 2022 and has since been updated.
Sally Gauntlett (author)
Sally started sewing as a child. In 2008, she started a handmade business selling personalized gifts and homeware. She then became a sewing content creator, sharing her makes on Youtube and Instagram. Read more…