Knit KID Shorts - MADE EVERYDAY

Sometimes I can’t believe how old this girl is getting.
Didn’t I just cut her hair?…and talk about her turning 1 year old?

Of course then she picks up a blankie and paci, and she’s my baby all over again.
Old little Clara. Stop growing up.
(But please start talking. That would be helpful)

But enough Clara shmara. Let’s talk about shorts.

Many of you have emailed asking, can I sew the KID Shorts pattern with knit fabrics??
And the answer to that is Yes, Yes, of course Yes!
In fact, my approach to most sewing is—YES. Go for it! Don’t ask; just try.
Be adventurous and ask questions later!

Or in the words of Ferris:
A – You can never go too far
B – If I’m gonna get busted it’s not gonna be (because I didn’t try sewing shorts with knit fabric)

Basically, if you’ve never sewn with knits before, never be scared.
And read THIS detailed post about sewing with knit fabrics.

Okay. We’re all on the same page. Jump in your crib.

And if you’re ready to sew KID Shorts, let’s get started!

This post is one of many tutorials that accompany the KID Shorts PATTERN, which you can purchase HERE in the SHOP.

You do not need our pattern to sew these shorts but it’s recommended. If you’re using a different pattern, or if you’ve created your own pattern, follow along with the instructions and make shorts with us!
And check out all the variations we’ve made by clicking a button below:

Knit shorts are great for any occasion but I especially love them for lounging around the house and for PJs. Pair them with a simple t-shirt and you have a very simple (and quick) pair of jammies for your kids.

Knit fabrics can be found in most fabric stores these days. Manufacturers are catching on that we WANT to sew with knits!

Some are interlock knits; some are jersey. And if you can’t find any at the store, you can always use an old T-shirt for fabric, or a jersey knit bed sheet. Read my post for more details on types of knits and sources.

Most standard knits are 2-way stretch, which means they stretch in one direction, from side-to-side (yea, it would make more sense to call it one-way stretch but that’s how the lingo goes). Some knits are 4-way stretch, meaning they stretch from side-to-side and vertically as well. Most knits that have spandex added in will have 4-way stretch.

The interlock knit I’m using here is from Joann Fabrics and has 2-way stretch:

You want the fabric to stretch horizonally on the shorts; the same direction that the elastic and waistband will stretch. So just follow the grainline markings on the pattern pieces, line them up with the selvage edge of the fabric, and you’ll be fine.

Then use the Basic Shorts instructions for sewing and I’ll provide some tips.

You can use a serger to sew the entire shorts. OR
You can use a zigzag stitch for the entire shorts. OR
Here’s what I often do…a mix of both stitches:

• Use a straight stitch for sewing most of the seams since those areas don’t really “stretch”.
• Use a zigzag stitch for sewing the waistband and for hemming the legs (although that one’s optional….the legs on these shorts are rather roomy so you don’t really need to use a zigzag stitch). But the beauty of a zigzag stitch is that it’s able to stretch with the fabric, so it gives the shorts more ease when little legs are wiggling around in bed.

Continue following the instructions in the Basic Shorts Tutorial to string elastic through the waistband….and you’re done!

Now try them out and see how nap time goes….

And since they were so quick to sew, I made another pair with another knit fabric from Joann Fabrics. I love the whole thing only cost me a few bucks. Cheaper than any jammies I’ve bought at the store!

Here’s at peek inside. No serger needed, no fancy tricks.

….just a little bit of this to go on top.

Yep. It’s been one of those months, so I pulled out the Don’t Worry, Be Happy shirt again to save my sanity. And I guess it makes me happy that her shirt and shorts are homemade and super comfy (and even more happy the darn thing still fits!)

Hope you’re turning your worries into happies too!