DIY Kids Paperbag Shorts with Free Pattern & Tutorial

Paperbag shorts are a cute and stylish way to beat the heat! Summers in Oklahoma can be around 105 degrees so I love that these shorts are comfy and not clinging to the body from sweat. If you’re making these paperbag shorts for your little one, be sure to use breathable fabrics like cotton, chambray or linen that will allow airflow and help them stay cool. 

These easy pull-on shorts have an elasticized waistband and patch pockets on the front. You can also make these in a boys/unisex version by adjusting the width of the waistband. 

If you do make these paperbag shorts, be sure to tag me on Instagram @sew_zune or post the picture on the Zune’s Sewing Therapy Facebook. I’d love to see your finished project! 

Ok, let’s get sewing!

Things You Will Need:

• Woven Fabric – 1/2 yard
• Lining Fabric – 8″ x 11″. Use self or lighter weight fabric
• Elastic – 1” width
• Print pattern – This pattern is FREE to all my newsletter subscribers. Check both your inbox and junk folder for the confirmation email. Be sure to have your pop up blocker disabled. Print from a laptop or computer.

*This Paperbag Shorts pattern is a SIZE 3T with a finished waist measurement of 23 1/4”. **This pattern DOES NOT INCLUDE SEAM ALLOWANCES.

PRINT & ASSEMBLE THE PATTERN – Be sure to choose “Do Not Scale” on your printer setting. The first page has a 2” test square. After putting the pattern together, add your desired seam allowances. 

POCKETS

STEP 1a. With RIGHT sides together, stitch pocket to pocket lining except on the side seam and the waist.

STEP 1b. Clip along the curved seam.Turn the pockets RIGHT side out and press.

• 

• 

STEP 1c. Place the LINING side of the pocket on the RIGHT side of the shorts FRONT. BASTE the pocket to the shorts along the waist and the side seam. TOPSTITCH around the pocket. Repeat on the other side. 

SHORTS

STEP 2a. With RIGHT sides together, stitch shorts FRONT to BACK along the side seam and the inseam. Overlock or zigzag stitch the raw edges. Repeat on the other side. 

STEP 2b. Turn one side of shorts RIGHT side out and insert into the other side. Stitch along the crotch seam. Overlock or zigzag stitch the raw edges.

WAISTBAND

STEP 2c. RIGHT sides together, fold the seam allowance in half, stitch, and press seam allowance open.

STEP 2d. Fold the waistband LENGTHWISE and stitch 1” below the fold.

STEP 2e. Place the waistband on the RIGHT side of the shorts and stitch together leaving 2” open to insert the elastic.

STEP 2f. Insert the elastic with a safety pin and cut the elastic to the desired length. Overlap and stitch the elastic ends together with a zig zag stitch. Stitch and close the waistband opening. Overlock or zig zag stitch the raw edges. 

• 

• 

HEM

STEP 3a. Fold up the hem. Then fold the raw edge under 1/4” and topstitch. Repeat on the other side.

After a good pressing, your new paperbag shorts are all done! Don’t forget to comment below and let me know what you think. Byes~