When I decided to sew something for my husband I considered something simple. Perhaps a tie. But I’ve made him one of those and he never wore it. And I already made him pajamas a few years ago. He still wears those a lot. Then I considered athletic shorts. But I didn’t feel like searching for the right material. Then I decided to look for shorts patterns. And without much thought I decided to sew him some shorts. I still can’t believe I sewed man shorts.
I used this BurdaStyle shorts pattern. The pattern is definitely for more advanced sewists. If you’ve never inserted a zip fly or a welt pocket I suggest a different pattern.
What I liked:
- The style of shorts is great. Flat front, zip fly, welt pocket.
- Great shape.
What I didn’t like:
- Figuring out sizing is difficult. I had to measure the pattern to figure out the correct size.
- The waist is too big. The shorts fit great otherwise.
- Instructions are severely lacking.
Pattern adjustments:
- Added 4.5″ to the length
- Added beltloops
Fabric used:
Lightweight pinstriped canvas. Origins unknown!
P.S. I messed up the welt pocket a bit. And also, my fabric pencil isn’t coming off.
These were an incredibly frustrating project for me. Almost purely because I kept sewing things backward and upside down (yes, that happened) but I wouldn’t catch it until I was 4 steps past and had finished all the seams.
I think I’ll probably try to put a dart or two in the waistband to help with the excess there. Though he always wears a belt anyway.
And a great big THANK YOU to this adorable man for posing for my photos. He wasn’t exactly pleased when I asked him. But he’s too cute not to show off!
Have you sewn anything for a man this week? We have a flickr group we’ve started and I’d love if you’d add your photos! We’ll keep the flickr group going and I’ll be sharing some of the photos on the blog over the next year. And maybe we’ll have another Sewing For Men week!
Stop back tomorrow for a roundup of other sewing for men projects!
And don’t forget to check out these posts from my guests this week!
What a good sport! They look awesome Andrea! The fabric is great, too. 🙂
Does he say they are comfy? That would be my hubby’s main concern.
They look great! Your sewing looks perfect too. And yay for getting your husband to pose, you’ll have to tell me what you bribed him with :). It’s always fun to see other blogger’s husbands cause it’s always kind of a mystery. Your kids look a lot like him!
Yes, fit just like regular shorts!
Oh thanks ! That’s exactly the pattern I’ve been looking for!!!
Dude! I can’t believe you made those! They are awesome and your hubby does look super cute! 🙂
They turned out great and the pencil just adds extra character! 🙂
These are amazing, Andrea! Seriously impressive! GOOD JOB!!
Color me impressed! Welt pockets and a fly zipper!?! Fantastic! The shorts look great (and so does your husband 🙂 )
Good job! This has been a fun mini-series
Seriously impressive!! The sheer size of men’s clothing is intimidating to me. These look fantastic.
Um…I think your welt looks pretty good. These shorts are fantastic!! I am super impressed.
I don’t sew for my husband at his request, but I have been eying the Burda patterns. Just in case. But yes, they often have very sparse instructions and are not great for the new sewer. ~Major Moma
They look awesome!
Great job!!! The shorts look professionally sewn.
The shorts look great! Kudos to your man for posing for pictures.:)
Love those shorts! That welt pocket seems very intimidating…all I ever sew for the hubs are pajama pants…
Thank you! He was a good sport about it. He wasn’t excited but he came around =)
I’m still way more impressed by your Bicycle Jersey, Carolyn!
Thank you so much for being a part of it!
The instructions are vague, at best. But they have great patterns!
It was super intimidating but really it’s not that bad =)
Ok seriously? I want to be you when I grow up. These are killer. I am tempted to make some for Doug.
Do it!!!!
hehe your hubby is almost as handsome as my Hubbs. *giggle* Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I believe, right?
The shorts look AMAZING! I have been trying to think of something to sew for Hubbs. He’s been saying, *but I don’t need any* to me for a YEAR….
FINALLY! HAHA! Got him! I can make him shorts!
I’m like you…. I get going along and the next thing I know one pajama leg is INSIDE OUT….
or the entire pillowcase has been french seamed and the cuff and all the pretty trim s INSIDE… *face palm*
trying to remember to check check double check… and go slow… and take breaks… LOL
I may try this… I really love the idea of making something USEFUL for my family! I make decorative stuff that they tolerate… but useful! That would take me from *mom has an expensive hobby* land to *hey, babe, can you….?*
*grin*