Measurements you need
Tape horizontal around the narrowest part of your torso, usually ¾–1⅝ in above the navel. Snug but not tight; don't pull in your stomach.Tape horizontal around the narrowest part of your torso, usually 2–4 cm above the navel. Snug but not tight; don't pull in your stomach.
Usually 22⅞–43¼ in.Usually 58–110 cm.Tape horizontal around the fullest part of your buttocks, allowing for the curve of your stomach. Stand straight, feet together.Tape horizontal around the fullest part of your buttocks, allowing for the curve of your stomach. Stand straight, feet together.
Usually 33⅛–51⅛ in.Usually 84–130 cm.At the side, from the waistline down to the level where you measured the hip. It helps to tie a ribbon at the waist and measure from it.At the side, from the waistline down to the level where you measured the hip. It helps to tie a ribbon at the waist and measure from it.
Usually 7⅛–8⅝ in.Usually 18–22 cm.Sit on a hard chair. At the side, straight down from the waistline to the seat. This measurement determines whether the pants will pull or hang loose at the crotch.Sit on a hard chair. At the side, straight down from the waistline to the seat. This measurement determines whether the pants will pull or hang loose at the crotch.
Usually 9½–11¾ in.Usually 24–30 cm.At the side from the waistline down to the desired hem. For a knee-length skirt — about 23⅝ in, for pants — to the floor or to the ankle bone.At the side from the waistline down to the desired hem. For a knee-length skirt — about 60 cm, for pants — to the floor or to the ankle bone.
Skirt 15¾–39⅜ in, pants 35⅜–43¼ in, shorts 11¾–21⅝ in.Skirt 40–100 cm, pants 90–110 cm, shorts 30–55 cm.Feet slightly apart. Tape horizontally around the widest part of one leg, just below the gluteal fold. You can leave 0 — we'll estimate from the hip.Feet slightly apart. Tape horizontally around the widest part of one leg, just below the gluteal fold. You can leave 0 — we'll estimate from the hip.
Usually 19⅝–27½ in.Usually 50–70 cm.How the shorts are drafted
Down to the crotch line, the shorts are drafted like classic pants: the hip measurement plus ease is divided between the front and back pieces, with a larger step extension and a slanted center seam at the back. Below that, the leg goes straight to the hem; its width is divided between the front and back just like the leg width at the crotch level, and any tapering is split evenly between the side seam and inseam. The side seam length equals your length measurement; the back inseam is ¼–⅜ in0.5–1 cm shorter than the front — it gets a slight stretch when sewn.
The pattern maker checks the draft itself: hip and waist measurements along the finished outline, matching side and inseam lengths, leg width at the hem, and ease at the thigh. Results are in the “Draft check” section.
How to print and tape
Download the PDF on Letter or A4 sheets and print at 100% scale, without “fit to page.” The first sheet has the test square: measure it with a ruler. Sheets are taped with an overlap along the ⅜ in1 cm strips; sheet numbers and the assembly guide are on the first page. For a copy shop or plotter, choose “One-sheet PDF.”
What you get
Full-size front and back shorts pieces — cut each twice, mirrored; a casing for elastic or a waistband with extra for a closure; notches at the hip line, grainline, seam allowances, and hem allowance.
FAQ
What length should I choose for shorts?
Length is measured at the side from the waist. Short shorts are usually 11¾–13¾ in30–35 cm, mid-thigh are 40–45, knee-length bermudas are 50–55. The higher the crotch depth (rise), the longer the shorts need to be: the inseam should be at least 2 in5 cm, and the pattern maker will suggest a minimum.
How wide should the leg be?
By default, the pattern maker uses your thigh circumference plus 2⅜ in6 cm — so the shorts don’t cut into your leg or feel loose. It’s best to measure your thigh: wrap the tape around the widest part of your leg below the gluteal fold. If you don’t enter it, the pattern maker will estimate it from your hip measurement. Wider means relaxed summer shorts; the pattern maker won’t draft narrower than your thigh plus 1⅝ in4 cm.
Elastic or waistband?
With elastic, the shorts pull on without a closure: the top is cut to your hip measurement, and the elastic gathers it at the waist. With a waistband, the shorts fit exactly at the waist, with darts and a zipper in the side or center seam. Choose the option in the “How it sits at the waist” field.
How are shorts different from shortened pants?
The top of shorts is the same as pants, but below the crotch line the leg goes straight to the hem at the specified width, without tapering to the knee. Any tapering or widening is split evenly between the side seam and inseam, and the hem is curved so that after sewing the hem allowance lies flat.