Do you think that cut-off denim shorts will give your wardrobe the glow-up it needs? if yes, why not making your cut-off shorts alone? You are not obliged to buy them from the market or the clothing stores with high prices, so save your money for other things.
With the capacity to make your own, you can have a new pair without spending too much time or money searching for one that matches your style. In this article, I’ll show you how you can do this. So keep reading
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How To Cut Jeans Into Shorts? ✂
Learning how to cut jeans into shorts is essential for every fashionista and DIY lover but it is not enough. There are tips that you should follow step-by-step to avoid ending up disappointed with cut-off shorts that you can’t wear or cut-off shorts that you can only wear at home. Here are some essential tips you should follow:
#1- Choose The Right Pair Of Jeans
If your wardrobe is filled with old denim jeans that you don’t wear anymore, you can choose one pair that can be turned into a cute cut-off short You should keep in mind that not all these jeans’ll look good as denim shorts.
For example, baggy jeans will end up as baggy shorts, while tight jeans’ll turn into tight shorts, plus stretchable denim’ll usually have plastic or rubber woven into it which will dangle from the shorts’ bottom.
So I would suggest to choose the right pair of old jeans that fits your thighs, buttocks and hips comfortably and is crafted of 100% cotton.
#2- Pre-shrink Your Jeans
Pre-shrinking is important for jeans that you haven’t worn or washed for a long time. This step’ll guarantee that you won’t cut the pants too short. So all what you have to do is to wash your old pair of jeans in the washing machine and dry it as you normally did with other clothes.
#3- Decide on The Shorts’ Length
When you are a DIY cut-offs lover, this means you have the chances to decide how long or short your new cut-off short should be and you have also the chance to determine your favourite style
The length can also determine the best type of jeans that you can cut. Your choices include:
- Capri: Resting at your calves. They’re great for beginners since you don’t have to make significant alterations allowing you to master your skills on how to cut jeans into shorts. tight-fitting skinny jeans’ll be the perfect choice for this project
- Bermuda: Resting right above your knees choose pants that fit your thighs well. You can choose loose-fitting ones if you want roomy and super comfortable shorts for the summer
- Classic: Resting about 3 to 5 inches above your knees. This length is a great choice if you are working on overly worn-out jeans
- Mini: They only cover your buttocks and a tinny portion of your thighs with hemliness, that are about 2 to 3 inches from the crotch. You can choose tight pants if you want coverage of your buttocks even when you sit down or bend over
What Do You Need To Cut Jeans Into Shorts?
To cut jeans into shorts, you’ll need the following supplies:
- An old Pair of Jeans
- A Ruler
- Fabric Scissors (not kitchen or craft scissors)
- Optional: Tweezers for Fraying
- Tailor’s Chalk
Major Steps To Cut Jeans Into Shorts✂️
There are five major steps that you have to follow carefully in order to cut jeans into shorts, so let’s start
STEP1: Measure and Mark
Lay your jeans on a flat surface and after making sure that they don’t have creases or wrinkles, mark. The new spot where wish them to finish.
- Measure The Length
Draw a line from end to end to complete the mark that you have made earlier using both a chalk and a ruler. If the line that you have created isn’t straight, it is not a problem since your shorts won’t look natural.
- Angle The Line
Angle your measuring device a little The outer thigh should be a little higher than the inner thigh to prevent your crotch from showing when you put on your cut-off shorts.
- Add Hem Seam Allowance
Add some hem allowance so that you can add some finishing touches later, here are some guidelines for adding hem allowance:
- Frayed edges – Add 1/2 to 1 inch (1.2 – 2.5 cm)
- Fringed edge: Add 2 To 4 inches (5 to 10 cm)
- Hemmed edge: Add 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- Cuffs: Add 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm)
STEP2: Cut
go back to the line that you have created earlier with a chalk, and that marks the spot where you wish your shorts to finish, then cut along it using your fabric scissors. Don’t worry if the cut isn’t perfect since your cut-off short should be something different and unusual.
After all, you’ll make adjustments and add finishing touches later on.
Fold the jeans in half perfectly and match the second leg, then cut it using the first leg as a guide. Here, you should be sure that the waist is at the same level on both sides
STEP3: Adjust
try the new cut-off short on then stand in front of the mirror to observe yourself and see if the length of the short is okay or not
Perhaps, you suddenly decide to cut it in mini shorts instead of classic or classic instead of a pair of capris! So it’s up to you to freely adjust it according to your own needs and preferences
STEP4: Add DIY Finishing Touches
Now you can add finishing touches to the shorts’ edges and throughout the shorts, so let’s know what are the various options for edging the jeans
Jean Shorts Edges:
- Frayed Edges:
Pull some of the blue threads with your fingers or a pair of tweezers. This will leave the distinctive white threads hanging down, You can also rub the edges with sandpaper, pumice stone or an old shaver to get more dramatic results.
- Fringe:
If you want to get more fringing, let’s follow these steps:
- throw your cut-out shorts into the washer, set to regular wash and dry cycles, and let machine do its job.
- Repeat this process as much as possible to get more fringing.
- Folded Hem:
You may not prefer neither Frayed edges nor more Fringing. In this case you may like to seal the edges with a hem, so let’s start doing it: Fold the jeans edges twice by 1/2 inch (12 mm) to form a double hem, then stitch manually or using your sewing machine
- Cuff:
If you want to create Cuffs fold the edge toward the first line you made (the length of the shorts you want) and then fold again in half, iron the cuff to keep it in place then sew the sides of the cuff to hold it in place.
- Add Fabric:
If you want to create a more stylish touch to your cut-off shorts, reinforce the edges with another fabric such as cotton or lace (lace is best sewn with a zig-zag stitch) but it all depends on your preferences. Just measure the fabric that you want to add and sew it on the edges.
- The Rest Of The Shorts:
You have already added some finishing touches to the shorts’ edges. and now what about adding some glam to the rest of your cut-off shorts It’ll really become stylish, unique and not normal
You can embellish it with sequins beads, and more. You may also paint some areas or add a patch on one leg or one back pocket
You can also distress or rip some of the areas using bleach, scrape or fray with a shaver, you may even add small holes using scissors or a cutter. This way, your cut-off shorts will become amazing and attractive.
STEP5: Wash
The last step in this process of how to cut jeans into shorts is to wash them in order to remove the marks that you have made and any extra threads and dirt accumulated throughout the process. Now after drying your shorts, you can wear them confidently. You’ll look attractive.
Conclusion:
Cutting jeans into shorts is a fun and easy DIY project that can refresh your wardrobe. By following a few simple steps and using the right tools, you can create customized shorts that fit your style and comfort level. Whether you’re looking to create a trendy frayed hem or a classic cut-off, the possibilities are endless. So go ahead, grab those old jeans and turn them into stylish shorts in the comfort of your own home.
