Looking for the perfect pajama shorts to lounge around in on a lazy Sunday? Try making your own boxer shorts! Download our free boxer shorts pattern to sew your own, following our easy step-by-step tutorial. Don't feel intimidated; this is a beginner-level sewing project.
Things You'll Need
1 yard cotton fabric
Pins
Sewing needle
Coordinating thread
1. Print and tape the pattern
Print out the free pattern pages and follow the instructions printed on the pattern pages to tape them together at the gray page borders. Cut out your pattern size based on the size chart on the pattern pages. Please note that the pattern includes a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
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2. Cut out the pattern pieces
Fold your fabric in half with the wrong sides together. Place the paper pattern pieces on top of your folded fabric and use either pattern weights or pins to secure the paper to the fabric. Cut out the pattern pieces from the fabric. This will give you two mirror-image pattern pieces of both the front and back.
3. Sew the crotch seam
Place the front pattern pieces right sides together and then pin and sew the crotch seam. Clip the curved seam edges. Repeat for the back pattern pieces.
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4. Finish the seams
You will want to finish all of your seams with this pattern; otherwise, the fabric will fray. You can use either a serger, zigzag stitch, or pinking shears to do so. If you're using one of these stitches, simply sew over the exposed seam with the serger or zigzag stitch. If you're using pinking shears, simply cut along the raw seam edge. Press the seam.
Common Questions
Why use a serger?
Although you can use pinking shears or a zigzag stitch to finish your seams and keep them from fraying, a serger will bring your home sewing to a whole new level. If you've been thinking about stepping up your sewing game and want to make your garments look more professional, now might be the perfect time to invest in a serger. A serger, sometimes referred to as an overlock machine, trims the seam and encloses the seam allowance inside a thread casing, all in one step.
What's the best serger?
There are a variety of sergers on the market, including this Brother 1034D serger, which is a top pick for beginners and an extremely easy-to-use machine. The Janome 8002D serger is another good machine for someone just starting out in the world of sergers. The Singer | ProFinish 14CG754 is a good bargain. The Juki MO654DE portable thread serger sewing machine is a small but powerful high-performing machine. Any one of these sergers would be a good investment to help improve your home sewing techniques.
5. Sew the front and back patterns together
Place the front and back pattern pieces with the right sides together. Pin along the side seams and sew. Finish the seams as mentioned in the previous step and press to complete.
6. Sew the inner leg seam
With your pattern still wrong side out, pin together the inner leg seam. Sew and finish the seam. Press.
7. Hem the shorts
Fold the shorts with the bottom 1/4 inch toward the wrong side and press. Fold again 1/2 inch, enclosing the raw edge, and press. Sew around to secure. Repeat for both legs. Finish the top raw edge of your boxer shorts at this time as well using a serger, zigzag stitch, or pinking shears.
8. Measure your waist
Wrap the elastic around your waist to determine the amount you need to cut. For a snugger fit, subtract a couple of inches from your waist measurement when cutting the elastic.
9. Sew the elastic ends
Fold the elastic together, matching the raw ends. Pin and sew using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
10. Sew the elastic seam allowance
Press open your sewn elastic seam and pin down at the raw edges. Sew a rectangle around the entire seam to secure.
11. Sew the waistband to the shorts
Slip the waistband around the top of your shorts, right sides together. The bottom of the elastic should match up with the top raw edge of your shorts. Additionally, match up the elastic seam with the back center seam of your boxer shorts. You will notice that your elastic is smaller than the waist of your shorts; this is good! Pin the elastic to the top of the shorts in four strategic places: the front, back, and sides.
To sew the waistband to the shorts, sew using a straight stitch 1/4 inch away from the top of your shorts/elastic. Stretch while you sew so that the elastic is the same width as your shorts, removing the pins when you get to them.
12. Fold and press the waistband
Fold the elastic up so that the seam is inside your shorts. Press and you're finished!
Now, sit back and lounge in your new boxer shorts. You can either grab a good book and curl up on the couch or go make another pair from your favorite fabric. You know you want to!
Interested in making another lounge-friendly garment?
Check out our detailed tutorial on making adult footed pajamas!