Ruffle Leg Shorts

This is the first tutorial for my "You are my sunshine" outfit. My ruffle bottom shorts were inspired by these shorts I saw from the Gap:

I didn't gather the pockets (wasn't quite sure how) and left out the bow, but otherwise, I think they turned out pretty similar. Want to make them? Read on...

Pattern
You are welcome to download my pattern here. It is size 3-4T. If not you can use any shorts pattern, and add the ruffles on the bottom, instead of hemming. For my pattern add 1/2 an inch seam allowance!

What you will need

1/2 yard of knit fabric

Cutting

Cut out two front pieces, two back pieces, two of each pocket pieces, two very long strips (as long as your fabric) 2" wide

Cut a strip 24" by 3" for the waist band

Sewing

First we are going to make the pockets on the front pieces. Pin your rounded pocket piece to your front piece at the rounded part, right sides together and stitch along the rounded part. Snip the rounded part. Fold the pocket piece to the back of the shorts piece and topstitch along the rounded part.

Now flip your shorts piece over and place the full pocket piece on the rounded pocket piece, right sides together, matching up the rounded part. Sew the two pieces together on the rounded part. Make sure you just sew together the pocket pieces, not the pants piece.

Pin the front piece to the back piece and sew the side seams. Make sure that the pockets are lying flat.

Sew the inseams.

Turn one piece right side out and insert it into the piece that has the wrong side out. Match up the center seam and sew together.

Take your two long strips and fold them in half on the long side. Press. Ruffle your strips.

Cut your strips to be 18.5" each. Sew together each strip to form a loop (half inch seam allowance). 

Sew the loop to the bottom of the leg, lining up the raw edges. Flip the ruffles down and topstitch around the leg.

Fold your waist band to form a loop and sew together on the short side. Fold the loop on the long side and pin to top of shorts, lining up the raw edges. Sew the band, leaving a 2" space open to thread your elastic.

Measure your child's waist and cut elastic accordingly. Thread the elastic through the casing and then sew it together on the short sides. Sew together the little opening.

Aren't these shorts cute! I am going to make a whole bunch in different colors!