DIY denim short-shorts

Summer is upon us, so here's another pair of DIY denim short-shorts. Edged with Broderie Anglaise they say Mediterranean summer and I call them the Saint Tropez shorts after the mod fashion scene that happens there every summer.

To make these shorts you need a pair of jeans that fit well on the bun, with a button front closure and a watch pocket. The sturdy basic 100% cotton denim works best and they should be well worn so that the indigo won’t fade on the white lace. In addition to basic sewing materials you also need 3 yards of 1” wide, white cotton Broderie Anglaise edging. Study the photos and read all the instructions before you start. If you don't have a sewing machine you can hand sew everything, just sew securing and knot your threads snugly so they won't unravel.

1. Cut the Pant Legs: Lie the jeans on a table, and with tailor’s chalk draw a cutting line about 3” below your natural waistband, or just above the back pockets. Then draw the pant length. My pants, an adult size medium, after they were cut measure 4 1/2” on the side seams with a 1” long pant length at the crotch.
Key -- My jeans are an adult size medium. Your jeans need to be shaped to fit you, so use my measurements as a guide, and then adjust to your body and jeans. If you aren't exactly sure about the cutting line, try your jeans on with the chalk line and check the shape, alter a bit longer or shorter to ease into the fit you love. Cut a bit longer, try on again and check the fit, until you have it the proportion you like. Once you are satisfied, lay your shorts on the table and check that your side seams and inseams are exactly the same measurements - ½” off in mini-shorts is glaring!

2. Cut the Waistband: Cut the front waist band off just below the bottom seam of the waistband. Then cut the watch pocket off, all around the outer sewing edge. Finish the cut edge of the shorts with a machine zigzag stitch using denim blue thread. Machine wash, dry and press all the denim pieces and the shorts.

3. Assemble the Waistband: Smoothly pin the waistband (with the front button closed)to the front of the shorts, aligning the top of the waistband with the top edge of the shorts. Baste and remove the pins. Machine zigzag stitch with denim blue thread securely in place (this can also be hand sewn.) Zigzag stitch the watch pocket on the right hip.
4. Trim with Broderie Anglaise: Pin lace all around the inside of the cuff aligned ½” below the cuff edge. Baste, remove pins and zigzag stitch along top edge of lace with ochre thread on the denim and white thread on the lace. Repeat around the waistband, with it aligned 1/2" above the top edge.

Wear it on the beach, as a bathing suit cover up, with a sweatshirt or loose top, ballet slippers, thongs, all kinds of flats or barefoot.