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Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Women's Shorts with Elasticated Waist---Free PDF Sewing Pattern and Sewing Tutorial

 






I've designed a sewing pattern for women's shorts with an elasticated waist, made to fit hip sizes from 34 to 48 inches—and I'm excited to share it with you all!


You can whip up these shorts in just 30 minutes—it’s really that simple!

I’ve made the pattern super easy to print at home on A4 or letter-sized papers.

Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for women:



Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for kids:


Click the link below to see the complete list of Free PDF Sewing Patterns for 18-Inch Dolls:


Download link for the shorts pattern

Women's shorts with elasticated waist free PDF sewing pattern---A4 size pattern pages

Pattern Assembly:

Use the below diagram as a guide to assemble the pattern pages printed on A4- or US letter-size papers.






Select the correct size according to your hip circumference measurement. 


How to Print?

Print the pages on A4-size or US letter-size papers. Make sure you have set page sizing to "Actual size" before you print the pattern.

Do not select the "Custom scale" option or the "Choose paper size by PDF page size" option.

Print Page 1 first. Measure the 1 inch x 1 inch square in this page to check whether the page has printed correctly. 

Check this tutorial on how to print and assemble the PDF pattern pages.

You can make the shorts longer or shorter by simply adding or trimming a few inches at the leg hem.

Seam and Hem allowances:

Seam and hem allowances are already included in the pattern. These are:

1 3/4 inches at the waist to make the casing for the elastic.

1/2 inch for the side seams.

3/8 inch for the crotch seam and inside leg seam (inseam).

1 1/2 inches for the bottom hem allowance.




Supplies:

1. Fabric 

2. Measuring tape

3. Matching thread

4. Elastic Width: 1 inch wide; Elastic Length: Measure your waist circumference and subtract 1 inch for a standard fit, or 2 inches if you prefer the waistband to fit more snugly.

5. Sewing machine

6. Scissors

7. Safety pin

8. Sewing pins

9. Fabric marker or pencil

10. Serger (optional)





After printing and assembling the pattern pages, trace the shorts front and back patterns on a tracing paper, and use these traced patterns to cut the patterns out from fabric. 



Now, as we have our patterns cut out from fabric, let's start sewing the shorts.





How to sew?

1. Join the sides.

Serge the side, crotch, and inseam and side seam edges of each pattern piece of the shorts. 



With right sides of the front and back fabric pieces facing, join the sides of the shorts. 


Open the seams and press them flat.



2. Sew the center seam (crotch seam).

With right sides facing, sew the center seam or crotch seam of the front together. Stop at the bottom of the crotch seam and leave the leg part open. Repeat this step for the back as well.



3. Sew the leg seam (inseam).



Join the leg seam (inseam).


Before joining the leg seams, open the crotch seams and press them flat. Make sure that the lower edge of the crotch seam remains flat while you sew the leg seam.



4. Finish the hemline of the shorts.

Fold the leg hemline 1/2 inch down the wrong side and press. 


Then fold again 1 inch down the wrong side and press.


Sew along the folded edge.


Repeat the same steps for the other leg.



5. Finish the elastic waist.

Fold the waistline 1/2 inch to the wrong side and press.



Then fold again 1 1/4 inch and press. Sew along the lower edge of the fold to create the casing for the elastic.



At the center back of the shorts, leave a gap of 2 inches in the casing to insert the elastic.



Take a 1-inch-wide elastic with length equal to the waist round of the body measurement minus 1 inch or 2 inches, according to the fit you prefer. I have marked this length on the elastic.




Pin a safety pin on one end of the elastic, and feed the elastic through the casing you just created. 


Scrunch the casing to bring the elastic from the other side. When you are back at the starting point, cut the elastic at the marking.


Match up the ends of the elastic, overlap the ends by about 1/2 inch, and sew them together using two or three rows of  zigzag stitches.



While closing the casing, insert a piece of ribbon or a tag at the center back and sew the gap closed, as the tag will help identify the back of the shorts. 



And we are done!

You have made yourself a new pair of comfy shorts!


You can find the step-by-step sewing tutorial with pictures here.






For your convenience, I’ve grouped my blog posts into the sections below—hope you find them helpful!


Free printable PDF sewing patterns 

Pattern drafting tutorials

Sewing tutorials

You’ll also find these links at the top of my blog in the navigation bar.

Happy sewing!  

---Flora
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Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Women's Pants with Elasticated Waist---Free PDF Sewing Pattern and Sewing Tutorial





I have designed a sewing pattern for women's night pants (pajama pants) with elasticated waist for hip sizes 34 to 48 inches, and I wanted to share it with you all.


You can sew these pants in just 30 minutes. It's that easy.

I have made the pattern to be  printed on A4 or letter sized papers.


Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for women:



Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for kids:


Click the link below to see the complete list of Free PDF Sewing Patterns for 18-Inch Dolls:


Download link for A4 size pattern pages:

Women's pants with elasticated waist free PDF sewing pattern---A4 size pattern pages

Pattern Assembly:

Use the below diagram as a guide to assemble the pattern pages printed on A4- or US letter-size papers.




Select the correct size according to your hip round measurement. 

*Please note: In the pattern, the front piece is on the left-hand side, and the back piece is on the right-hand side. You may have cut 2 of each. I forgot to label these.

How to Print?

Print the pages on A4-size or US letter-size papers. Make sure you have set page sizing to "Actual size" before you print the pattern.

Do not select the "Custom scale" option or the "Choose paper size by PDF page size" option.

Print Page 1 first. Measure the 1 inch x 1 inch square in this page to check whether the page has printed correctly. 

Check this tutorial on how to print and assemble the PDF pattern pages.

Once you have printed and pasted the pattern tiles together, measure the height (or length) of the pants (from waist to hemline) for the hip size you have selected. Then, measure your lower body length---from your waist to the floor. Compare these two measurements. If your body measurement is longer than the pants' length given in the pattern, add the required inches to the pants hemline to increase the length. Or, if your body measurement is smaller, mark and cut the extra inches off the pants hemline in the pattern. Then trace it onto a tracing paper, and use this pattern template to cut the pattern pieces from the fabric.

Seam and Hem allowances:

Seam and hem allowances are already included in the pattern. These are:

1 3/4 inches at the waist to make the casing for the elastic.

1/2 inch for the side seams.

3/8 inch for the crotch seam and inside leg seam (inseam).

1 1/2 inches for the bottom hem allowance.




Supplies:

1. Fabric. 

2. Measuring tape

3. Matching thread

4. Elastic Width: 1 inch wide; Elastic Length: Measure your waist circumference and subtract 1 inch for a standard fit, or 2 inches if you prefer the waistband to fit more snugly.

5. Sewing machine

6. Scissors

7. Safety pin

8. Sewing pins

9. Fabric marker or pencil

10. Serger (optional)





After printing and assembling the pattern pages, trace the pants front and back patterns on a tracing paper, and use these traced patterns to cut the patterns out from fabric. 



Now, as we have our patterns cut out from fabric, let's start sewing the pants.
How to sew?

1. Join the sides.

Serge the side, crotch, and inseam and side seam edges of each pattern piece of the pants. 



With right sides of the front and back fabric pieces facing, join the sides of the pants. 


Open the seams and press them flat.



2. Sew the center seam (crotch seam).

With right sides facing, sew the center seam or crotch seam of the front together. Stop at the bottom of the crotch seam and leave the leg part open. Repeat this step for the back as well.



3. Sew the leg seam (inseam).



Join the leg seam (inseam).


Before joining the leg seams, open the crotch seams and press them flat. Make sure that the lower edge of the crotch seam remains flat while you sew the leg seam.



4. Finish the hemline of the pants.

Fold the leg hemline 1/2 inch down the wrong side and press. 


Then fold again 1 inch down the wrong side and press.


Sew along the folded edge.


Repeat the same steps for the other leg.



5. Finish the elastic waist.

Fold the waistline 1/2 inch to the wrong side and press.



Then fold again 1 1/4 inch and press. Sew along the lower edge of the fold to create the casing for the elastic.



At the center back of the pants, leave a gap of 2 inches in the casing to insert the elastic.



Take a 1-inch-wide elastic with length equal to the waist round of the body measurement minus 1 inch or 2 inches, according to the fit you prefer. I have marked this length on the elastic.




Pin a safety pin on one end of the elastic, and feed the elastic through the casing you just created. 


Scrunch the casing to bring the elastic from the other side. When you back at the starting point, cut the elastic at the marking.


Match up the ends of the elastic, overlap the ends by about 1/2 inch, and sew them together using two or three rows of  zigzag stitches.



While closing the casing, insert a piece of ribbon or a tag at the center back and sew the gap closed, as it will help identify the back of the pants. 



And we are done!

You have made yourself a new pair of comfy pants!


You can find the step-by-step sewing tutorial with pictures here.






For your easy reference, I have organized my blog posts under the following sections. Hope it's useful to you:


Free printable PDF sewing patterns 

Pattern drafting tutorials

Sewing tutorials

These links appear at the top of my blog on the navigation bar as well.

Happy sewing!  

---Flora
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Monday, June 23, 2025

Vest (Waistcoat) for Women---Free PDF Sewing Pattern and Sewing Tutorial

  




Here's another free PDF sewing pattern for women. This is a pattern for vest (waistcoat) for women's bust sizes 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, and 44 inches (that is, sizes XS to XXL). 









Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for women:



Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for kids:


Click the link below to see the complete list of Free PDF Sewing Patterns for 18-Inch Dolls:





 


This is the measurement chart I used to create this pattern. Please select your pattern size according to your bust size. 




Seam and Hem Allowances:

Seam and hem allowances are included in the pattern.

Top's bodice part:

1/2 inch for the neck line, armhole, and the center front

1 inch for the sides

3/4 inch at the hemline




Download link:


How to Print and Assemble the PDF Pattern Pages:


Please use the below diagram as a guide to assemble the pattern pages:




Supplies Needed:

1. Fabric for the vest (light to medium weight fabric like cotton, linen, or wool)

2. Lining fabric (silk, polyester, or cotton lining)

3. Measuring tape

4. Matching thread

5. Buttons (1/2 inch wide)

6. Sewing machine

7. Scissors

8. Sewing pins

9. Fabric marker or pencil

10. Serger (optional)

11. Iron and ironing board

Cut out your pattern pieces from both the main fabric and the lining.
 
How to Sew?

1. Press the fabric to remove any wrinkles before you start sewing. Sew the side seams and shoulder seams of the vest, right sides together. Use a straight stitch and finish the seams with a zigzag stitch or serger to prevent fraying.

2. Sew the lining fabric the same way you did with the main fabric, assembling the lining by stitching the side seams and shoulder seams. Leave the hemline of the lining unstitched for now. You’ll hem the lining after the vest is attached.

3. Place the vest and lining pieces right sides together, aligning the shoulder and side seams. Pin the edges around the armholes, neck, and front opening. Sew the neckline and armholes together (main fabric and lining), leaving the bottom edge of the vest unsewn for now. Remember, you may need to trim the seams at the corners to reduce bulk.

4. Attaching the Hem and Final Details

  • Tack the lining to the vest at the armholes and neckline, ensuring the lining stays in place. You can stitch it down by hand or use a machine with a blind hem stitch.

  • Hem the bottom of the lining by folding it under and stitching it neatly into place.

  • Sew on the buttonholes and attach the buttons at the appropriate spots.

5. Final Touches

  • Press again to ensure the vest looks smooth and well-constructed. You may want to add any final decorative elements, such as topstitching or embellishments.

Done!



Click on the link Free Sewing Patterns Page at the top of this blog page (under the blog title) to find more free sewing patterns.

Click the links below to browse through all the pattern drafting and sewing tutorials on my blog.



Happy sewing!

---Flora



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Saturday, June 21, 2025

Japanese Style Reversible Cross-Back Apron with Buttons at the Front Shoulders for 18-Inch Dolls---Free PDF Sewing Pattern and Sewing Tutorial

 


































This reversible Japanese-style apron is designed specifically for 18-inch dolls. It features overlapping back pieces that criss-cross at the center and can be fastened at the shoulders with buttons, creating a stylish and functional design.

The apron is designed to slip easily over the doll’s head, as the shoulder part is open. 

As it is reversible, your doll will have two aprons in one.

You can use two contrasting fabrics for the outer and inner sides of the apron to highlight its reversible design.

I have included the link to the free pattern below.

The measurements of the doll I used are

Chest 11.5 inches
Waist 11 inches
Hip 11.75 inches

This pattern will fit dolls like Our Generation dolls and American Girl dolls and dolls with similar measurements.


Check out my other free 18-inch doll cloth PDF sewing patterns and tutorials:


1. Gathered Skirt with Elastic Waist



4. Panel Skirt with Elasticated Waist



7.  Simple Top with Short Sleeves

8. Swirl Skirt with Elasticated Waist

9. Spiral Skirt with Elasticated Waist

10. Full Circle Skirt

11. Easy Sleeveless A-Line Summer Top

12. Elastic Waist 8-Gore Skirt







19. Reversible A-Line Dress

20. Tie-Front Peplum Top

21. Peplum Top with Back Closure

22. Surplice Peplum Top

23. V-Neck Button-Down Peplum Top

24. Tie-Front Sleeveless A-Line Top 

25. Tie-Front Top with Sleeves

26. Summer Top with Shoulder Ties 

27. Summer Top with Bunny Ears Shoulder Ties

28. Empire Waist Dress



Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for women:



Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for kids:


Click the link below to see the complete list of Free PDF Sewing Patterns for 18-Inch Dolls:


Let's jump in to the tutorial!

Materials Needed:

  • Fabric (cotton, lightweight linen, or knit)
  • Matching thread
  • Scissors
  • Pins or clips
  • Sewing machine (or hand-sewing needle)
  • Measuring tape
  • Iron

Steps to Sew the Doll Cross-Back Apron:

1. Download the Free PDF Pattern:


Pattern download link:



*This pattern is for non-commercial use only.

How to print and assemble the pattern pages?


Click here to learn how to print and assemble the PDF pattern pages. 


Use the below diagram as a guide to assemble the pattern pages:












Seam and hem allowances are included in the pattern.

For both the outer fabric (that is, fabric 1) and the inner fabric (that is, fabric 2):

1/4 inch all around


2. Cut the Fabric

  • Cut one piece on fold from fabric 1.


  • Cut one piece on fold from fabric 2.

3. Finish the neckline, armhole curve, and the cross-back curve

  • With right sides facing, place fabric 2 over fabric 1, and sew the neckline, armhole, shoulders, and the cross-back curves of fabric 1 and fabric 2, with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, as shown in the image below. Leave the front hemline open.
  • Clip the seam allowances.













4. Turn the Apron Inside Out

  • Turn the apron inside out through the hemline opening.
  • Push the corners and shape the curved edges using a chop stick
  • Press the apron.

5. Hem the Bottom Edge

  • Close the hemline opening using machine stitch or hand stitch.
6. Press the apron for a neat finish

Final Touches

  • Sew the buttonholes onto the back shoulder curved edges for closure, and buttons on both the main and lining sides of the apron's front shoulders.
  • Trim any loose threads.
  • Sew along all the edges (optional)

Now your 18-inch doll has a cute reversible Japanese-style cross-back apron! 


Check the free sewing pattern for kids' version here.


I have posted lots of free PDF printable sewing patterns on this page on my blog. Browse through this page to find the patterns you are looking for. You can download and use them to make your own clothes.


You can also click the Free Sewing Patterns Page at the top of this blog page (under the blog title) to find more free sewing patterns.

Click the links below to browse through all the pattern drafting and sewing tutorials on my blog.




Happy Sewing

---Flora





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