After making a perfect pair of cutoff shorts last week, I am now addicted.
So I thought I'd help you out and give you a step by step on how I make mine! This is the easiest way for me, and it takes about 10-15 minutes when you really know what you're doing.
You will need: A pair of shorts that fit you well and are the perfect length, a ruler, scissors, a writing utensil of some kind, and your new pair of pants.
Step 1: Find your pants.
Luckily, we have a lot of thrift stores where I live. It takes some digging, but you will find a pair you love. I have only bought Levi's because that's the look I like, but really any pair will do. Goodwill always has a large selection of denim,
Tip: Look for an older pair that is high-waisted and a non-stretchy, stiff material. Also, go up one size for the perfect fit.
Step 2: Align the seams of the two pairs of shorts/pants.
Lay the perfect fitting shorts on top of the new pants. Make sure the waistband is lined up and also make sure that the front waistband is lower than the back on both pairs of pants. (See how the zipper and button area sag down beneath the tag part? That's what I mean.) Then you can make a preliminary line across your pants so you know the angle of the cut.
Tip: Make sure the inseams are lined up perfectly!**
Starting with the inseam (crotch), measure the length of your already perfect shorts. Then transfer that measurement to the pants, and mark it. Next, measure the length of the seam on the outside of the shorts, and mark that line on your pants.
Step 4: Mark the cutting line.
Line a ruler up, and draw a line connecting the two marks. The line should be at a slight angle for a flattering fit. Then just cut across carefully!
Step 4: Even the cuts.
Fold the shorts over with the front on the inside and compare the cuts. As you can see in the second photo, I had an uneven cut. Just carefully snip the extra 1/4 inch off to even the cuts.
Tip: The front of the shorts will be a little bit shorter than the back of the shorts, this is perfect!! You want the back to cover your booty right?? (Hopefully)
Step 5: Try them on!
Make sure they aren't too short. If they are too long, just go back and repeat the steps, but only take off a quarter or half inch at a time. Keep trying them on until you find the perfect length.
Tip: When you fray the hem, they will be a tad bit shorter! So don't go too short.
Step 6: Rips & Tears.
Have you made cutoffs? Let me know if you try it out! :)
Line a ruler up, and draw a line connecting the two marks. The line should be at a slight angle for a flattering fit. Then just cut across carefully!
Fold the shorts over with the front on the inside and compare the cuts. As you can see in the second photo, I had an uneven cut. Just carefully snip the extra 1/4 inch off to even the cuts.
Tip: The front of the shorts will be a little bit shorter than the back of the shorts, this is perfect!! You want the back to cover your booty right?? (Hopefully)
Step 5: Try them on!
Make sure they aren't too short. If they are too long, just go back and repeat the steps, but only take off a quarter or half inch at a time. Keep trying them on until you find the perfect length.
Tip: When you fray the hem, they will be a tad bit shorter! So don't go too short.
Step 6: Rips & Tears.
Rub your scissors against what you just cut. This creates the fraying.
Tip: Don't worry if it's not too frayed! When you put your shorts in the wash (Step 7) it will be much more frayed. So don't go crazy!
To create rips in the rest of the shorts, either snip lines with your scissors or use an exacto knife. The fraying will look better if you do slight slices, then rip the rest of the way across. (Like the last photo).
Tip: Be careful not to cut all the way through the pocket, or to the back of the shorts. You don't want your behind showing through rips you accidentally made! Also, don't place the rips somewhere inappropriate... I like to make mine over the pockets on the front and on the back pockets so I know my skin won't be showing!
Step 7: Wash!
Once you throw your shorts in the washer and dryer, it will get very worn in and frayed. And they will look super cute!
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| These still need to be washed, but I wanted to show you were I cut. |
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