Summer Shorts

What's a common problem we all seem to face in America? Finding high-quality jeans! It may be a small problem, but it does bug me that the only pants I ever fit are at least $50. No way I'm spending that much money! Well, here's a way to get cute shorts for under $10.

First, raid your closet for any jeans or pants that fit well at the waist, hips, and thighs. Then find the pairs that have torn/grass stained knees, ratty bottoms, or that have gotten too short. As long as they still fit at the top, they'll do! If you don't own any of these, then go to a local thrift store and pick up a pair. Many cute pairs of jeans get thrown out just because they're torn along the bottom! The only other thing you need will be matching thread. If you don't have any around the house, take a trip to Walmart because thread is cheap there.

Next, put on said pair of jeans/pants and decide what length you want your shorts to be. I wanted mine to be somewhere between bermuda and mid-thigh. You can even make capris this way if you'd like! I'm not sure how well short shorts would work, but you can try it if you're into that sorta thing. Next, grab a pencil or pen (depending on how dark your jeans are) and lightly mark the length you want all the way around your leg. Take your pants off and cut 1" below your mark, then put your pants back on, check if the cut is straight, and adjust as needed. Finally, pin the edge under 1" and you're ready to sew!

First, sew a straight line 1/4" from the bottom of your shorts. Then sew a straight line 1/2" from the bottom. The two rows of stitching adds extra stability and keeps the edge from looking "wavy". Trim your threads and you're done! Piece of cake, right? My shorts were free because I had these cute but too-long Silver jeans lying around for the longest time. Now they're finally getting put to good use as comfy summer shorts!