Many of you have requested a pattern for boy’s shorts. I wanted to give you something that would be easy enough for a beginner to sew but would look impressive.
The shorts pattern included with the Sketchbook Shirt + Shorts has a simple elastic waistband that can also be sewn to look like a flat waistband in the front. The mock fly looks like a more challenging (and time-consuming) zipper fly but is actually very simple to stitch. And the pleats give it an easy fit while also allowing you to press a crease into the leg for a dressy look.
Boys will like the front pockets (you’ll like them too because they’re easy to make), and the below-the-knee length is appropriate for casual or dress occasions in warmer weather.
This pattern is great for a beginners and would be rated one scissor if it were packaged by itself. So, like with the Music Class Blouse + Skirt, you could treat this pattern as a sewing class. Start with the shorts, move up to the short-sleeved shirt, and finish with the long-sleeved shirt to really develop your skills and sewing confidence.
For the shorts we recommend light- to medium-weight woven fabrics like denim, canvas, chambray, corduroy, twill, and linen.