digital soho shorts + skirt sewing pattern
A stylish pattern to make pleated shorts and skirt that sit 1" below the natural waist. Both styles include a contour waistband, invisible zipper at the side seam, front pockets, and front and back pleats.
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Digital Patterns
This style is provided as a digital layered PDF pattern that allows you to print only the size(s) that you need. It may be printed on both home printers (using either 8 1/2" x 11" or A4 paper) and at service bureaus that handle 36"-wide or A0 sheets. When you complete your order, you will be provided with a unique code to instantly download the pattern. See our digital product policy for full details.
Printing Information:
- Instructions: 15 pages
- Tiled pattern pieces: 33 pages
- 36-inch pattern sheets: 1 page
- A0 pattern sheets: 2 pages
Description
A stylish pattern to make pleated shorts and skirt that sit 1" below the natural waist. Both styles include a contour waistband, invisible zipper at the side seam, front pockets, and front and back pleats.
Suggested Fabrics
This pattern works best with a variety of woven fabrics including chambray, cotton poplin, corduroy, shirtings, linen, rayon, denim, and wool.
Notions
Coordinating thread, lining (optional: lightweight self fabric can be used instead of lining), 8" invisible zipper, stable lightweight interfacing (fusible or sew-in), and 1 yard of 1/4" twill tape (to stabilize waistband).
Fabric Guide
size 0 2 4 6 8 10 View A, 44" Fabric 1 3/4 yards 1 3/4 yards 1 3/4 yards 1 3/4 yards 1 3/4 yards 1 3/4 yards View A, 58" Fabric 1 1/4 yards 1 1/4 yards 1 1/4 yards 1 1/4 yards 1 1/4 yards 1 1/4 yards View B, 44" Fabric 2 yards 2 yards 2 yards 2 yards 2 yards 2 yards View B, 58" Fabric 1 3/4 yards 1 3/4 yards 1 3/4 yards 1 3/4 yards 1 3/4 yards 1 3/4 yards Lining (optional) 1/2 yard 1/2 yard 1/2 yard 1/2 yard 1/2 yard 1/2 yard
size 12 14 16 18 20 View A, 44" Fabric 1 3/4 yards 2 yards 2 yards 2 yards 2 yards View A, 58" Fabric 1 1/2 yards 1 1/2 yards 1 1/2 yards 1 1/2 yards 1 1/2 yards View B, 44" Fabric 2 yards 2 yards 2 yards 2 yards 2 1/4 yards View B, 58" Fabric 1 3/4 yards 1 3/4 yards 1 3/4 yards 1 3/4 yards 1 3/4 yards Lining (optional) 1/2 yard 1/2 yard 1/2 yard 1/2 yard 1/2 yard
Finished Measurements
size 0 2 4 6 8 10 Waist* 26 1/2" 27 1/2" 28 1/2" 29 1/2" 30 1/2" 31 1/2" Shorts Outseam 16" 16 1/4" 16 1/2" 16 3/4" 17" 17 1/4" Shorts Inseam 4 1/2" 4 1/2" 4 1/2" 4 1/2" 4 1/2" 4 1/2" Skirt Length 21" 21 1/4" 21 1/2" 21 3/4" 22" 22 1/4"
size 12 14 16 18 20 Waist* 33" 34 1/2" 36" 38" 40" Shorts Outseam 17 1/2" 17 3/4" 18" 18 1/4" 18 1/2" Shorts Inseam 4 1/2" 4 1/2" 4 1/2" 4 1/2" 4 1/2" Skirt Length 22 1/2" 22 3/4" 23" 23 1/4" 23 1/2"
* Measured 1" below natural waistline. This style is designed to sit 1" below the natural waistline. If you prefer to wear the shorts/skirt higher, you may want to sew one size smaller.
English System Pattern
SizeBust
(in.)Waist
(in.)Hips
(in.)0 32 1/2" 25" 35" 2 33 1/2" 26" 36" 4 34 1/2" 27" 37" 6 35 1/2" 28" 38" 8 36 1/2" 29" 39" 10 37 1/2" 30" 40" 12 39" 31 1/2" 41 1/2" 14 40 1/2" 33" 43" 16 42" 34 1/2" 44 1/2" 18 44" 36 1/2" 46 1/2" 20 46" 38 1/2" 48 1/2" Metric System Pattern
SizeBust
(cm)Waist
(cm)Hips
(cm)0 83 64 89 2 85 66 92 4 88 69 94 6 90 71 97 8 93 74 99 10 95 76 102 12 99 80 106 14 103 84 109 16 107 88 113 18 112 93 118 20 117 98 123 Average rating: (4.9 of 5) based on 10 reviews
Lovely shortsReviewed by Lore (✓ Verified Buyer) on 02/28/2019I have recently started back sewing and chose the Soho shorts, it was really easy to follow and the result is great. I have already wore the shorts many times and I bought the pattern a month ago. For the pattern I selected a grey like flannel fabric and these shorts are great for winter with thick tights and any kid of top, either tight or loose depending on my mood. My 8 year old like it so much that I am going to make her the Lunch box culottes to match!! Overall I love the pattern and clear easy to follow instructions I would recommend it any time and I can't wait to make more. I confess that I have already bought other fabrics to make more 😊;-)1 of 1 customers found this helpful.Was this helpful?Beautiful shortsReviewed by Jenny King (✓ Verified Buyer) on 12/06/2018I have recently made the shorts with a lovely drapey viscose fabric. The fit is excellent and the fabric was the perfect choice to show off the pleats without being bulky. I have plans to sew some more shorts and also to try out the skirt version. Thoroughly recommend.Was this helpful?First adult Oliver & S patternReviewed by Niki (✓ Verified Buyer) on 09/16/2018After sewing a couple of Oliver & S patterns for my children, I finally decided to try one for myself. I wasn't disappointed! I enjoyed sewing this skirt and the instructions were easy to follow. My only changes for next time will be to widen the waistband slightly and make it out of rayon or something else with more drape as I used a cotton poplin and it's a little too "stiff" for my liking.Was this helpful?A lovely pattern that sews up easilyReviewed by Lisa (✓ Verified Buyer) on 04/23/2018I recently made the Soho shorts and, although I made the mistake of cutting out the back pieces one size too small, I was still able to hack the pleats so that the circumference of the shorts matched the (correct) waistband size - and I don't think the recipient noticed the difference! What I like about this pattern is that you can sew it up in a variety of fabrics and get lots of different looks. So far, I have achieved a nice drapey result with rayon, but am now making the skirt in a crisp cotton poplin which will be great for summer. The instructions are really good, thorough and easy to follow - as I have come to expect from Liesl's patterns! You can really tell that a lot of thought went into these instructions, which is why I look forward to buying more Liesl + Co patterns in the future.1 of 1 customers found this helpful.Was this helpful?Outstanding result!Reviewed by Nicki Thomas (✓ Verified Buyer) on 11/21/2017I bought this pattern just a few weeks ago and have already made 2 versions- 1 in Liberty tana lawn and 1 in a Cotton&Steel rayon. At the same time I made a Seamwork Patsy skirt as a comparison to find the more flattering, slightly pleated knee length skirt. The Soho skirt won convincingly-a little less full and the pleats fall so nicely. The pattern came together perfectly- I was surprised as usually with patterns there are seams which do not! I really like it, and I'm looking forward to some better weather (in NZ) so I can wear my 2 new summer skirts.2 of 2 customers found this helpful.Was this helpful?Disney Bound!Reviewed by Jenn (✓ Verified Buyer) on 08/23/2017I made the Soho Shorts for a summer trip to Orlando and they're perfect! Great fit, easy construction and the silhouette will be perfect for the heat of Disney in August. Now I just need to make four more pair!2 of 2 customers found this helpful.Was this helpful?Great SkirtReviewed by Elizabeth L (✓ Verified Buyer) on 06/14/2017Made the skirt with a lightweight denim . Fun and easy pattern with h clear directions. I shortened the skirt about two inches so it would fall above my knee. Also I left the pleats sewn together for a more streamlined look. I've already bought some rayon to make the shorts. Next time I will make the very smallest size because the waistband seemed to stretch a bit.2 of 2 customers found this helpful.Was this helpful?Great skirtReviewed by Laurie Orr (✓ Verified Buyer) on 06/10/2017I always enjoy sewing patterns from this company! The directions are so clear and easy to understand. I've been "hobby" sewing for many years, but learn some new technique or tip with every pattern. I sewed the skirt, and am super happy with the fit and silhouette, and find it has become a staple in my closet. My teenage daughter told me she liked it on me--a very high compliment in my book!3 of 3 customers found this helpful.Was this helpful?Clever details giving professional looking resultsReviewed by Jules on 06/05/2017This is a fantastic pattern. I made the shorts and I am delighted with the overall look. The instructions are clear and the details and really clever and make the finished garment look so professional. I plan to make lots more of these!! Thank you for the lovely pattern Liesl!3 of 3 customers found this helpful.Was this helpful?Enjoyed making this!Reviewed by Louise (✓ Verified Buyer) on 05/10/2017I love this pattern! I made the skirt, and it was a really enjoyable and satisfying make. Nothing too complex but enough details to keep it interesting. The curved waistband gives a lovely fit, and the pleats and pockets sit perfectly without adding too much bulk. All the pattern pieces, notches, etc matched perfectly, and the instructions were clear and thorough. I've already hacked the pattern to make a version with three box pleats, and I've used the waistband to replace straight waistbands on two other patterns (I'm not normally anywhere near so productive but making this skirt inspired a skirt-making binge!). It was my first time using a Liesl and Co pattern but I was very impressed so it definitely won't be the last!5 of 5 customers found this helpful.Was this helpful?Errata
In the first printing of the paper version of this pattern, there were two minor errors. These have been corrected in the digital version of the pattern that is now available.
- In the first printing of the pattern, the section Getting Started (found on page 1 at the top of column 3) instructs you to cut two 1" by 6" strips of interfacing for the zipper. You may find these strips to be a little short when they are used. You can cut two 1" by 7" stripes instead.
- In the first printing of the pattern, the center pleat on the shorts front (Piece 1) contains an error. The correct position of the dot and pleat line should be 2 1/2" from the front rise cut line (2 5/8" for sizes 16-20) or 2" from the seam line (2 1/8" for sizes 16-20). When you reach Step 3 under "Assemble the Shorts (View A)," simply adjust the pleat line according to these measurements and the shorts will fit the waistband correctly. If you reach Step 7 of "Attach the waistband" and the shorts front doesn’t fit correctly, this adjustment will fix the problem. We sincerely apologize for this error.
Determining Which Printing You Have
As errata are discovered, they are marked for correction in subsequent printings of the pattern. To determine which printing of an instruction sheet or pattern sheet you have, look at the copyright box which appears on each. Toward the bottom of the box, there is a series of numbers.
The lowest number you see there indicates which printing you have. For example, if the lowest number in the box on the instruction sheet is "2," you have an instruction sheet from the second printing. Any errors in the instructions mentioned for the first printing have been corrected in your version. If the lowest number in the box on the pattern sheet is "1," you have a copy of the pattern sheet from the first printing.
Pattern sheets and instructions sheets can be printed separately, so be sure to check the errata notices for pattern pieces against the printing number on the pattern sheet and errata notices for instructions against the printing number on the instruction sheet.
From the Discussion Forums
Discussion on the digital soho shorts + skirt sewing pattern from the Oliver + S Discussion Forums.
Your Photos
A selection of your photos from the Liesl + Co. Flickr group.
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