PATTERN HACK! Instructions to convert the Ava Jeans pattern into Shorts

What happens when you have overcast days and the kids don't want to go to the beach.....

....you girls get a proper guide to converting the Ava Jeans into shorts that I talked about yesterday.

Well, shorts of all lengths really.

These shorts will be great for both girls and boys. You can make anything from cute shorts to wear at kindy to long boardies to wear at the beach. This style has a flat front, fake fly & adjustable back waist. It also has back & front pockets. It comes in sizes 3-10.

You've probably already bought the pattern (it's one of the top sellers!!! thank-you) but if not, here it is here. If you want to buy it in a bundle with the Bella Bodice to make the outfit pictured, here that is here. 

Right, now that's sorted, let’s get started.

STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR SHORTS STYLE

1. Sporty Shorts - these are very short shorts

2. Play Shorts - great short length for playing on hot days (this is the length pictured above)

3. Bermuda Shorts - these sit mid thigh

4. Knee Shorts - this style sits just above the knee

5. Beachcombers - a longer style sitting well below the knee

STEP 2: CUTTING OUT YOUR SHORTS

Once you've printed out your pattern, you’ll see a dotted line across the knee for each size. Follow the tables below (GREEN is centimentres. PINK is inches) to cut the length you require, taking note whether you need to cut up or down from this line. A new, wider hem allowance (3.25cm = 1 1/4") has been taken into account in this table.

STEP 3: SEW YOUR SHORTS

Refer to your Ava Jeans PDF Pattern tutorial for the following.

1. Start with Step 1-2.

2. If you’re doing Sporty or Play Shorts or don’t wish to have back pockets on your longer shorts, skip Steps 3-12. Otherwise, proceed.

3. Proceed with Steps 13-14.

4. Again, for Sporty & Play Shorts (or no back pocket shorts) skip Steps 15-19, otherwise proceed with these steps.

5. All styles proceed with Steps 20-25. If you’re doing the Sporty or Play Shorts you may need to shorten the length of your pocket. You should do this before proceeding to Step 26.

6. All styles proceed with Steps 26-33.

7. Step 34 will be your shorter length –turn up 3.25cm, instead of what’s listed on the pattern for jeans. If you like a neater finish or don't own an overlocker, turn 1cm then turn again 2.25cm.

8. All Styles proceed with Step 35-55.

9. At Step 56-57, remember this is your new hemline so adjust your stitch line accordingly.

10. Proceed to the end of the pattern to complete your new shorts.

And there you go!! You've made the shorts!