As you may know, one of my sewing goals for 2017 is to add more separates into my wardrobe, namely bottoms. When I’m trying to put together a me-made outfit I find I have lots of dresses and tops but no bottoms to wear with them. With warmer weather creeping in down here in the south, I knew that meant lots of shorts. Another issue I found with my current wardrobe was that my only high waisted shorts were denim, and I’m trying to add more non-denim bottoms to my handmade closet as well. Something about non-denim shorts seems more grown up to me.
Enter the Katy and Laney Tap Shorts pattern. There are lots of high waisted shorts patterns out there, but I chose this one because I knew I wanted to make multiples, and this pattern has several views so I could get different looks with one pattern. Today I’m sharing view C, which has diagonal front pockets, back welt pockets, and a front fly closure.
I sewed these shorts in a size 4, and based on the pattern instructions my measurements were pretty close to the size 4 measurements so I didn’t make any initial adjustments to the pattern. However, once I sewed on the waistband before closing in the facing piece I gave it a try on and found that I did need to make several fit adjustments. Just your typical small waist-round bum fit issues: a lot of gaping at the back waist area. Going back I probably should have sewn a size 2. All of the following adjustments were removed from the flat pattern, so total amount removed from garment is double what’s written.
- I removed 5/8″ from the hip on the side seam, blended into removing a full 1″ from the side seam at the hem. (Skinny leg probs – essentially my butt is two sizes bigger than the rest of my body lol)
- I removed 3/4″ from the center back seam, which I blended all the way down scooping out some of the back rise.
- Since I removed from the center back shorts seam, I had to create a center back seam in the waistband (which was previously all one piece) to remove the same amount. If I was making this adjustment on the paper pattern, I would simply remove from the center back of the waistband and still cut on the fold. Shame on me, I didn’t make a muslin .. so I had to make the adjustments as I went.
- I took about 1 3/4″ off the hem. I feel that high waisted shorts should be pretty short. Like, almost-too-short. I left a decent amount of fabric in the double folded hem incase I decide they are a little too hoochy later.
- All pattern adjustments accept hem pictured below in red.
This fabric was so perfect for this project. Its a light blue stretch twill, and I love how the color mimics a chambray or light denim. It makes the shorts fun but neutral, easy to wear with any top. Plus the stretch in the fabric makes them very comfortable.. especially for a girl that tends to eat too much :). Also how fun is that button!? I got this button as a sweet little freebee when I ordered some zippers a while back from Zipit on Etsy (I get all my zippers there). When I was looking through my buttons for the finishing touches, I couldn’t resist adding this fun little element. I absolutely love it! The pocket lining is a simple vintage floral cotton that I had in my stash. I feel like all these little fun surprise details make these simple neutral shorts extra special.
Over all I found the construction process pretty simple. I followed along with the pattern instructions for the most part. I really love how Katy and Laney do a welt pocket, it ensures a nice clean, even welt. I thought the fly front instructions were a touch confusing, and I found myself referencing my Alina Design Co Chi Town Chinos instructions because I preferred that technique and it was a little clearer.
SKIP TO THE END?
Pattern: Katy and Laney Tap Shorts
Fabric: Stretch cotton twill & floral quilting cotton from stash
Notions: Zipper and button from stash
Difficulty: Intermediate
Adjustments: Took in at side seam hips, and center back waist/rise (see above for details).
Finishes: Serged seams, turned hem, french seamed pocket bags
Time: 4 hrs?
Sew it again? I already made two others (coming soon!) so I think I’m good for a while!
And that about sums it up! I love these little shorts and I cant wait till the weather gets just a *bit* warmer so I can prance about in them. I have a lot of crop tops that have been waiting for a partner to be worn with. P.s. the top pictured here is from my shop!
Have you sewn these shorts? What do you think of them?
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