Time for tap shorts round 2! I already talked a lot about this pattern in my previous post about making the fly front version, so this post will be more picture heavy. To read the specifics about all the fit adjustments I made, why I chose this pattern and why I made three of them, visit that post here.
The pattern is of course the Katy and Laney Tap Short. I made two of this view A, each in a fun floral fabric. Both fabrics are from my stash. The bright colored one I originally got from JoAnn’s. The Gentleman actually picked it out one day when I needed to pick something up there and drug him along with me. I love how bright and crazy it is. The green floral was actually a vintage curtain we took down when rehabbing one of our rental properties. The Gentleman thought it was hideous, but I knew I had to make a cute shorts set out of it. I just love this print. I plan on making a set of crop tops to mix and match with these shorts so I wanted to use the same piping for both. I picked a chambray colored blue cotton that closely resembled the color of my fly front shorts. I wanted to use the same fabric from my fly front shorts but I didn’t have enough (I barely squeezed out the shorts!) Both of these prints just scream summer to me, its so perfect.
After making a pretty neutral short in the fly-front version, I decided to do something fun when sewing view A, which features these fun diagonal style lines on the front short. The pattern does not include instructions for visible piping along the style lines, however the instruction packet cover shows this version with piping, and I’ve seen lots of others add it so I knew I wanted to. Especially since I used such busy prints, I felt the added piping would help the style lines stand out.
To add the piping, I first decided that I wanted 1/4″ of piping showing. So I cut a strip of fabric the same length of the style line x 1 1/8″ wide (thats 5/8″ seam allowance + 1/4″ for piping x 2). Make sure to cut this strip on the straight grain. The pattern includes a strip of twill tape sewn along the seam allowance of the style line on the wrong side of the fabric, this is to keep the seam from stretching since it is on the diagonal (bias). However, since I cut my piping on the straight gain, I eliminated the twill tape since the straight grain piping will provide the same function of preventing the seam to stretch, while adding a fun detail to the front. To sew it in, I simply folded the strips in half lengthwise and pressed them flat, wrong sides together. I placed the piping strip in between the two front short pieces before sewing them together, right sides facing, all seam allowances matched up. If you wanted to really make sure nothing slipped out of place you could baste the piping in place first but I just went for it. When you sew with the included 5/8″ seam allowance, you will be left with a 1/4″ visible folded piping in the front. I pressed the seam allowance toward the center front so the piping pointed upwards and out from the center. It was pretty simple to add this detail and I loved the way it turned out.
The back of the shorts features some very nice welt pockets (if I do say so myself!) I mentioned this in my last tap shorts post, but the instructions for welt pockets in this pattern are very clear and I like Katy & Laney’s technique for installing them. You really come out with a clean and straight welt pocket. It also helps that these prints are so busy that you wouldn’t notice if it was a little off 😉 .
SKIP TO THE END?
Pattern: Katy and Laney Tap Shorts View A
Fabric: Vintage curtain fabric, stretch cotton sateen
Notions: invisible zipper, self-made piping
Difficulty: Intermediate
Adjustments: Took in at side seam hips, and center back waist/rise (see this post for details).
Finishes: Serged seams, blind stitched hem
Time: 3 hrs?
Sew it again? I now have three pairs, so I think I’m good for a while!
Now I think I’m all stocked up for summer on high waisted shorts. Is there anything your summer wardrobe is missing?
Elise Epp says
So I just ended a tortured decision-making process and decided YES I will make tap shorts…and then they aren’t selling them anymore? As of Feb 2016? Did you get the pattern before then?
Amy Nicole says
That’s correct they do not sell them any more. I guess I must have got them before then although that seems like forever ago. I’ve had a couple people ask me about the pattern so I’ve tried to contact Katy as to if there’s any way people can still purchase them and if not if she would be OK with me sharing the pattern but I have yet to hear back from her.
Deb says
Hello,
I also tried to purchase their short pattern and it wasn’t possible.
Would it be ok to share it ?
Thanks for your inspiring blog !
Deb
amy Powell says
Yes they are no longer selling it but I can share to with you!
Email me at hithere@amynicolestudio.com and I’ll send it to you!