OUTFIT DETAILS: j.crew tee (similar here) || pom-pom shorts, made by me (tutorial below) || gorjana beach bag (similar here and here) || j.crew swimsuit (not pictured), similar here and here || tassel necklaces, made by me (tutorial here) || alexis drake leather bracelet, c/o || j.crew panama hat || urban outfitters sunglasses
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANA LAURENE
A few months ago I ran across some pom-pom shorts on Pinterest and instantly fell in love. I planned to make them this summer for all of our beach days, but when Philip and I decided to go to Hawaii, I was suddenly motivated to whip them up a little sooner.
I found this cute cotton tropical print fabric at Jo-Ann’s a few weeks ago, and stole a couple yards of white pom-pom trim from Leanne (since she had some leftover from a project and I couldn’t find any white pom-poms at my local fabric shops — she found hers at the LA fabric district), and then made them last week. They were a super easy project and I love how they turned out. And they’ve been great for hiking, the pool, and the beach while we’ve been here in Hawaii — you can see them in action over on my instagram!
If you’re not a seamstress, you can shop my favorite pom-pom shorts in the widget below, or find the sewing tutorial by clicking through!
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JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.Click through to find the tutorial!
Materials:
1 yard fabric (I used 100% cotton, but you can use pretty much anything you’d like)
matching thread
1″ elastic
1. Using a pair of shorts (or pajama pants, in my case) as a pattern, cut 2 FRONT pieces and two BACK pieces for your shorts. Cut the sides to be slightly higher, and make sure to cut your BACK pieces longer so they completely cover your cheeks 🙂 Also cut a WAISTBAND, 1 1/2 to 2 times the circumference of your waist and 3″ tall.
2. Sew your two FRONT pieces together from waistband to crotch.
3. Repeat step 2 for your BACK pieces.
4. Put the FRONT and BACK pieces of your shorts together with right sides together.
5. With right sides together, sew the ends of your waistband together, forming a loop.
6. Fold the waistband in half so it’s now 1 1/2 inches tall and has a folded edge on one side and two selvaged edges on the other side.
7. Pin the waistband of the fabric around the top of the shorts. Make sure the folded side of the waistband is facing down toward the bottom of the shorts, as marked in this step. Sew around the entire waistband with a straight stitch and a 1/2″ seam allowance, but leave 3-4 inches open so you have a spot to slide your elastic inside.
8. Measure your natural waist and cut a piece of to this size. Attach a pin to one end and use it to feed the elastic through the waistband casing you just created. Make sure the other end of the elastic doesn’t disappear into your casing — secure it with a pin as it gets close. Once both ends of the elastic are sticking out of your casing and the elastic is completely fed through, sew the ends of the elastic together. I typically use a serged seam to securely sew them together, but you can use a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch.
9. With the waistband still folded down, like before, sew up the little opening in the casing. Fold your waistband up and press in place.
10. Hem the shorts to your desired length.
11. Cut the pom-pom trim to your desired length for each leg, then pin to the shorts hem and sew around the leg holes one more time, attaching the trim to the bottom of your shorts. And you’re done!
Oh wow! They’re the cutest beach shorts ever! Great DIY!!
http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com
So cute! I might have to try my hand at making a pair for spring and summer.
XX,
S. Roderick
http://www.currenthabits.com
Adorable shorts! My sister LOVES to sew, so I may need to convince her to make me a pair!
XO Kelly
http://www.dettecakes.com
Love the shorts 😉
And the shirt – mahal 🙂
I love those shorts!! Super cute!
Super cute! I’d like to add the pom poms to a shirt or something.
http://www.geekyjessy.blogspot.com
I am following your blog for a while now, and your Ideas and looks are so beautiful and inspiring!
I wonder how you always make these illustrations for your tutorials. Could you please write a blogpost about the stuff that is going on behind the scenes? sorry for beeing that curious.
http://lachattenoire.de/
I use a wacom tablet for my illustrations. I can definitely write a post about it in the future — thanks for asking!
these are so adorable! xx
Oh my! You make me want to take up sewing. For now, I think I’ll settle with one of the pom pom shorts for purchase. Your pictures look great. So beautiful!
http://www.jfrances.com
these shorts are so cute! need to try this!
R.Y.W.
facebook page
Super cute,
Kelly
Kelly’s Journal
So cute! I wish it was warm enough to wear them around here!!!!
So cute! I have a question regarding your clothing. Many times you mention that you size up in dresses or skirts so that they are longer in length and more modest for you. So why is it that it’s ok for you to wear shorts /swimwear? Just curious…
She is always very modest in her swimwear and she wears them because that’s what you wear at the beach and to swim.
Thanks for asking! Regular swimwear is fine! 🙂
I love it soooo much! So cute!!!
nastyadrama.ru
Lovely photos! I like your outfit and your shorts as well. I should give a try for that, thanks for the loving share.. xx
i feel like even if i wore this exact outfit, i still wouldn’t be as cute as you, gah! also if you go to bali these kinds of shorts are everywhere for like $5!! Smart to make your own!
Those shorts are so cute
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Love the trend of pom pom shorts and swim accessories this season! I will definitely be indulging in this trend come some warmer temperatures. 😉
Xo, Alison
http://www.simplyfairbyalisonjeanine.com
Merrick I have a baby shower I have been invited to and I have the perfect dress I want to make and wear in my mind. It’s a smock dress or babydoll dress I am not really sure what to call it but it would be so great if you you could do a tutorial!!!!! I love your blog so much your so easy to follow!!!
can you by the shorts measures (XS;S;M;L)
I’m making these as I type. I am not a big sewer but I’m finding that these are not too terribly hard. Couldn’t find the pom poms here either so I went with cotton lace stuff. Thanks for sharing!!!
Love it! We just got our Hawaiian Print Pom Shorts it. You would love it! http://shopdejavu.com/collections/perfect-summer/products/hawaiian-printed-pom-shorts?variant=3593885445
I love these shorts and tried to make them unfortunately without following your tutorial! I did a blog post on my attempt but advised anyone reading to come here for the tutorial. I’m very new to blogging so I just wanted to make sure you didn’t mind! Please let me know if you’d like me to change the links on my post at all.
http://lizsgingerlife.com/?p=137
Love the way you mix the colors. Great beach shorts DIY tutorial you got !
i know i am late but i must try your idea. thanks for share this.
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