Denim Part 2: Paper Bag Shorts/Pants

Like I mentioned before, I LOVE denim.  So naturally, I couldn't resist making another paper bag style bottom.  You can see the skirt version HERE. 

I've seen this style (hidden elastic gathered waist) in a few places.  I made a skirt for myself based on an Anthropologie skirt I saw a few months ago...unfortunately they no longer sell it online so I don't have a picture for you, but I will post about mine soon.  More recently, I have seen this style at GapKids.

I copied the name because I'm not really sure what to call them.    

 And they do kind of resemble a paper bag with the gathering at the top.  Almost as if you picked up a paper bag and squeezed it around the top to close it.    

I don't have a tutorial for these because it would be copying and pasting most of the Paper Bag Skirt tutorial, but I will explain how I made them in case you'd like to try to.

Instructions for Paper Bag Shorts/Pants:

1.  Similar to how Dana at Made makes her pants, I traced a pair of good-fitting shorts.  If you are making shorts, your pieces will turn out somewhat "L" shaped (to accommodate for crotch space).  For pants, follow MADE's instructions for cutting out and sewing the fabric.

2.  Once you have cut and sewn together your pieces, you will want to hem the pants similar to how we hemmed the skirt here.  Serge off 1/4 inch along the top edge (waistline) and iron it over 3/4 of an inch.  For the leg opening, serge off 1/4 inch and then fold over 1/2 inch and iron down.  If you are not serging fold over 1/4 inch in place of serging to hide raw edges.

3.  Attach 1/2 inch elastic inside the pants just below the folded edge of the waistline just as we did with the skirt.  I recently added an update that looks nicer on the inside.  Be sure to check it out if you want a cleaner looking inner.  Do the same for the leg openings.

4.  Make and attach belt loops.  I figured out a super easy way to make and attach belt loops, way easier/better looking than the ones I made for the skirt.  For the full tutorial, click HERE.

5.  Make the belt the same way we did for the skirt (or use the same one....they can't wear them at the same time anyways).  Be sure your belt loops are wide enough to fit the belt you wish to use.

YAY!  You're done.  We're really in to clapping these days...

 These shorts took me 30 minutes to make (I didn't remake the belt...but I'm considering making one out of printed fabric for contrast).  I think they would look cute with pockets too.  I'll probably add them next time. 

  

Once again, we have bad weather for pictures (it's snowing again) so we opted to stay indoors for photos.  

I had to bribe her with her water bottle to get her to go up the stairs so you could see the back....smart.

And when I wanted her to sit, she kept sliding off the stairs.  One of these days I'll have a more cooperative model.  

Oh, and if your wondering where I got the adorable bow and headband...it's from our sponsor, Little Daisy's Boutique.  You'll hear more about them later, but I just wanted you to know how awesome they were in advance.  

AND, I was featured over at Knock Off Decor today.  Go check it out, and while you're there look around for awhile.  Becky has a really awesome compilation of great DIY knock-off's to try.  

This post was sponsored by The Trading Post.

Create.  Trade.  Be happy.