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Style lines
I would describe these as low cut, slightly cheeky with a scrunch bum. The crotch coverage is pretty wide and it's never let me down :) The legs and waist are both finished by fabric bands with no elastic added. The shorts are not compressive (but also not lose), but don't dig into your skin. Here are a few photos (please note that these beautiful beach pics by Artistry Photography are unedited):
As swim bottoms (see below) and also my separate post
Flat lay of latest pair front and back view, teamed with a hacked Power Sports Bra
This one below is actually my OG pair, which I still proudly wear (photo below was from August this year). The pattern that I am sharing has a slightly higher back (so that it's more balanced compared to the front) and slightly cheekier coverage.
Sizing
These are just for my personal use, so unfortunately I'm only sharing it in my own size. For reference, I am almost always an XS, size (UK and Aus) 6. Typical measurements for my hip and waist tend to be around 34-34.5' and the 25-26' mark. Note that these shorts aren't high waisted, so the hip measurement is going to be more important. To an extent, you could adjust the sizing slightly by lengthening/shortening the fabric leg and waist bands but there will be a limit to it.
Fabric requirements
I have made these using quite a number of stretch lycra fabrics, from printed nylon lycra, activewear marl, stretch velvet to Tactel. I would suggest fabrics with at least 50% stretch both length and width wise. Depending on the fabric, I do sometimes make small adjustments to the length of the bands to ensure a snug and secure yet comfortable fit, so please use the measurements included as a guide only.
You will need some elastic for the scrunch bum.
Quick construction steps on a page
- Sew elastic along the centre back from top to crotch seam on your sewing machine, using a stretch stitch - my favourite is a long straight triple stitch, stretching the elastic evenly as you sew.
- Sew back to front piece at the crotch seam, using a 6mm seam allowance (throughout). I do this on my overlocker.
- Sew up the side seams.
- Sew up the waist and leg bands into loops (i.e. closing the short ends with right sides together). Fold with wrong side together lengthwise.
- Pin/clip the folded bands to the shorts at quarter points (and more as necessary, ensuring an even distribution), with right sides together. Overlock.
- Optional topstitching (which I only like to do on plain pairs).
Other options
I have often made these as bikini bottoms, by adding a swim lining to them and using swim elastic for the scrunch bum. I'd also recommend adding swim elastic into the waistband in that option, to ensure that when wet (and heavier), the shorts will swim with you (!)
If you prefer hemmed leg openings, you can remove the bands and add the hem allowance (as well as account for the width of the sewn bands and seam allowance). I prefer the security the bands offer, however.
There they are! I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!