Zero waste project 15: basic sweat shorts

(Boring but) quick zero waste project: a pair of basic sweat shorts for my camping trip next week 🏕

I hacked @milan_avjc’s #acttrousers pattern to make these. The pattern is sized for 90-106cm/35-42” hips. For made-to-measure sizing, @lizhaywood3754’s free pyjama pants pattern could be constructed in the same way (see her July 2016 blog archives).

I made these shorts from exactly 53x140cm of leftover recycled sweatshirt fabric. Aside from obviously changing the length for shorts, I omitted the belt and loops, made an elastic waistband with a drawstring, and sewed slash pockets instead of back patch pockets. I did make a tiny bit of waste by trimming the cotton pocket lining to match the shape of the leg cutouts. Maybe next time I could avoid that somehow?

These are super soft and comfy, and will be perfect for riding bikes, hiking and kayaking. I’ve also planned to make pyjama shorts with this pattern for the same trip, we’ll see if I have time to make them though. I’ll probably make more of these later in a lighter fabric for exercising.

#zerowastesewing #milanavjc #sustainablefashion #genderneutralsewing #youcanhackit #zerowastepattern #patternhack