Zero waste shorts

Zero waste shorts 🙌 Probably should have photographed these before wearing them all day, but it’s warm today and I have new shorts! 🌞

I hacked the zero waste cutting layout of @birgittahelmersson’s brilliant #zwblockpant pattern to make these zero waste shorts. I basically just shortened the front and back pieces (A,B,C) and included her button fly hack in my layout, using a total of 140x92cm fabric for size L (hip at time of making: 108cm).

I used an organic cotton twill I bought last year for another project that never happened, and I have enough leftover to make another pair (or a matching shirt?). My cutting was sloppy as usual but it was fine for the most part. I struggled with the button fly in the same way I have on other projects, but it turned out ok once my brain cooperated.

I love the wide waistband, the elastic in the back, the clean waistband finishings, the huge pockets, and the length…I can wear these with the hems rolled up into cuffs as shown, or rolled down for a slightly longer length. I might change the buttons for slightly bigger ones later, and maybe also put darts at the bottom of the side seams like the main pattern does, to bring the hems inwards a bit.

But for now I’m very happy with this pair, and will be wearing them all summer!

Do you hack your patterns? Have you tried a zero waste pattern?

#birgittahelmersson #zwblockshort #zerowastesewing #diyshorts #slowsewing #makersmovement #memademay2023